September 2023 Newsletter
Prayer request: Ask God for guidance and wisdom to be bestowed upon those who hold positions of authority and responsibility in our county, that they will lead with compassion, integrity, and the sincere desire to serve God.
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
Medicine That Costs You Nothing
There's a medicine that's been around for thousands of years, and has been used by millions of people - in every culture known to man. It's known to have a positive effect on people who are experiencing anxiety, anger, depression, and an assortment of other difficult issues.
The great thing about this medicine is - that there's no cost, and it's available to all of us.
Simply – it's called kindness. Kindness is an amazing and powerful thing. It's available at any time of the day or night, and we can use it anywhere. The person who is consistently kind, can experience a number of positive things.
The simple act of being kind to people, and developing the habit of thinking of others – instead of always focusing on ourselves – not only encourages others, but can have an enormous effect on our own well-being.
Have you ever done something kind for someone else – and felt especially happy after doing it? This feeling is called a “helper's high.” It's more than just a good feeling about doing something nice. It's called a “high” because it's an actual chemical response in the brain. It involves a positive, physical change in our body and mind.
Kindness stimulates the production of four “feel good” chemicals in our bodies: endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These chemicals play an extremely important role in our physical health, and also in our social behaviors and general well-being. Each chemical functions in a specific way, and there is a long list of benefits. Just a few of the benefits are: helping with the healing of wounds, helping to regulate heart rate, helping with relaxation, and helping our response to stress.
Scientific research from Emory University has shown that, when we do something kind for someone - it triggers our brain. The pleasure and reward centers in our brain “light up” - releasing endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. Some of these chemicals have the effect of boosting our mood and blocking cortisol – which is known as the “stress hormone.”
According to several experts, kindness creates emotional warmth and lowers blood pressure – protecting the heart. People who are kind – age at a slower rate than others. When we are kind, we are impacted too - just as if we were on the receiving end of the kindness. Some studies show that kindness can even reduce a certain amount of pain.
The Mayo Clinic states that people who practice kindness - live longer, healthier lives with a ”sense of connectivity,” which can affect their moods, health, and relationships in especially positive ways.
Of course, there are many things that contribute to a healthy mind and body: good nutrition, exercise, and healthy relationships…but scientific research indicates that being consistently kind can be helpful in that process.
Acts of kindness can be contagious. When someone witnesses a kindness, it often will prompt THEM to do something kind for someone else…and then, there's a domino effect.
Mark Twain, the legendary American author, once said, “Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear, and the blind can see.”
The World is Desperate For It
The world is desperate for kindness and, as followers of Christ, we are called to be a light in the world. The Bible tells us to be kind to everyone…even our enemies. “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27) We definitely need God's help in doing good things for those who hate us! “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
The Bible talks about God's “kindness” and “lovingkindness,” and a Sunday School teacher was discussing those words with her class of children. One little girl raised her hand and said that she thought there was a difference in those two words. She told the teacher that, “kindness” is like when you ask your mom for some toast, and she gives it to you…but, “lovingkindness” is when you ask your mom for some toast, and she gives it to you with peanut butter and jelly on it.
That's the way it is with God. He isn't just kind…His lovingkindness gives us extra blessings: as illustrated by the little girl's analogy about “peanut butter and jelly.” The Bible says that He overloads us with blessings. “Through the Lord's mercies, we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
God is a God of justice and wrath, but He is also a God of kindness, forgiveness, compassion, gentleness, and patience. We want to be more like Him. “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” (Psalm 145:8-9)
We Can Make an Impact
When we experience the lovingkindness of the Lord, we can't help but extend kindness to other people.
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourseves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
“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)
The Bible says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)
Our acts of kindness don't need to be huge, over-the-top things. It doesn't take a lot to make somebody smile. Even the smallest gesture of kindness can make or break someone's day, and we should never underestimate its power. We just need to be aware and look for opportunities to be genuine and kind!
Our intentional acts of kindness can communicate God's love to others, and possibly even open the door to a conversation about eternal things…and the reason why we – as followers of Christ – have a life of true joy on this earth, and a steady assurance about our eternity in heaven.
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