A CHRISTIAN MISSION
October 2024 Newsletter
Prayer Request: Prayer for October 2024
Lord, I come before You, acknowledging my human limitations and the pride that sometimes finds its way into my heart. Teach me to be humble in spirit, recognizing that all I have and all I am comes from You. Help me to embrace simplicity and to serve others with a heart full of compassion, never seeking to elevate myself but always giving honor to You.
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
Impressive Talent
Marian Anderson was born in Philadelphia in 1897. She had only a little bit of musical training as she was growing up, but she was a gifted contralto who was skilled enough to attract attention from lots of musicians during that era. In fact, it was enough attention – that she was given a scholarship to study with distinguished teachers in Europe.
As she studied and sang in tours across Europe - she had enormous success. In Scandinavia, she was so popular - it was said - that her fans had “Marian Fever.” At the end of an extensive tour which included performances in France, Russia, the Scandinavian countries, England, and Austria – Marian was invited to perform at a festival in Salzburg.
Arturo Toscanini - the famous Italian conductor - heard her sing at that festival in Salzburg and, after the concert, he told her she had a voice ”heard only once in a hundred years.” Toscanini's comment about her talent, had an enormous effect on the rest of her career. After that - she was known as “The Voice of the Century.”
When she came back to the states, she became even more popular – and was given many honors. She performed a wide range of music – from opera to spirituals. During an interview, a reporter asked Miss Anderson to name the greatest moment in her life…and there had been many big moments:
She had given a private concert at the White House for President and Mrs. Roosevelt and the King and Queen of England.
Her autobiography, My Lord, What a Morning, was published – and became a bestseller.
She sang on stage at Carnegie Hall.
On several occasions during her career, she received medals from various countries around the world.
She had a friendship with Albert Einstein – which lasted until his death in 1955.
In 1963, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
She was given the Congressional Gold Medal, Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts.
In 1991 – she received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her hometown of Philadelphia had, on one occasion, awarded her the $10,000 Bok Award, as the person who had done the most for that city.
To top it all, there was the Easter Sunday concert in Washington, D.C., when she stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and sang for a crowd of 75,000 people – which included Cabinet Members, Supreme Court Justices, and most members of Congress.
The reporter who asked Marian about her greatest moment – probably thought that choosing one thing would be difficult…but Marian surprised the reporter. She didn't mention any of the things that seemed like obvious choices.
A Sweet and Humble Answer
Instead, she quietly told the reporter that the greatest moment of her life was - when she went home and told her mother that she wouldn't have to take in other people's laundry any longer. It was a sweet, humble, and heartfelt answer to the reporter's question.
Marian's father had passed away when she was 12 years old, and her mom had worked very hard to support the family. Even with all the success that Marian had experienced in her life, she remembered her very humble beginnings, and the sacrifices her mother made for their family. She was thankful for her musical success – because it helped to relieve her mother's financial burden. Marian had many reasons to feel important, but bragging wasn't a part of her personality.
The Sin of Pride
We live in a very ego-driven society. It seems like more people than ever - are preoccupied with praising themselves and putting themselves first. When people are self-centered – marriages, families, and friendships fall apart. The Bible has a lot to say about the sin of pride. These are just a few of the verses:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
“God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
Avoiding pride - is a battle we all fight. Pride is part of our sinful nature. Someone once said, “Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone sick – except the one who has it.”
Before we take pride in our own abilities, achievements, and importance – it's good to remember our humble beginnings – and to remember that everything we have, and everything we've achieved – is only because God has equipped us and blessed us.
Dr. David Jeremiah said, “Be sensitive in moments when you find yourself being prideful. Watch out for times of anger, celebration, achievement, or competition. When you feel you've been proud or selfish, confess it to God and ask Him to help you.”
The way to avoid being prideful, is to concentrate on Jesus – reading what the Bible has to say about pride and humility – and following His example. If we are familiar with the words of Jesus, we'll be equipped to make Christlike decisions, and to develop genuine humility that glorifies God.
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