Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayson.
Hi Jayson, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Open Door Ministries is a non-denominational, multicultural, interracial church. Everyone is welcome, from any walk of life. We are a loving environment where people feel they are part of a family, not just a church.
Open Door Ministries, Inc. was founded in 1995 by Neil Bush; a ministry called to bridge the gap between all people. In 1997 we began meeting on Friday and Saturday nights in an old bar and called it Joel’s Place. We were drinking God’s new wine, which goes along with Acts 2:15: “These are not drunk as you suppose. This is that spoken by the Prophet Joel.”
Joel’s Place was a watering hole for thirsty souls and people would get so filled with the Holy Ghost that they would sometimes even crawl to their car after the meeting. For years people’s lives have been transformed by the revival fire they would encounter during worship here. In 2004 we started meeting on Sunday mornings as well.
Neil Bush pastored Open Door Ministries for many years, equipping people with the Word of God and encouraging them to enter into the Throne Room; mentoring others, one of which was Jayson Manalang from the Philippines.
Over the years Jayson and Pastor Neil developed a father and son relationship and considered Neil his dad. Jayson served as an armor bearer, worship team member, children’s pastor. They traveled all over the Philippines doing crusades, with Jayson as Neil’s interpreter. In February of 2004, Neil brought Jayson to the United States to serve and be ordained at Open Door Ministries. He served in whatever area that was needed, including, but not limited to, the worship team, outreaches, preaching, and teaching. In 2007, Jayson met his future wife Alison and they have three children.
Due to unexpected circumstances, Pastor Neil turned over Senior Pastorship to Jayson Manalang in April of 2024, and in May of that year Pastor Neil transitioned to Heaven.
Pastor Jayson is continuing the vision of Pastor Neil Bush and Open Door Ministries.
We, as a church body, have committed to rebuilding Joel’s Place this year.
The challenges facing the existing building began well before Pastor Neil’s unexpected decline of his health. It has now reached a point where restoration is no longer viable, and demolition is necessary. While this may seem like a setback, we believe it is God making room for something greater.
Joel’s Place has been a pillar in Port Wentworth, Georgia — serving through a food pantry, outreach ministry, and hands-on support for families in need, as well as a worship center. Lives have been touched. Needs have been met. Hope has been restored within those walls. We cannot allow that light to go out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.odminc.org
