To all Volunteers, Benefactors, Staff and Board Members:

I am brought to tears as I assess the past year at Open Door Ministry.  There were a few shaky moments when I admit to having doubts we were going to be able to continue our work.  Especially when facing a huge deficit in
government funding for the food we provide for hunger relief programs in our community.  But, I need never have
worried, God came through at every turn.

God has used each and every one of you to help make this year, 2012, one of our best years ever.  Whatever the need, you have provided.  I have seen fundraisers
increase, with fundraising events being even more successful than in previous years.  And this during one of the worst recessions of our time.  God is good!

When I thought we could not get the job done, whether filling food bags for our clients facing food insecurity, or baking for our recent bake sale, it got done.  I never saw so many big-hearted people volunteer before.  We have had scout troops and corporate groups, groups of people with special needs, and individuals here when we needed them. They all came through.  I owe each and every one of you a huge thank you.

We reached out for donations from places we had never considered before, and to our surprise many of them have helped us.  Almost every need we have had has been provided for. I truly believe we are on the right path; the path to make life brighter for those people in our community who have some type of need.

This year has proven to me that the words of Matthew 7: 7 are so true.   “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

If you are one of the people who has made this year so great, my sincerest gratitude goes to you.  If you have thought about helping, but didn’t know what to do, please, you only have to reach out.  We will take your hand and show you what wonderful things we can accomplish together.

Sincerely,

Laurie A. Faust, Executive Director