A CHRISTIAN MISSION
February 2019 Newsletter
Prayer request for February 2019
Please pray for our guests, that they will be able to overcome their addictions, and grow in their relationship with God.
A Word From Our Director ~ Pastor Andrew Pistone
As A Word From Our Director Pastor Andrew
Because of printing, inserting, and mailing this newsletter out to you, I have to write it a month in advance – hence the delayed news about Christmas Day here at the Door of Hope Mission.
As you know, last year was the first year we brought women and children into the Mission. (When I say women and children, I must confess that I never thought we would have a dad and his 7-month-old baby boy as well.)
It's been a real joy for all the guests at the Mission to experience these little ones running around and mingling with the adults. It's like their problems and deep concerns are minimized by having these precious little lives in their midst.
During our services, we dedicate a portion of time to the children - when we show them Veggie Tales, or another animated story of the Bible. The adults absolutely love to see these stories as well.
I'm including some photos of our time on Christmas morning when the children received gifts - and all adults received a gift as well. Thank you for making all of this possible.
I hope you enjoy the story we are including this month, and that you will think about what it would be like if you and I were left to navigate through this journey we call “life” - all on our own. It's good to know that God is always with us.
Pastor Andrew
Story About The Blind Bus Passenger
The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. Then she settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap, and rested her cane against her leg.
It had been a year since Susan, thirty-four, had become blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis, she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. Once a fiercely independent woman, Susan now felt like a powerless, helpless burden on everyone around her.
"How could this have happened to me?" she would plead, her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth - that her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion. And all she had to cling to was her husband, Mark. He was a United States Marine officer and he loved Susan with all of his heart.
When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair, and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark's military background had trained him well to deal with sensitive situations, yet he knew this was the most difficult battle he would ever face.
Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job - but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city. At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled Mark's need to protect his wife, who was so insecure about performing the slightest task. Soon, however, Mark realized that this arrangement wasn't working. It was hectic and costly.
Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe. She was still so fragile. How would she react? Just as Mark predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again.
"I'm blind!" she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I'm going? I feel like you're abandoning me.”
Mark's heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done. He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it; and that's exactly what happened.
For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to determine where she was - and how to adapt to her environment. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and could save a seat for her. He made her laugh, even on those not-so-good days when she would drop her briefcase or trip while exiting the bus. Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark took a cab back to his office.
Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one, Mark knew it was only a matter of time before she would be able to ride the bus on her own. He believed in her - in the Susan he used to know before she'd lost her sight, who wasn't afraid of any challenge and who would never, ever quit.
Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, and his love. She said good-bye, and they went their separate ways.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday...Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better. She was doing it! She was going to work all by herself! On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying her fare to exit, the bus driver said, "Boy, I sure envy you." Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year?
Curious, she asked the driver, "Why do you say that you envy me?”
The driver responded, "It must feel so good to be taken care of and protected like you are.”
Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about, and asked again, "What do you mean?”
The driver answered, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then - he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute, and walks away. You are one lucky lady.”
Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For although she couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mark's presence. She was fortunate, so fortunate, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe - the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness.
This story is just a small, human example of God's love. HIS presence is constant, whether we are aware of it or not.
Psalm 46:1-2a “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.”
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 Savor 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 your gives 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 the 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 to 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