About Open Door
Many missionaries, after their term of service, feel a deep desire to continue their spiritual service and to give back to their community and church. Yet many return home to areas and circumstances that leave them little hope of moving beyond the conditions of poverty common to their native locale.
Such was the case in Cambodia where local leaders came together on a plan of providing housing for returned missionaries and support in helping them secure employment and engage in further education. They began small with two homes in Phnom Pen. The program proved successful, but local leaders were unable to sustain the financial rental commitment. Thus, the idea of Open Door International (or Open Door) was conceived which included the ability to expand to other countries.
Through Open Door qualifying candidates are provided temporary housing (up to three years) at a location within their home country that provides greater resources and opportunities. Approved residents are provided housing free of charge. They are also required to provide for personal necessities such as food, clothing, internet, computer, etc. unless otherwise directed by Area Presidencies and local leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ.
Open Door residents create and follow a written plan leading them toward fiscal, spiritual and occupational independence.
Open Door Provides
Safe Housing
Safe and comfortable Housing in cities where employment and educational opportunities are greater.
Mentoring
Mentoring with local employment and educational agencies including BYU Pathway Worldwide that would be out of their reach otherwise.
Leadership and Service
Leadership and service opportunities through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other faith groups.
Employment
Part-time employment for a few residents (management of rental contracts and maintenance).
How do Missionaries Qualify for Open Door?
After a missionary completes his or her missionary service, their local ecclesiastical leader (stake president, bishop/branch president, elders quorum or Relief Society President) submit a recommendation to Open Door.
This recommendation is based on criteria outlined in the recommendation form and the missionary’s commitment to the Tenant Agreement as follows:
- Live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman. Living a chaste and virtuous life also includes abstaining from same-sex romantic behavior
- Respect others, including the avoidance of profane and vulgar language
- Dress and groom in a manner that is moderate in fit and style, neat and clean. For residents who have received their temple endowment, dress in a way that would cover the temple garment
- Have and follow a written employment, education, and spiritual development plan
- Maintain an Ecclesiastical Endorsement or current temple recommend, including striving to deepen faith and maintain gospel standards
- Participate regularly in Church services and serve in Church assignments
- Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, vaping, marijuana, and other substance abuse
- Be honest
- Participate in routine cleaning and maintenance of housing facility
- Encourage others in their commitment to comply with this code
- Obey the law and follow housing policies
Meet Our Team
William Tracy Watson Ph.D.
President
Tracy worked for 35 years in the Missionary Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Director of Curriculum Development and Director of Proselyting. In his role as Director of Proselyting, he trained newly called mission leaders in their responsibilities. He also worked for five years in the Priesthood and Family Department where two of his responsibilities included helping returned missionaries and young single adults. He earned his Ph.D. in Instructional Psychology and Technology from Brigham Young University—Provo. He served as a missionary in the Florida Tampa Mission from 1978 to 1980. He and his wife Gayelynn, served as mission leaders in the Arizona Mesa Mission from 2004 to 2007. He is currently retired from Church employment, working on a few business ventures and spending time with his 25 grandchildren.
Trevor Watson
Vice President of Operations
Trevor is an eclectic acquirer of technical skills whose career has spanned music, technical consulting, and software engineering. Currently Trevor works as a freelance bassist and military musician for the 23rd Army Band, music producer, and entrepreneur. Trevor holds a bachelor's degree in Music from Brigham Young University and is working toward a Master's in Music Technology from Southern Utah University. When not working on music or business ventures, Trevor enjoys photography, videography, writing and spending time with his wife and 4 children.
Sam Sponseller
Treasurer
Sam is a corporate finance professional with experience across multiple industries. His career has focused on providing advanced financial analysis, dashboards, and presentations to executive management. Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University – Idaho and an MBA from Idaho State University. In his free time, Sam enjoys outdoor running and exercise.
Patrick Cannon
Board of Directors
Patrick has spent the majority of his career working internationally, which has given him the privilege of collaborating with remarkable individuals across the globe. These experiences have also deepened his understanding of the challenges many people, particularly young adults, face in their lives. Patrick is passionate about supporting future leaders worldwide and is excited to contribute to the mission of Open Door International.
Daniel Ashworth
Board of Directors
Danny Ashworth and his wife Denise have 5 sons and 3 lovely daughter in laws with a 4th being added this spring and two wonderful grandsons. Danny enjoys spending time with his family on the lake, in the mountains, on the golf course or in Gunlock Utah. Danny graduated from BYU with a Computer Science Degree and he has been part of several businesses surrounded by great teams such as Bluehost, Computer Warehouse and a handful of digital marketing companies. Danny coaches basketball at Lone Peak High School and enjoys spending time doing Family History Work. Relationships with Heavenly Father and his family and friends are of greatest importance to him.
Jordan Nelson
Board of Directors
Bio forthcoming