January 2024 Newsletter
Prayer request: Please join us in prayer. Together, let us seek God's profound guidance and unwavering direction in the coming year. Our earnest plea is for God's divine wisdom and discernment to illuminate the Mission's leadership and board
of directors' path. We humbly seek His will to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the betterment of our Mission.
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
The Shoes
(Author Unknown)
A man tells the following story about a stranger he encountered in church one Sunday morning:
I was running late for our Sunday morning church service. I had been rushing all morning – as I got dressed in my “Sunday best.” I barely got to church on time, and before I sat down in the pew, I adjusted my tie. I bowed my head to pray, and - as I closed my eyes – I saw the shoe of the man next to me. It was touching MY shoe, and I breathed a little sigh. I thought, 'Why is his shoe touching mine? He should scoot his shoes over in his direction.' His shoe was bothering me…but it didn't seem to bother him.
The congregation began to pray out loud, “Our Father, Who art in heaven.” I thought, 'This man with the shoes has no pride. His shoes are dusty and scratched…and even worse – there are holes on the sides!'
The prayer went on, and then, the shoe man said a quiet, “Amen.” I tried to focus on the church service, but I was still thinking about his shoes. Aren't we supposed to look our best when we come to church? The whole thing was bugging me.
After the prayer time was over, the songs of praise began. The shoe man was singing loudly and energetically. I already had negative feelings about the guy, and I sarcastically thought, 'The Lord can definitely hear him!’
When it came time for the offering, I threw a sizeable amount of money into the offering plate. I watched the shoe man reach into his pocket, and I saw what he pulled out. Then, I heard a soft “clink,” – like the sound that metal makes when it hits a piece of tin.
The sermon was boring me to tears – and I noticed that it had the same effect on the shoe man sitting next to me…because there were real tears falling from his eyes.
At the end of the service, we have a custom of greeting the visitors and trying to make them feel welcome. Even though I was bothered by the shoe man, I felt obligated to greet him. So, after the closing prayer, I reached over and shook his hand. He was old, and his skin looked weathered…and his hair was a little bit of a mess, but I thanked him for coming, and introduced myself.
He said, “My name is Charlie, and I'm glad to meet you, my friend.” There were tears in his eyes, but he had a big smile. As he wiped the tears from his eyes, he said, “Let me explain. I've been coming here for months, and you're the first one to say, 'Hello.' ”
“I know that my appearance isn't like everyone else here, but I really do try to look my best. I always clean and polish my shoes before my very long walk to church, but by the time I get here, they're dirty and dusty.”
He Wanted to Worship
& to Make Friends
He continued to apologize for daring to sit so close to me. He said, “I know that I must look terrible to all of you when I get here, and I feel a little self-conscious about my clothes…but, I want to come and worship, and maybe even make some Christian friends. I thought that if I could touch you…even just your shoe…that our souls might feel connected.”
After he explained, I swallowed hard – trying to hide my tears. Instantly, I felt convicted about my critical attitude. I didn't know what to say to him, but I spoke from my heart. “You sir, have definitely touched me…and you've reminded me that the important thing about anyone - is the attitude of their heart.”
The shoe man will never know about my critical and demeaning thoughts. I confessed those to the Lord – along with my arrogant attitude about the offering, and the singing, and the sermon.
I'm humbled and thankful that his dirty old shoe touched my soul!
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into
your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here's a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, 'You stand there,' or 'Sit on the floor by my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:1-5)
This short story reminds us that God looks at our heart, and it also reminds us to evaluate our attitudes toward others.
May God bless you as you read your Bible, and as you ask Him for wisdom and understanding.
Pastor Andrew
A Quick Update on the Mission
We have the privilege of providing a safe and nourishing place for our guests, and there are record numbers of people who are coming to us for help. We are thankful that our facilities are FULL and overflowing. We feel blessed that we can have a DIRECT IMPACT on the lives of so many people who are struggling.
For many of our guests, the safety of the Mission is life-changing…as it gives them a chance for a new focus and a fresh start.
Because we are helping more people than ever - our expenses have increased significantly. In particular – our grocery expense has more
than tripled.
As you think about us, would you consider making a special gift, or a monthly gift to our ministry – to help with these extra challenges that we face every month? We are especially in need of meat, and we would appreciate any donations. Your gifts are tax deductible.
May God bless you as you remember us. You can be confident that your gifts will be used wisely – as we continue to ask God for wisdom in our day-to-day spending.
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 at Amazon or Ebay, just add us as your preferred charity, and a portion of your purchase will go to the Door Of Hope Mission.
With Amazon: Visit Amazon Smile www.smile.amazon.com, then login to your account then you need to select Door Of Hope Mission Odessa TX so we will receive donations from eligible purchases when you shop.
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
A CHRISTIAN MISSION