For mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Isaiah 56:7
Prayer Cabin
A prayer cabin was built for small groups and individuals wanting to get away from their daily routine in order to pray, fast and draw closer to God. This building was built by James (plus a little help from others). It was dedicated to God and His service as a “prayer closet” for those who recognized their need to spend more time in prayer. Getting away in a serene setting helps remind us of the magnificence of God.
It wasn’t uncommon to see how God blessed individuals who dedicated their lives in a period of prayer. Intense Bible study and prayer draws an individual closer to Him. It is a time when hidden secrets are revealed and clearer direction for one’s life is made known.
And if thou extend thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noonday. Isaiah 58:10
Community Outreach
For 42 months ODMI reached out to those less fortunate. Our organization was blessed with an outpouring of food and clothing which was distributed monthly to residents of low income and government subsidized housing.
A 35′ Winnebago would be loaded and driven to these areas where, free of charge, residents could select items to meet their needs from the bounty God provided. When people see how much you care, your words about Jesus and His love are more easily understood. Whether it was the monthly deliveries or meeting the needs after a home fire or providing for those in need after hurricane Matthew, this ministry enabled us to show the love of God.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27
Widows and Orphans
ODMI began with the recognition there was a need and the strong call of God for us to meet that need. This project was in Africa. Widows and orphans were not being provided for and their extent of hunger and medical needs was great. Providing perpetual food sources seemed to be the answer. Pigs and other farm animals were purchased to instruct how these animals could provide a continuing food source. On two occasions Donna traveled to Africa to witness and help with this program. She readily admits how deeply the children touched her. “I left part of my heart in Africa with these children.”
Funding for this program is made quarterly. Our Sister in Christ, Ruth Mwagalwa, oversees the distributions which maintains assistance to the widows and orphans of Uganda , Africa.
If you feel the Lord leading you to help with a donation for this work, go to our contact page.
Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
Outreach Events
Traveling to parks to introduce Jesus to many who have never heard the Good News is an important role we played as disciples. These outings gave us a chance to meet the “man on the street.” We rented a pavilion, hosted singers and played special music. We would share the message God had given us for that event.
They got to know us and we got to know them. We could talk and share on a one on one basis. New friends who once had no time for God, were open to hear our message of love and God’s forgiveness. We watched as the gospel melted even the most hardened hearts.
Next Chapter
Being there . . . when and where the Lord needs us.
We moved from Southport, North Carolina, to Alleghany County. Moving our ministry to a new location has not been an easy task yet we were sure God called us here. As we find ourselves still “unpacking” somewhat, we are seeing more clearly God’s plan. We are taking everything one step at a time and asking God daily to keep our paths straight and in line with His calling.
See our page A VOICE.
100 percent of the funds received are used to support the mission projects and outreach programs. Donated funds are not used to fund personal needs or wants.
Besides preaching the Gospel of Christ in Corinth, Paul worked as a tent maker to pay his living expenses. He did not ask for money from those he was ministering to.
We, as Paul, have jobs and talents that allow us to meet our own personal funding needs. We praise God for allowing us to have fulfilling occupations with the flexibility to work on mission projects as they come up. God has always met our needs and provided for us bountifully.
For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail; for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2:9
A mission trip to Uganda Africa was the catalyst for Donna to form Open door Missions International. Sharing the love of God to widows and orphans through giving of finances and hands-on training in raising small farm animals for food, was the start. The relationships built upon that project are still enjoyed today.
Acts 1:8 and Luke 4:18 are two of many scripture passages that drove Donna’s desire to continue seeking the kingdom of God first, and His righteousness. (Matt. 6:33) As a result, the Stateside Ministry followed and blossomed.
She met and married her husband James Nash in 2013. The Lord began to lead them outside the church walls to minister to the homeless community and many others in need by providing food and clothing. Also, a program to proclaim the gospel through monthly events in various parts of the city was begun.
Donna was ordained in 2015 and Luke 14:21-23 became her ministry mandate.
In addition, Donna is enjoying a 30-plus year career as a professional pet groomer and works part-time as a Direct Support Professional with intellectual or developmentally disabled adults. This is where the next chapter begins.
Nancy’s lifelong devotion to, and journey with God, has been uninterrupted. Her credentials reflect the exemplary stewardship of the gifts He entrusted to her.
• Masters degree in Early Childhood Education
• Masters Degree in Exceptional Children
She taught kindergarten and special education for a total of 20 years in North Carolina. In retirement she is consultant to various organizations providing services to the special needs population in her community. The Tim Tebow Foundation, PowerPoint Church, Arc, and Special Olympics.
In her spare time, she cares for many animals. They include, horses, cows, dogs, and cats. One of her favorite scriptures is Proverbs 12:10 – A righteous man regards the life of his Beast.
Her God-given wisdom and experience is invaluable to ODMI and our divine leading into a special needs Ministry, beginning with the outreach program “A Voice.”
“In 2004 I had prayed for a Godly woman. I didn’t specify what characteristics I wanted. I got Donna.”
“Originally, I had said I would never get married, but I married her because God said she was the one He gave me visions of.”
“Since then, my walk with God has been visceral. That is a word He gave us as we fasted before committing ourselves to marriage. It means ‘beyond human reasoning’. God doesn’t lie.”
James, a man of few words, has been blessed by God with talents in so many ways. He is a mechanic, he is good at construction, he is gifted in the knowledge of sound systems, he drives the bus, he lifts and totes, he provides his advice and thoughts for how he sees the Lord is leading.
He likes to be in the background, yet we know he is there for us. When it comes to holding events or ministering to someone in need, James is our forerunner. His assistance makes everything easier for us all.
Ray found being bad was easy. He had learning disabilities and came from a dysfunctional family. With all the issues he faced daily, he believed being bad was the only path open to him. Then he met Jesus and all of that changed. What a blessing he has been to this ministry. His heart is devoted to Jesus and His calling. Each day he is looking for ways to help someone and show the love of God. He is our go-to man. If it needs to be done, go to Ray, he will handle it.
Open Door Missions International 