[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 120 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1704-E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         A TRIBUTE TO REVEREND THEBO AND THE OPEN DOOR MISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 1998

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, during the most recent 
district work period, Reverend Thebo, the Director and founder of the 
Open Door Mission in Fort Collins, Colorado, took the time to show my 
staff

[[Page E1705]]

his ministry serving the city's homeless people.
  The Mission, located downtown, serves healthy meals, provides 
showers, and beds. The center is very clean because residents are 
expected to keep it clean. With work comes dignity and self-esteem 
which are essential to moving forward. The center also smells 
surprisingly good. If you ask why, Reverend Thebo will tell you that he 
once asked God to take away the odor of despair from the shelter and to 
fill him with a new love for the people. Now, he paints the walls 
several times a year. His love for the destitute is fresh each day.
  After 20 years working with homeless people, Reverend Thebo still has 
a strong love for those who have lost everything. He lends a hand and 
expects that hand to be grasped. The Mission's objective is to get 
people back on their feet. The Reverend has no patience for people who 
do not want to work but travel from shelter to shelter in search of 
handouts. But, for those who want help, the help is there in abundance.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Reverend Thebo, his sister who 
operates the women and family program, and those who volunteer their 
time and money to the Open Door Mission. May God continue to bless 
their ministry.

                          ____________________