Hallelujah 24! No, that's not my age, but it is one of my ages. On December 16, 1976, God spoke to me. I listened but didn't understand when He said "Rich, change now before it's too late." God does not have laryngitis. On December 24, 1976, I cried out to God that if He would listen to someone like me, to please come into my life and clean me up inside and out. He did! I was so hungry to hear God's word that even after working 16 to 24 hours straight, I beat the Pastor to the church. It has never changed. Evangelism and night school brought me a Bible College education, learning through night courses and weekends. Then on to starting a church. I do not walk in other people's footsteps; only in the Holy Spirit's leading. Then the Lord told me to go to Colorado. I did. He led. I started another church after being in Fort Collins for a week. But unbeknownst to me, it wasn't just a church. It was a beginning of what He really wanted me to do: start a rescue mission. No real problem. I was eating in a soup kitchen by the time I was three years old.
I started ministering just a few months into 1977. Guess where! You have it - in a resuce mission. And the ironic thing is that it was the same one that started out as a soup kitchen I knew in 1943. I can't say enough good about Rev. and Mrs. Buckely, who founded City Union Mission in Kansas City, MO. The old, and sometimes the new, missions start out as a place to eat and stay at in the daytime, just as Open Door Mission did. But I'm just getting ahead of myself. Sometimes that's the problem. I know what to do and jump right in before I explain it to others.
I was offered a position back east, only for God to tell me to go back to Fort Collins, CO and start a mission. OK. I'll start a coffee shop and pass out gospel tracs and witness about Jesus Christ. Sorry, but God obviously had more in mind. Twenty-four years later, Open Door Mission feeds an average of 3,500 meals per month and sleeps an average of 950 per month. Counseling and many other opportunities happened to help people. Often it seems impulsive. It is not. It is God. He says "Behold, I stand at the door knocking. If any open I will come in and sup with him." I open and He comes in and shows me what to do, and He equips.
Twenty-four years. A lot of heartaches. A lot of victories. People often ask me, How do you know when you're successful?" I say, "When they never come back." That's not entirely true. God says to take one day at a time, for tomorrow has enough problems in itself. What Open Door Mission does is lay the foundation for a better tomorrow, by helping to wipe out the past. Success is measured daily for we know not what the future holds for any of us. Live for Christ by helping others. Once we come to know Christ as our Savior, it becomes our responsibility to help others. Am I my brother's keeper? YES! Never stop!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Success often comes in the small things of life.
Over the years, I've had both male and female come to me and say "Thank you. You've saved my life." This is sometimes meant as if to say: you fed me when I had no food, and nowhere else to get a meal. Sometimes it is in regard to counseling. Heartache is a terrible thing. Sleeping out without even a blanket is a terrifying experience to a person who has never been homeless before. Then there is the ultimate: a person who has been contemplating suicide.
The fear of not seeing anything but the unknown...
Darkness without seeing light at the end of the tunnel of failure...
Hiding from a mate who has used you as a punching bag...
Shaking inside from that unknown tomorrow....
I've seen and felt all of these things over 33 years of being used by the Lord; in shelters, on the streets, in jails and numerous other places. So when someone says thank you for saving my life, they mean it. And they aren't speaking to just me. It's you and me, caring for that person beyond just saying "that poor soul."
Please, never look at the mistakes the unfortunate have made. We all make mistakes. But sometimes, the results are much worse for the homeless.
I ask you to care for those, right here at home. Then reach out farther as God gives you the resources to do so. Save a life.
The fear of not seeing anything but the unknown...
Darkness without seeing light at the end of the tunnel of failure...
Hiding from a mate who has used you as a punching bag...
Shaking inside from that unknown tomorrow....
I've seen and felt all of these things over 33 years of being used by the Lord; in shelters, on the streets, in jails and numerous other places. So when someone says thank you for saving my life, they mean it. And they aren't speaking to just me. It's you and me, caring for that person beyond just saying "that poor soul."
Please, never look at the mistakes the unfortunate have made. We all make mistakes. But sometimes, the results are much worse for the homeless.
I ask you to care for those, right here at home. Then reach out farther as God gives you the resources to do so. Save a life.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
James 2:14-17 Open Door is a Doer!
In faith we work hard at being doers of God's Word. Feeding, clothing, shelter, and much more. We do not force counseling on anyone; it is on a volunteer basis. Case work is for all who come.
Grace is a word often misued. It means "free gift" without strings attached. Very simple. And we simply help those in need in a constructive way. For example, if the need is a continuous thing, then just giving is not constructive. It is better to find out why there is a continuous need and help find a way to correct the problem. Drugs are a problem throughout the nation and throughout the world. Northern Colorado is certainly no exception. It is the same with alcohol, joblessness, emotional and physical problems. Should people be helped only in certain areas? God doesn't say that. We are servants of God, working with you. Church services, Bible studies and Christian films are also part of our programs. The personal touch of one to one is vital in each case. We do not mix genders. A female is helped only by a female. A male is helped only by a male. Groups are helped by either. We believe no one comes to a shelter without having a problem. Problem solving is what we are all about.
Grace is a word often misued. It means "free gift" without strings attached. Very simple. And we simply help those in need in a constructive way. For example, if the need is a continuous thing, then just giving is not constructive. It is better to find out why there is a continuous need and help find a way to correct the problem. Drugs are a problem throughout the nation and throughout the world. Northern Colorado is certainly no exception. It is the same with alcohol, joblessness, emotional and physical problems. Should people be helped only in certain areas? God doesn't say that. We are servants of God, working with you. Church services, Bible studies and Christian films are also part of our programs. The personal touch of one to one is vital in each case. We do not mix genders. A female is helped only by a female. A male is helped only by a male. Groups are helped by either. We believe no one comes to a shelter without having a problem. Problem solving is what we are all about.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
May, 2010
Partner,
Winning souls to Christ, feeding and sheltering year round, counseling, job outreach, church services, Bible studies, on and on…..Pouring rain, snow and heavy winds keep going on. Northern Colorado keeps growing. Needs keep increasing.
We never stop. No season is more needy than another, yet donations drop tremendously in the summer. Please don’t think that summer means there is less need to help.
Someone called and said we sold the ministry. Not true! We have had a mission and another group interested in purchasing. And some changes have been made.
Darren Thebo thought it best to resign from the Board of Directors. The other board members disagreed, but Darren cares so much about this ministry and the hurting people that he resigned anyway. We are very sorry to lose him as a Board member. His leadership and understanding of people has been invaluable, but he felt a non-relative would be better. So, we want to welcome our new Board member, Ken McGarrahan. Ken has been involved with Open Door Mission for many years, so this is nothing new to him.
Perhaps you have realized that we do not have a Board of Advisors right now. The advisors were just too involved in other things such as raising their families, church activities, and running their own businesses. This is very understandable. Ray Martinez was at most meetings. Thanks Ray! Having no Board of Advisors at the moment means that our Board of Directors is even more important.
Rev. Thebo has never run Open Door Mission by himself. Not only are/were these members valuable, but you are just as important. This ministry is Christ headed and you are the body.
When you help Open Door Mission, you help by advice, donations and caring enough to give and give beyond and beyond. Please do not stop or decrease in giving.
In Christ,
Rev. Thebo
Winning souls to Christ, feeding and sheltering year round, counseling, job outreach, church services, Bible studies, on and on…..Pouring rain, snow and heavy winds keep going on. Northern Colorado keeps growing. Needs keep increasing.
We never stop. No season is more needy than another, yet donations drop tremendously in the summer. Please don’t think that summer means there is less need to help.
Someone called and said we sold the ministry. Not true! We have had a mission and another group interested in purchasing. And some changes have been made.
Darren Thebo thought it best to resign from the Board of Directors. The other board members disagreed, but Darren cares so much about this ministry and the hurting people that he resigned anyway. We are very sorry to lose him as a Board member. His leadership and understanding of people has been invaluable, but he felt a non-relative would be better. So, we want to welcome our new Board member, Ken McGarrahan. Ken has been involved with Open Door Mission for many years, so this is nothing new to him.
Perhaps you have realized that we do not have a Board of Advisors right now. The advisors were just too involved in other things such as raising their families, church activities, and running their own businesses. This is very understandable. Ray Martinez was at most meetings. Thanks Ray! Having no Board of Advisors at the moment means that our Board of Directors is even more important.
Rev. Thebo has never run Open Door Mission by himself. Not only are/were these members valuable, but you are just as important. This ministry is Christ headed and you are the body.
When you help Open Door Mission, you help by advice, donations and caring enough to give and give beyond and beyond. Please do not stop or decrease in giving.
In Christ,
Rev. Thebo
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Ending 2009 - Beginning 2010
“Old things are passed away – all things become new.” Revelation 21:4b-5a
That can apply to many things. And all things seen can be a negative or a positive, depending on the situation. Examples: Giving dad a tie he will never wear versus giving him a new pair of work gloves he needs and will truly appreciate. Giving a young boy a toy car when he is really into software… or a girl who feels she has outgrown dolls (it happens!) and really wants a friendship ring that really isn’t all that expensive. Will they say thank you? Yes. Will they feel disheartened? Yes.
How about mom… Maybe she does not get anything. Will she say it doesn’t matter as long as my family gets something? Will she feel saddened inside? Of course!
I have decided that giving is beautiful but let’s do it not only with a caring heart (which you do) but also with wisdom. The wise men came and gave not in abundance and not cheap, but gave only a few gifts and those were needed. Perhaps they used the gifts to exist on as they had to start a new life in a new country. I am not saying you should give what can be sold. I am saying we need to give wisely and give that which is most wanted and most needed. “I never got them.” “No one asked me what I wanted.” “One year I never received anything.” So, what I am saying is that Open Door Mission will do anything that it takes: time, caring, and giving. Time in researching what families want, caring enough to take the time, and researching what each family member truly wants.
We will organize a committee to set the rules; a team to research the families, pick and purchase the gifts and deliver them. Is this work? Yes. Is it a constructive and fulfilling way to make the whole family blessed in a joyful way? I truly believe so. Your financial gifts will be needed more than ever. If you are able and desire to be part of making families happy and blessed more than any other Christmas, call me and I will start selecting for 2010.
Yes, we will accept gifts of any kind in 2010. But we will also select a number of families to receive beyond an overpriced gift. I believe love and wisdom should go together and as most of us, I have learned by experience. Contact me for greater detail. And by the way, we have helped some wonderful families in 2009. It was FANTASTIC!
Rev. Thebo
That can apply to many things. And all things seen can be a negative or a positive, depending on the situation. Examples: Giving dad a tie he will never wear versus giving him a new pair of work gloves he needs and will truly appreciate. Giving a young boy a toy car when he is really into software… or a girl who feels she has outgrown dolls (it happens!) and really wants a friendship ring that really isn’t all that expensive. Will they say thank you? Yes. Will they feel disheartened? Yes.
How about mom… Maybe she does not get anything. Will she say it doesn’t matter as long as my family gets something? Will she feel saddened inside? Of course!
I have decided that giving is beautiful but let’s do it not only with a caring heart (which you do) but also with wisdom. The wise men came and gave not in abundance and not cheap, but gave only a few gifts and those were needed. Perhaps they used the gifts to exist on as they had to start a new life in a new country. I am not saying you should give what can be sold. I am saying we need to give wisely and give that which is most wanted and most needed. “I never got them.” “No one asked me what I wanted.” “One year I never received anything.” So, what I am saying is that Open Door Mission will do anything that it takes: time, caring, and giving. Time in researching what families want, caring enough to take the time, and researching what each family member truly wants.
We will organize a committee to set the rules; a team to research the families, pick and purchase the gifts and deliver them. Is this work? Yes. Is it a constructive and fulfilling way to make the whole family blessed in a joyful way? I truly believe so. Your financial gifts will be needed more than ever. If you are able and desire to be part of making families happy and blessed more than any other Christmas, call me and I will start selecting for 2010.
Yes, we will accept gifts of any kind in 2010. But we will also select a number of families to receive beyond an overpriced gift. I believe love and wisdom should go together and as most of us, I have learned by experience. Contact me for greater detail. And by the way, we have helped some wonderful families in 2009. It was FANTASTIC!
Rev. Thebo
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Fight the Good Fight
We send troops over seas to keep the battle from at home. And well we should. But yet the true battle is her and has been for many years. Our battle is hunger, shelter, education, prejudice, and selfishness. These unfortunately go on.
God has created man to worship Him and to help our fellowman. For when we glorify our Creator unselfishly, He opens avenues of wisdom, hope, health, and prosperity.
Jobs decrease hunger, homelessness, and violence, and gives another kind of hunger. A hunger for betterment of all mankind.
The elected president says that the
Yes, praise God for our troops who fight for freedom and protect our beautiful country. But as the battle goes on, and has for thousands of years, let us not be caught by the worst enemy of all: indifference. Never let this happen! Love your fellow man by doing. Be the stranger that gives strength to those who are weak. Please, churches, businesses, groups, clubs, and individuals – let us stand together worshipping God and being supportive to those who are in need. Only in reaching out and giving, can we be heard within. God left His children here not to prove that we who accept Him are saved, but to glorify Him. And the way to do that is in helping others and ourselves. In love, in forgiveness, in selflessness.
God Bless you this holiday season!
Rev. Thebo
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
No Room in the Inn
There was a reason for this to happen to the baby Jesus - to be born of the Virgin Mary, simply to show us that all are born equally. No one is better than anyone else. His life was an example for all to follow. Not selfishly, but giving of ourselves and of what we have. Not in poverty, but in His richness. There are two simple steps to live by: First, glorify God by accepting Christ in to our lives and second, help our fellow man.
The wise men traveled to see and give, the shepherds did the same. Today we would recognize them as 'white collars' and 'blue collars.' Both are equal in the sight and life of Christ. Today, you do not have to travel to give. Open Door Mission was started through Full Spirit Ministries. Both still exist and have room for all in need as God directs. You, as a wise person, can help the homeless. Be an 'innkeeper' with Reverend Thebo. Give as unto Him, the Living Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our present location is 316 Jefferson Street in Fort Collins until God directs us elsewhere. (We need a new shelter to help even more.) Our mailing address is PO Box 1873, Fort Collins, CO 80522. If you would like to speak with me, I can be reached at 970-224-4302, ext. 10.
Yes, there IS room, because of you.
Your 'Innkeeper,'
Reverend Thebo
The wise men traveled to see and give, the shepherds did the same. Today we would recognize them as 'white collars' and 'blue collars.' Both are equal in the sight and life of Christ. Today, you do not have to travel to give. Open Door Mission was started through Full Spirit Ministries. Both still exist and have room for all in need as God directs. You, as a wise person, can help the homeless. Be an 'innkeeper' with Reverend Thebo. Give as unto Him, the Living Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our present location is 316 Jefferson Street in Fort Collins until God directs us elsewhere. (We need a new shelter to help even more.) Our mailing address is PO Box 1873, Fort Collins, CO 80522. If you would like to speak with me, I can be reached at 970-224-4302, ext. 10.
Yes, there IS room, because of you.
Your 'Innkeeper,'
Reverend Thebo
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