A CHRISTIAN MISSION
December 2024 Newsletter
Prayer Request: During this Christmas season, let us come together in prayer, seeking peace within our communities, across our country, and throughout the world.
In a time when our world often feels divided and troubled, may we find strength in unity, compassion, and understanding. Let us pray for an end to conflict, for healing where there is pain, and for hope where there is despair through God’s love, and the gift He gave us - Jesus Christ.
Please call us if you have any questions about the Mission or how you can help. 432-337-8294
A Word From Our Director ~ Pastor Andrew Pistone
Christmas Love
Each December, I vow to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I try to cut back on nonessential obligations – extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Still, some years, I find myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
The year my son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten - it was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's “Winter Pageant.” I was dreading telling him that I had to work on the night of the production. Of course, I didn't want to miss his shining moment, and when I spoke to his teacher, she told me that there would be a dress rehearsal the morning before the presentation. All parents who weren't able to attend that evening, were welcome to come to the morning rehearsal. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise, and I was very happy to have the option of going to that morning rehearsal.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I arrived ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor, and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group – one by one – rose to perform their songs.
Long ago, the public school system had stopped referring to the holiday as “Christmas,” so I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment – songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, “Christmas Love,” I was slightly surprised by the bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates – wearing fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow caps. Those in the front row – center stage – held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing, “C is for Christmas,” a child would hold up the letter “C.” Then, “H is for Happy,” and on and on, until the children – each holding up a letter – had presented the complete title of the song: “Christmas Love.”
A Valuable Mistake
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly…we noticed her: a small, quiet, girl in the front row – holding the letter “M” upside down – totally unaware that her “M” appeared as a “W.” The audience of first through sixth graders snickered at this little one's mistake, but she had no idea they were laughing at her. So, she stood tall – proudly holding her “W.” Although many teachers tried to “shush” the children, the snickering continued until the last letter was raised…and we all saw it together. Then, a hush came over the audience, and eyes began
to widen.
In that instance, we all were reminded about the reason we were there, and why we celebrate the holiday in the first place. Even in the “chaos” of mixed up letters, and snickering children…there was a purpose for our festivities. When the last letter was held high, the message was seen – loud and clear: CHRISTWAS LOVE!
by Candy Chand
This Christmas, I hope we can all celebrate the birth of Jesus with a fresh sense of thankfulness for his birth, death, and resurrection; and that we will have a renewed determination to glorify Him with our lives.
Pastor Andrew
Thrift Store
If you haven't had a chance to shop at our Thrift Store, we hope you will do that very soon. The proceeds from the store are a major source of our support. You will find thousands of quality items at incredible prices, and you can shop with confidence that your dollars are helping to change lives.
We are located at 1515 E. 8th Street, Odessa, TX Our hours for shopping are: Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
We continue to take ALL donations with grateful hearts. We could not do this without your help.
We will come to PICK UP any and all donations – just give us a call at 432-337-8294 to schedule a pickup. You can also drop off your donation at the Thrift Store,
Funds / Donations Needed
Your financial support will help us provide hot meals, a safe place to sleep and shower, and exposure to the truth of God's Word through Bible study and counseling to those who struggle with addictions. Many come to know Jesus as Savior because of the work God is doing here at the Mission.
There are a few ways you can give:
#1: PayPal Giving Fund:100% of what you give goes to the Mission. Paypal does not keep a processing fee when you use this service. If you would like to make a direct financial donation you can go to PayPal at the link below.
https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2432315
#2: Use our Website http://www.doorofhopemission.com/donate.html
#3: Mail a Check to Door of Hope Mission PO Box 1789, Odessa, TX 79760
#4: When you Shop on Ebay, just add us as your preferred charity, and a portion of your purchase will go to the Door Of Hope Mission.
With Ebay: You just need to add the Door Of Hope Mission to your favorites. Click the link this link to add us.
https://charity.ebay.com/charity/charity-name/2432315
If you have any questions please call us 432-337-8294.
The Door of Hope Mission is supported 100% by DONATIONS and our thrift store. We do not take money from the government because they would restrict us from preaching about the freeing power of Jesus to those we help.
All donations are tax-deductible.
DOOR OF HOPE THRIFT STORE UPDATE
We are in need of good furniture and antiques that you might want to donate to our ministry, and of course - we continue to take ALL donations with grateful hearts. We could not do this without your help.
We can also accept cars, trucks, RVs and boats.
If you have items you wish to donate, please drop them off at the store. If you need us to pick them up, please call the Mission at 432-337-8294.
We invite you to come and visit the Door of Hope Thrift Store. We are located at 1611 E. 8th Street, Odessa, TX 79761.
Our hours for shopping are Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Please visit us on Facebook : www.Facebook.com/DoorOfHopeThriftStore
All donations are tax deductible.
Please check out our latest post and like our page at https://www.facebook.com/DoorOfHopeMissionTX