October 2023 Newsletter
Prayer request: Please pray for the Mission that we will have all the resources needed to fulfill our mission of providing for all who seek our assistance this holiday season.
If you have any questions about the Mission or how you can help, please call us. 432-337-8294
A Word From Our Director ~ Pastor Andrew Pistone
Solving Big Problems
(Portions inspired by David Jeremiah)
Construction began on the Hoover Dam in 1931. At that time, it was the largest concrete structure ever conceived by man. Its purpose was to block the flow of the Colorado River on the border between Arizona and Nevada. This would control flooding, provide electric power for the area, and create a reservoir for irrigation. The dam was completed in 1936, and the cost was nearly $750 million in today's values. It's BIG: 726 feet tall, 1,244 feet long, and 660 feet wide at the base. There were BIG needs in the area, and those needs were met by the BIG, concrete Hoover Dam.
Before 1914, the only way for ships to cross from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean – or to travel by boat from the East Coast of the United States to the West Coast – was to sail around the dangerous, southern tip of South America, and the trip could take several weeks. Several countries had tried to construct a canal to link the two oceans, but nobody had been successful. In 1904, the United States took charge of the project. Today, ships can pass through the Panama Canal – cutting weeks off the previous travel time. The Panama Canal is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. It was a BIG solution to a BIG problem.
Both of these projects, and many others we could name, are gigantic in size – especially when compared to us – mere humans. But, size is a matter of perspective. Think about this: Each of those enormous projects are tiny dots on the face of the earth. They are huge, took years to build, involved thousands of workers, and cost millions of dollars. But, compared to the size of the earth on which they sit, these projects - and the problems they solved - are tiny.
The things we consider to be huge – are hardly anything in God's sight. When we create something that solves a big problem on earth – we think we've done something exceptional…and, on a human level, we have. We can be thankful to God for the creativity, intelligence and perseverance that He gives to mankind to solve big problems, but think about it: Who created the earth…our solar system…and the universe as a whole?
Our problems and troubles are significant to us, for sure. When we're in the middle of the problems, they can seem overwhelming; but, our problems are a matter of perspective. The things that appear to be impossible, human problems - are the size of an atom when we compare them to the immensity of God and His power and resources.
In short – there's no problem too big or too impossible for God. When we're experiencing physical, financial, or relational problems, it's easy to think of those problems as impossible giants that can't be defeated.
When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would become the mother of the Messiah, she thought it was an impossibility - since she wasn't even married. Gabriel provided the perspective when he said, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
But what about us today? What about the problems we face regarding health, finances, the economy, jobs, and our families? When we examine the facts, these can feel like enormous, Hoover-Dam-sized, Panama-Canal-sized problems. They are real, they are big, and most of the time – they are beyond our ability.
But, they are not bigger than God! If our spiritual eyes are filled with God and His power and His provisions, we won't be overwhelmed by our problems. Instead, we will see the character of our God, and we can have peace – because we know that His purposes are
being accomplished.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) When we focus on walking by faith instead of by sight, His “exceedingly great and precious promises” will keep our problems in perspective. (2 Peter 1:4)
I'm not minimizing the size of our challenges. If we are realistic, we should be honest about the things we face. We DO face big problems – both personal and global – but, if we keep those problems in perspective - comparing them to God's ability to meet our needs - we can experience His power and peace in our lives.
No Problem is Too Small
The same God who created the giant Sequoias of California, also made the Wolffia - the smallest flowering plant on earth. It's a perfectly beautiful miniature, and 5,000 of them can fit into a thimble. Each one has a stamen, one pistil, and a tiny bloom. God designed it almost microscopically. He's a God of details. The same Lord who handles our big problems, is also concerned about our smaller problems.
The Bible is full of promises and encouragements for followers of Christ. For example: “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) This doesn't mean some of our burdens, or many of our burdens. It says to cast all of our burdens on Him.
That's why we need to continually talk with God about everything that concerns us. The Bible says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
It's not too small a thing to say: Lord, thank You for that hot shower. Help me get to work safely. Give me wisdom on this phone call. Show me what to say in this note. Help me sleep well tonight. Keep me from worrying about that parking ticket. Where are
my keys?
Talking to the Lord about the small things, is a way of maintaining an ongoing conversation with Him each day. It helps us practice the presence of God. In his book on prayer, Elmer Towns said, “I believe in minutia praying – praying for little things. So, as I go through life, I breathe a quick, silent prayer for small things. Too many people think that little things are unimportant, so they don't pray about them; but sometimes, it's the little things that cause the most tension and anxiety in our lives. The old African expression proves true: 'It's not the mountains that hold me back, it's the small pebbles in my sandal.' ” The small problems can add weight to our hearts and, if unattended, they can grow into bigger issues quickly.
Does that mean that every problem will be solved immediately? No. Not even the apostle Paul's problems, or Jesus' problems were instantly solved. (2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Luke 22:41-44) But, we will be given perspective: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because He trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
If we have spiritual sight, it will keep our troubles in perfect perspective. We want to keep our heavenly home in focus as we go through this life. That's the big picture – not losing sight of heaven, and trusting in God's purposes for our life here on earth.
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