A CHRISTIAN MISSION
March 2026 Newsletter
Prayer Request: This month, make it your prayer to truly seek God’s will for your life. Life is full of unexpected turns, unanswered questions, and moments that stretch our faith—but none of it takes God by surprise.
Make a daily commitment to read your Bible. God will speak to you and provide the guidance and answers you need through His Word.
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
Surprises
Surprises are a part of life. They appear at birthdays and anniversaries, and they enrich friendships. Kids love them at Christmastime. Parents expect that there will be surprises as they are raising their children. Coaches use surprise tactics, and politicians try to manage surprises to their advantage.
Surprises. We love ‘em, and we hate ‘em. Here are some things that could illustrate
both reactions:
“The alarm didn’t go off. I overslept by two hours.”
“Dr. Brown would like to discuss your x-rays right away.”
“Congratulations! You got a promotion with an increase in salary.”
“We’ve been on the wrong road for over an hour.”
“Good news! The tumor that we suspected to be malignant - is actually benign.”
“Class, take out a piece of paper. It’s pop quiz time.”
“The obstetrician heard three heartbeats today.”
“It looks like you need a new transmission in this car.”
“Sweetie, that wasn’t leftover stew. It was Alpo.”
“Did you know the bathroom scale is measuring ten pounds heavier than it should?”
“Mom…Dad…Byron wants to marry me.”
The highs and lows of our lives are often triggered by surprises. Sometimes, within split seconds, we are getting teary-eyed or laughing like crazy.
Surprises in the Bible
The Bible is full of surprises. Like…when Noah’s neighbors first realized that it was sprinkling. - When Sarah realized that the angel wasn’t kidding, and that she was pregnant at 90 years old. - When Moses heard words from a bush that wouldn’t stop burning. - When manna first fell from the sky. - When a small young man named David defeated the enormous and scary Goliath. - When a woman from Samaria met a Jewish Stranger who told her that he knew all of her secrets. - When the only perfect One who ever lived was nailed to a criminal’s cross, and came back to life after three days. When Jesus came back to life…most of the people of that time were definitely surprised.
He Isn’t Dead
A missionary and his friend were once watching a huge, religious parade in India. The people of India said that a bone of Buddha had been found, and they were parading it through the city with enormous excitement. Thousands of people were bowing before the “sacred” bone. The missionary turned to his friend and said, “What striking evidence this is - of the difference between our two beliefs. If any part of the body of Jesus was to be found…it wouldn’t cause celebration – but unbelievable sorrow, because it would show that He had not risen from the dead.”
We will be celebrating the Resurrection very soon, but – even though we can trust the Bible and the eyewitness accounts of the death and resurrection of Jesus – there are still many people today who do not believe it.
Since nobody knows when it will happen, the return of Jesus to this earth will be the greatest surprise of all. “In a moment…in the twinkling of an eye…like a thief in the night.” We’ve got to be ready!
Shelter When Discouraged
As we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus, we want to be aware of the people around us who aren’t sure about where they will spend eternity.
This can cause confusion, uncertainty, and a general sense of discouragement and hopelessness. These people don’t have a place to go when the bottom drops out of their lives. We all need a place to go when we are discouraged and overwhelmed. As followers of Christ, our ultimate source of comfort is God, but people without Him usually gravitate to things that are not a permanent solution to their discouragement.
The neighborhood bar is a popular counterfeit to the fellowship and shelter that Christ wants to give His followers. It’s an imitation – dispensing liquor instead of grace, and temporary escape, rather than reality. It’s permissive and unshockable. People in bars usually exchange secrets and trust each other to keep those secrets to themselves. I don’t think the bars are thriving because most people are alcoholics, but because God has put into the human heart the desire to be known and loved and accepted. Many people look for that listening ear, and that acceptance for the price of a few drinks.
I believe that Christ wants his church to be a place where people can come and say, “I’m sunk! I’ve had it. I need help.”
For All of Us
What do we do when our circumstances are difficult, and life seems overwhelming? When we are discouraged, we don’t need critics. We’re already hurting enough. We don’t need more guilt. We need shelter. We need someone to listen. We need someone who understands. We need encouragement.
The God of creation, and the One who provides salvation for us – when we can’t do anything to deserve it or earn it - is the One who can provide that shelter for us. In the Bible, David had huge problems and enemies, but when he was overwhelmed and depressed, he prayed to God…calling Him: “My Rock. My Fortress. My Deliverer. My Refuge. My Savior.”(2 Samuel 22:1- 4)
In the middle of his overwhelming problems, David took shelter in God - and experienced supernatural comfort.
This same God is available to us. We have His Word at our fingertips.
There are no bones to be found. He is Risen!
“Portions from the writings of Charles Swindoll”
Pastor Andrew
Thrift Stores
If you haven't had a chance to shop at one of our Thrift Stores, we hope you will do that soon. The proceeds from the store are a significant 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.
Our stores are located at 1515 E. 8th St., Odessa & 1020H Andrews Highway, Midland
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 donations – call us at 432-337-8294 to schedule a pickup. You can also drop off your donation at the Thrift Store,
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
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 your gift goes to the Mission. Paypal does not charge a processing fee when you use this service. If you would like to make a direct financial donation, you can go to PayPal using 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, add us as your preferred charity, and a portion of your purchase will go to the Door Of Hope Mission.
With Ebay: You must add the Door Of Hope Mission to your favorites. Click the link to add us.
https://charity.ebay.com/charity/charity-name/2432315
If you have any questions, please call us at 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.