My husband and I were blessed with a wonderful vacation last week. I say blessed because we really needed a break, and everything about it was just perfect. The time, the place, the weather, and even the restaurants we stumbled upon were just wonderful. The time off gave me a chance to rest and reflect on the past year at Open Door Mission, and I am again amazed by challenges and opportunities God presents, as well as the unbelievable resources He provides through his people.
We had thousands of volunteers working at the Mission through the Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons, and right into the New Year. Looking at efforts like Drumsticks on Wheels, and Project Santa from this side, I shake my head and wonder how we did it. We saw Thanksgiving meals and Christmas toys provided for thousands of families needing a little extra help. In the New Year we were blessed by three semi-loads of diapers, that were delivered on the coldest, and windiest day of the winter so far, but in only a couple short hours, the trailers were empty, and our cupboard was full. Even preparing and serving daily meals for our residents and guests, or getting donations on the floor of the Outreach Center so friends can get what they need, can seem like impossible challenges At the end of each day though, people have eaten well, and their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs have been met. How is it possible?
A week of rest allowed me to reflect on that question with amazing clarity and answer it with confidence. We can do what we do, only through the power of God, and the efforts of you, his faithful people. You, the faithful volunteers come to Open Door Mission every day, sometimes by the hundreds and even thousands, to serve. You allow our challenges to become your challenges, and then you rise up to meet them, and whether you realize it or not, every day you are blessing those folks who are homeless, nearly homeless, or struggling to make ends meet. So from our whole team I say thank you! I am not overstating it in any way when I say that we simply could not do it without you, and we love and appreciate each and every one of you!
Cris Morris
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