May 2023 Newsletter
Prayer request: Pray for the leadership of the Mission and our guests. God has been doing great things this year at the Mission, and we want to continue to bring Him glory in all we do.
If you have any questions about the Mission or how you can help, please give us a call. 432-337-8294
A Word From Our Director ~ Pastor Andrew Pistone
Words…Words…Words…and More Words
We live in a world where we are bombarded with words…and the words we speak have enormous power. They can be healing or hurtful. They have the power to provide hope or discouragement. All of our relationships are affected – and made stronger or weaker - by the words we use; and getting control of our tongue is probably one of the most challenging things about the Christian life.
I'm guessing that we've all said things we wish we hadn't said, and we've learned the hard way that the tongue seems to have a mind of its own. Sometimes, the damage we've done with our careless words – can't be repaired.
In the book of James, we are warned that – even though the tongue is a very small part of our body, it has the power to control.
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:2-6 & 8)
The Bible is overflowing with references to our use of words. Here are just a few:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”(Proverbs 12:18)
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb…sweetness to the soul, and health to the bones.”(Proverbs 16:24)
“I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue. I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle.”(Psalm 39:1)
“Let your speech always be full of grace – seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
The Bible talks a lot about what to say and how to say it, but there are also verses which talk about the wisdom in saying nothing at all! “When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable, but one who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)
“Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19)
Using Words to Encourage
I'm guessing that we all know people in our lives who could use some encouragement. Sometimes, our crazy world can be a discouraging place, and we all have experienced those rough times. Maybe it's your neighbor down the street who's facing a chronic illness…or a single mom who's working long hours and navigating life with a toddler…or someone who goes through every day – completely alone. We may even find disillusioned people in our own families. Everywhere we look – people are hurting.
We may not be able to change these situations, but – as followers of Christ – we know that the Bible tells us to encourage each other. Encouragement can be in the form of well-chosen and sincere words; and we can also encourage people with something as simple as a genuine smile, or by giving them a moment of our sincere and compassionate attention.
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25)
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply, and how good is a timely word.” (Proverbs 15:23)
God's Word Provides Everything We Need
How should a redeemed person speak?
Many ungodly people claim: “Our lips are our own. Who is Lord over us?” (Psalm 12:4) They defy God with ideas like, “Who can rule me? I can say anything I want.”
Our tongue is like a wild beast, and without God's help…it's practically impossible to control. Our tongues speak evil things, because our hearts are evil…and that's why we all need to be transformed through the power of the Gospel. When we embrace the Truth of the Gospel - turn away from our sin and accept God's free gift of forgiveness through Christ - we are a new creation. We will have a changed life - and a new lifestyle includes new speech. The Christian says, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)
Charles Swindoll says: “With your Lord's help, Think First. Before your lips start moving, pause ten seconds and mentally preview your words. Are they accurate or exaggerated?...kind or cutting?...necessary or needless?...wholesome or vile?...grateful
or complaining?”
The Bible gives us all the information we need - to have peace in every situation. That doesn't mean that every moment is a happy one, or that we'll have a life without problems…but it does mean that - if we are attached to the Truth of God's Word - we can guard our minds and our speech - with the joy and peace that only comes from a transformed life.
“One who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23)
As Christians, we should be known by the way we live our lives with integrity – which includes the things we say. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
A lot of our problems could be solved if we would just stop for a couple of seconds and think before we speak: Is it true? Is it necessary? Does it glorify God?
“The mouth speaks from what fills the heart.” (Matthew 12:34)
The words we speak are a window to our souls. When we focus on repentance and on obedience to the Word of God - having pure motives and a clean heart - then, the words we speak - and the words we avoid speaking - can bring honor and glory to Him.
As always, we ask God for wisdom – in this, and in all areas of 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 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