A CHRISTIAN MISSION
September 2018 Newsletter
A Word From Our Director ~ Pastor Andrew Pistone
The Repentant Thief on a Cross: Luke 23:39-43
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don't you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
On “the place called skull”, Golgotha, Jesus was crucified between two thieves. There, Jesus was mocked by the surrounding crowd, religious leaders, Roman soldiers, and even the thieves who hung next to him. But in this moment of mockery, something stirred in the heart of one of the thieves.
This man, in the final moments of his life, had a miraculous transformation. His eyes were opened to a fear of God – he had a sobering realization of his sin – and he received God's grace and mercy through Jesus – by faith.
The repentant thief rebuked his guilty cohort and defended the innocence of Christ.
Sensing the grace and forgiveness pouring out of Jesus – who was hanging next to him - the repentant thief said: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” His words were vulnerable, sincere, and filled with faith. And in response, Jesus spoke words of eternal comfort: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The penitent thief trusted Christ, who promised him salvation from God's wrath, and a place in heaven. Our faith, no matter how late, is never in vain when it embraces the truth of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This is the story of the penitent thief, but it's also our story – if we are believers. We receive salvation – and a place in heaven – by GRACE alone, through FAITH alone, in CHRIST alone.
One of our guests at the Door of Hope Mission – who received this same salvation – is Laura. You have heard her testimony a couple of times during the past year, when she explained some of her struggles, and how Jesus completely transformed her life.
A Door Of HOPE Success Story
This past July, it was my honor and privilege to perform the wedding ceremony, as Laura and Cody took their marriage vows.
As you may recall, Laura has been a part of the program at the Mission for almost two years, and for the past several months – she has been leading our morning Bible study from Monday through Friday.
Even though she is newly married, she still comes every morning to lead our guests in worship and in the study of scripture. It's been a blessing to watch her grow in her faith.
Thank you for your support that allows us to provide food, shelter, counseling and the truth of God's love to so many who need Him.
We are on the front lines – as we watch people realize their weaknesses and trust God to forgive them, and give them a future with Him…just as He did with the repentant thief on the cross.
Pastor Andrew
Prayer request for September 2018
Please pray for Laura and Cody’s marriage, and that God would place a hedge of protection around their family.
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