Open Door Ministries
Serving Open Door Ministries: A Journey of Love and Faith
Open Door Ministries (ODM) is one of our cherished Giving Tree ministry partners, and during Advent, Barb and Murray Roth lead the way in sponsoring this ministry with us. Their dedication to service and passion for supporting ODM have inspired many within our congregation to get involved and share Christ’s love in meaningful ways. As we celebrate this season of giving, we want to highlight Barb’s journey with Open Door Ministries and the impact she and Murray have had on our church and community.
Who Is Open Door Ministries?
Open Door Ministries (ODM) is a faith-driven organization dedicated to addressing poverty, building communities, and cultivating followers of Christ in Denver. Their mission is brought to life through four key focus areas: housing, kids and youth programs, leadership development, and outreach. From providing transitional housing for women and men overcoming homelessness, addiction, and abuse to offering educational and mentoring programs for urban youth, ODM serves as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking stability and spiritual renewal.
Their innovative programs, like the Street2Life Print Shop, give individuals in the street community a chance to gain employment and life skills. The Family Room creates a welcoming space for rest and resources, while their leadership initiatives equip urban leaders to bring Christ’s hope to the city. By combining practical assistance with the transformative power of faith, ODM not only meets immediate needs but also empowers people to change life patterns and find lasting self-sufficiency. This Advent season, our church is proud to partner with ODM to continue their work of sharing God’s love and making an impact in our community.
Barb’s Ministry Journey
Barb Roth first became involved with Open Door Ministries (ODM) in the late 1990s. At the time, she was part of a women’s Bible study that volunteered to serve dinners after Sunday evening services once every three months. It was a daunting task for Barb, taking her far out of her comfort zone. She admitted to hiding in the cramped, hot kitchen as much as possible. Over the years, the kitchen—a space shared with the preschool—became all too familiar to her. It was small, filled with old donated appliances, and often left staff worrying whether it would pass inspections.
Years later, Barb found herself deeply involved in remodeling that very kitchen. As the project progressed, she got to know the ODM staff and witnessed their immense love and passion for serving low-income and homeless individuals. This began a journey of growing involvement and connection with ODM.
When the preschool’s wooden playground wall was replaced with cinder block, Paul, the head of maintenance, asked Barb to paint murals on the new walls. Though she had never painted on cinder block before, with the help of some of the kids from our College and Career group, Grace and Brooke, the project became a success. The once plain and cold walls were transformed into a bright and cheerful space.
Over time, Barb became a go-to person for unique and challenging projects at ODM. She recalls being asked to stage a 100-year-old mansion purchased as a recovery home for men. The task came with a budget of zero dollars and the challenge of working with donated or cast-off furniture. With creativity and determination, Barb and others worked together to transform the space into a warm and welcoming home. Volunteers painted trim and doors, donations furnished the living room, and inexpensive finds like a new rug and pillows brought the space together. Even the hole in the plaster along the staircase was addressed—Paul filled it, and Barb painted intricate flowers to match the wallpaper.
For Barb, this moment was a turning point. “For the ODM staff, there is no such thing as impossible,” she reflected. “If it needs to be done, God will give you the ability and resources to do it.”
This faith and determination have been central to Open Door Ministries’ work, and Barb has been inspired by their vision. One example is ODM’s recent acquisition of a 13-unit apartment building, a dream Director David Warren had shared years ago. With the help of a generous $2,000,000 donation, the vision became a reality. This building will now provide low-income housing to those in need—a testament to God’s provision and the commitment of ODM’s supporters.
How Can We Help?
Barb’s love for ministry has extended beyond her personal involvement with ODM. She and her husband, Murray, have been involved with Connections Church’s College and Career group for several years, blessing young adults with a place to feel at home and grow in faith. Through their leadership, Barb has passed her passion for service to others. This Advent season, the College and Career group is creating gift bags for ODM’s annual Children’s Christmas Party, continuing the legacy of love and service.
You can be part of this mission through our Giving Tree Ministry. We’re collecting small toys, puzzles, creative activities, and sensory-friendly items to fill gift bags for children supported by Open Door Ministries. For convenience, you can shop directly from our Amazon Wish List and have items delivered to the church. For those who knit, we are also requesting handmade hats to include in the gift bags. Please bring any unwrapped donations, including knitted hats, to the church by December 1 and place them under the Giving Trees.
Thank you for being part of this ministry and helping to share the joy of the season with those in need!
