february 2009 anchorage gospel rescue mission newsletter

8/8/2019 February 2009 Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Newsletter

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Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

A Ministry of

Rescue & Discipleshipa publication of the

Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Anchorage, Alaska

Larry AldrichOperations Manager

David WilliamsProgram Director

Randy HessMaintenance Supervisor

Larry OConnor

Greg Mann

Roger Klein

John LofquistGuest Supervisors

David McKnightVan Driver

Solomona TalivaaMaintenance

Darlene WhaleyKitchen Manager

Anthony BooneIntern

r

escue

newsest.1

965

februar

2009

BRINGS

THOUGHTS

OF LOVE

Someone said, Love makes

the world go. This is a great

saying but it is put into practice

so little in this day and time.

People are so rude, impatience,

inconsiderate, selfish and self-

centered that there is never a

thought of the other person, it

is just ME or I and what I can

do or get for me without anyconsideration for those that are

in need or less fortunate than

themselves.

I know that the world will

never observe or adhere to the

type of love that was spoken

by Jesus and the other writers

of the Biblebut what about

Christianswhen will we

ever put the principles of thislove that we learn from the

scriptures into practice.

Some examples from the

scriptures that we as Christians

should practice!

John 13:14 A new

commandment I give unto you,

That ye love one another; as

I have loved you, that ye also

love one another.

John 15:12This is my

commandment, That ye love

one another, as I have loved

you.

Matthew 5:44 Love your

enemies, bless them that curse

you, do good to them that hate

you, and pray for them which

despitefully use you, and

persecute you..

Romans 12:9-10 Let love

be without hypocrisy. Abhor

that which is evil; cleave to

that which is good. Be kindly

affectionate one to another

with brotherly love; in honorpreferring one another.

Romans 13:10 Love worketh

no ill to his neighbour:

therefore love is the fulfilling of

the law.

These are only a few of the

many scriptures that could be

used to show our obligations as

Christians to show love.

Back to celebrating Valentiness

Day and love. Doncha just

enjoy all the symbols of love

the hearts, the flowers, Cupid

and his bow and arrow, all of the

red, white and festive colors.It is a great day to celebrate

this time together with your

loved one. My, my a long life

together with the one you truly

love is beyond compare to

anything you can imagine. One

day you may be able to recall

all of the good times and bad

times that the Lord has brought

you through; but they were all

glorious times because yourwere with the one you love.

Happy ValentinesDay


2/8

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www.anc

horag

erescue.org

www.anchorageresc

eu.

org

www.

anc

horagerescue

.or

g

.a

ceu.

We invite you to visit

us on the web or drop

us an e-mail with

your comments and

suggestions

From the Disciple Dorm

There are many things in Gods Word that shows His

unfailing love for mankind. This is especially true

with music. With music we can worship God, and with

music we can spread Gods word. Sometimes we use

music to speak to God, and sometimes God uses music

to speak to us.

Here at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission we have

an evening chapel service every night of the week, 365

days a year, between 7:30 P.M. and 8:30 P.M. In that

evening chapel service our ears welcome a wide range

of music meant to inspire the thoughts and minds of

Anchorages homeless and other guests. No matter

what the reason for the visit to the chapel service, we

are hopeful that all present in the congregation will be

lead to a saving knowledge of, and a closer walk with

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As a member of the NewLife discipleship training

program, I am, on occasion, called upon to lead the

worship portion of the chapel service. This happens

when the scheduled church cannot show up, or when the

scheduled church did not pre-arrange a worship portion

of their service, and desires to have one. Whatever the

case may be, without notice, I am called to fill this

portion of the service.

Being called upon to lead the worship portion of the

chapel service happens so often, I have called uponothers in the NewLife discipleship training program

to help me with this service. With one thing leading to

another and other disciples stepping up to the plate to

help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have now

formed a gospel music band called the Rock Bottom

Boys. We are all honored to be able to serve the

Lord with this ministry. We also have been

blessed to be asked to play at other local

churches.

Some of the instruments we were using in the band were

just temporarily loaned to us and had to be returned to

the owners. Now we find ourselves with an obligation

to play for a local church without the proper equipment.

We also have a desire to continue with this ministry.

We are asking the community for help in this matter.

If you have any used equipment that you could donate

to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission, it would be

greatly appreciated. We are mostly in need of a drum

set. We also could use sound equipment such as a pre-

amp and microphones. We are always open to more

musical instruments such as bass guitars and other

stringed instruments. All donations to the Mission are

tax-deductible. And most important, we make sure that

all donations are directed to where they are needed

most.

Thank you and may God bless you,

Jerome Estes

Rock bottom boys


3/8

3

Living Memorials.touch lives as they honor the memory

of loved ones and friends

In Memory of

Elise Marcia Carmichael

by Kevin and Melissa Breeland

Gale Dulack

Mr. and Mrs. Oliver M. CarmichaelJames and Marcia Whitcomb

Nutels and Gwen Fournet

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carmichael

Ronald and Janet Fales

Boo and Rachel Jeyusi

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Carmichael

Joseph and Maria Zajacz

Michael and Nancy Carmichael

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Davidson

Louise Santangelo

Ralph and Shirley NobregaIn Memory of

Ann Cavanagh

by Charles and Susan Casper

In Memory of

Eugene T. Harrison

by Nathan Harrison

In Memory of

Edna Lucille Loudon

by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mac Donald

In Memory of

Kerrie and Danielle Marlowby Truman and Carolyn Woods

In Honor of

Linda Harrison

by Nathan Harrison

In Honor of

Jim and Sally Copen

Pat and Laurie Marifjeren

Larry and Bette Ross

John and Tammy Reading

Zig and Muff ZellmerThom and Elaine Hathaway

Ken and Sharman Collins

by Vickie Turner

Your WillPlease include the Anchorage

Gospel Rescue Mission !

Down Memory Lane

This old hymn has been one of my favorites ever since

I have been saved. When I was a music director and

could carry a tune I would sing it as my testimony

whenever I had the opportunity.

The Haven of RestMy soul in sad exile was out on lifes sea,

So burdened with sin and distress,

Till I heard a sweet voice saying,

Make Me your choice,

And I entered the haven of rest.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace,

And, faith taking hold of the Word,

My fetters fell off,

And I anchored my soul:

The Haven of Rest is my Lord.

The song of my soul,

Since the Lord made me whole,

Has been the old story of blest,

Of Jesus, wholl save whosoever will have

A home in the Haven of Rest.

Oh, come to the Savior, He patiently waits,

To save by His power divine;

Come anchor your soul

In the Haven of Rest,

And say, My Beloved is mine.Chorus: repeat after each verse.

Ive anchored my soul, In the Haven of Rest,

Ill sail the wild seas no more;

The Tempest may sweep

Oer the wild stormy deep,

In Jesus Im safe evermore.

UNBELIEVABLE!A Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life surveyshowed that 65 percent of the people thatidentified themselves as religious believethere is more than one way to heaven. Also,52 percent of Christians said those of otherfaithsJews, Hindus, Muslims and those of nofaith may very well find eternal life.What a challenge for Evangelical Christians.


4/84

Hello America,

Im a 38 year old recovering alcoholic and recovering

drug addict who is currently in my fifth month as a

member of the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Missions

NewLife Discipleship Training Program. I would

like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about

myself.

I started getting into trouble early in life. I

was fighting other students as far back

as the third grade. This continued until I

was taken out of public school in the tenth grade and

placed in the Forestry Department program for troubled

Youth. I liked being in this program but was kicked out

for fighting a kid who blamed me for drinking his soda.

The school officials had warned my mother if I got into

anymore trouble I would be kicked out of school. They

were true to their word I was kicked out nine months

before I graduated. I felt life was forcing me between

a rock and a hard place. At the time I was lost in a

forest of lies right out of the twilight zone. The only

voice I felt I had in this wilderness was violence. The

insecurity, deceit, and fears, brought to the surface in

this forest, consumed me like a forest fire being driven

by the wind. It grows stronger consuming everything

in its path respecting neither life nor property. I felt

controlled by this fire forced to move in directions I

never wanted to travel in. I found myself taking on

the personality of the very fire that threatened me. The

flames of hate and anger lashed out leaving a path of

destruction in its wake.

In 1989 I was arrested and sent to the California

Department of Corrections where my bound and captive

character matured into a finished product. Although I

started my prison career in minimal security it didnt

take long for me to advance to maximum security

status. In 1991 the classification board decided I needed

to be with my own kind. I walked around with a chip

on my shoulders and a really short fuse. After being

transferred to the maximum none program facility I

found myself right back in the forest of lies I knew sowell. Perhaps the reason I couldnt see good in others is

because I saw none in myself.

In 1994 I was involved in a fight while out on the prison

yard I remember hearing what sounded like Bumble

Bees. After they had us laying face down the officer

who identified me to the sergeant as being one of the

offenders in the altercation looked me in the eyes and

said, I shot at you three times with an M16 rifle.

It was then I realized the Bumble Bees were bullets

whizzing by my head. The gun tower was 50 yardsaway and about 40 feet high add to that these guards

were trained marksmen and I dont how he missed me!

Because there were shots fired the guard would have to

find the bullets using metal detectors and write lengthy

reports explaining why shots had been fired. This upset

him more than the fact he had just tried to take a human

life. I realized then my life wasnt worth very much.

Realizing youre worthless makes you do a lot of

te

stim

onies

One of the most popular features of our newsletter is

the personal testimonies of the men in our NewLife

Discipleship Training Program. The only other articles

receiving more feedback are the pressing need appeals.

The popularity of these testimonies creates a dilemma

for us in that we want to continue to share them with our

readers yet at the same time we do not require the men

to share them. Its completely voluntary. Consequentlythe more successful we are at encouraging the men to

remain in NewLife the fewer testimonies we have

available to share. The only conversations we allow

ourselves to have with the men concerning printing

their testimonies are to ask them if they are interested.

Some are some arent and there are those who are

interested yet dont feel ready to share their names. This

is one of those testimonies. Weve agreed to allow this

article to be added to the newsletter anonymously only

because the Disciples reluctance to share his name is

motivated more by humbleness than pride. Had pridebeen the motivating factor we would have asked him to

wait until his personal journey of healing had him in a

place where pride was no longer an issue. So enjoy this

wonderful testimony from a member of our NewLife

family. Your support has made it possible for him to

make this journey in a safe healing environment.

D. Williams


5/8

5

thinking. I went to the Chapel services Id told

myself time and time again I would or should attend

someday. I remember repeating the Preachers words

as though he was my attorney and I was testifying in

a court room. I was praying for the very first time in

my life? The Preacher was leading us in the sinners

prayer and although I thought I was saved I didnt act

like it. After my release from prison I remember my

life just tasted bad. In 1999 I became an alcoholic. My

whole existence became dependent on alcohol and my

behavior reflected that dependency.

In 2004 I walked into Gods house. The Anchorage

Gospel Rescue Mission is where I found the love of God

in an overwhelming way. Here I received knowledge of

and fellowship with God. I learned what it really means

to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I came

to realize the forest of lies is where the father of lies

resided. He used this forest to separate me from my true

Father, God! My salvation is like a woodsman with an

ax of truth. He chops down the lies in order to restore

virtue and truth. I desire to be a child to my loving,

caring, merciful, righteous, almighty Father.

In June of 2006 I turned my eyes away from God

and began walking in my will rather than staying in

the protective shadow of Gods Perfect Will. It should

come as no surprise this decision led me right back into

the forest I had spent a lifetime trying to escape. It was

worse than I remembered and I was miserable.

In August of 2008 I returned to Gods House and was

welcomed back to the Mission with open arms. I was

wounded in body, confused in mind, and weak in spirit

but more importantly I was back in my Fathers Will!

Ive been convicted and know God is my father who

is the same today as he was yesterday and as he will

be tomorrow. Ive found forgiveness in the name of

my Lord. I have found faith through trust in my Father

who stands by ready to restore souls. Matthew 21:22

tells me, Believe and you will receive whatever you

ask for in prayer. Christ is my way back to the Father.He leads us out of the forest assuring us safe passage

through greed, hate, pride, and all the lies Satan tries to

destroy us with. For the weapons of our warfare are

not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down

of strong holds. II Corinthians 10:4

I use to hate this world and believed the world hated me

I find comfort in John 15:18 If the world hates you,

remember it hated me first. As the trees in the forest

of lies fall one by one I begin to see God without the

filters of this world obstructing my view. I am now

living in the joy of the Lord. It no longer matters to me

what the devil wants out of me for I FULLY TRUST

THE LORD!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified

because of them, for the LORD your God goes with

you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Corrections

OOPS

When you publish a newsletter there is this interesting

phenomenon that takes place I lovingly refer to as blindin one eye and cant see out of the other one syndrome.

Like most abnormalities this syndrome raises its ugly

head after the damage has been done. The damage in

this case is on the cover of our January newsletter we

mistakenly published January 2008 rather than January

2009. Keep in mind the newsletter went through at least

four proof readings before it was sent to the printers.

The reason I refer to this syndrome as a phenomenon

is because this along with the many other mistakes we

make goes unnoticed until the newsletters return from

the printers. The day we get them back, aka the point ofno return, the mistakes stand out as though they have

been highlight with a radio-active highlighter pen. All

of this to say we are not professional writers or proof

readers therefore we depend on your forgiving eye

when you run across the many mistakes within the

pages of our newsletters.

OUR APOLOGIES

In last months article, A Voice for Those Who Have

None I stated we were 100% supported by Christians.This is not accurate! There are many people who donate

to the Mission and some are not Christians. It was not

my intentions to mislead our readers. My intentions

were to spotlight the difference between a voice who

has no governmental dependencies and those who

dont. My ineptness is noted and I will strive to do a

better job in the future.


6/8

6

If I were to leave the Mission today, never to return,these snapshots of these two men would be thememory I would carry in my minds eye of them. Thephoto of Larry is how he appears early in the morningwhen he arrives at work. You see, Larry walks to, and

from work every day; Monday thru Friday. The routebetween his house and the Mission take him througha portion of Anchorages greenbelts that follows ourcitys streams. I imagine it is a peaceful way to startthe workday and make a smooth mental transitionfrom homelife to worklife. Then back again, fromworklife to homelife. It also is a good way to stay intouch with many of the homeless who are camping

out. The term camping out is a nice way of saying:living in a tent out in the woods.

The other photo of David is not how he usually

appears at work. Usually, he is a much snappierdresser then this, and as a Program Director heshould be. But it is well known that David will not asksomeone to do something that he isnt willing to dohimself. In this case he is showing a new janitor theropes. Most often he can be found sitting in front ofa computer screen with an intense look on his face,deep in concentration. How many computer geeksdo you know that can buff a bathroom floor to aspit-shine polish? Seriously though, working at theMission requires a person to be flexible. No one hereat the Mission can afford to forget where they camefrom, and that means everyone. When we begin to

forget where it is that we have come from God is notslow in reminding us.

When I look at these pictures and some of the groupphotos that I have of us, both staff and the N e w L i f e Disciples in the program, I am reminded of a sectionof Scripture that I wish to share with you.

Galatians 6

Doing Good to All

1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin,

you who are spiritual should restore him gently. Butwatch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carryeach others burdens, and in this way you willfu lfi ll the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he issomething when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4Each one should test his own actions. Then he cantake pride in himself, without comparing himself tosomebody else, 5for each one should carry hisown load.

Carrying each others burdens and each onecarrying his own load seem like God is contradictingHimself in His Word to us. Since God can notcontradict Himself what does this mean? To me it

means that as a community of believers we needall the others in the group to love and support us.

We each need the patience and tolerance of thegroup. We need encouragement and at the sametime accountability. In short, grace and mercymust never be in short supply. Unfortunately, theseessential qualities do not come naturally to us.They must be deveolped and nurtured and allowedto grow in our characters. As for each one carryinghis own load, we as individuals must consistentlystrive to do our best each day in what ever we do,and not giving up when we fail. Failure is a partof life and here again we need our brothers andsisters acceptance and encouragement.

Perseverance is going to be my watchword for thisyear. Perseverance with others and perseverancewith myself. Romans 5:3-5 says: 3Not only so,but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because weknow that suffering produces perseverance;4perseverance, character; and character,hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, becauseGod has poured out his love into our hearts by theHoly Spirit, whom he has given us. I am confidantthat no one who is in Christ Jesus will be put toshame on the last day. We have His Word on it.

Written by John Lofquist.

For he is Gods servant to do you good.

Larry AlderidgeOperations ManagerDavid Williams-Program Director


7/8

Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission P.O. Box 230510 Anchorage, Alaska 99523-0510

Here is my support gift: For Credit Card Donations:Food and Shelter: $_____Facilities Maintenance: $_____$46.25 For 25 Meals ______$74.00 For 40 Meals ______$132.20 For 72 Meals ______$277.50 For 150 Meals ______

______Other:______ I Will Pray for this Ministry.

I would like to charge my total donation of $__________________

Check One: Visa M/C Am/Ex Discover

Card Number __________________________________________Exp. Date: ______/______ Signature _______________________

Name:________________________________________________Address: ______________________________________________

Please send this coupon with your donations.

All credit card information is kept in strict confidenceMake checks payable to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

You will receive a receipt.

7

dire

ctors

des

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Rev.D

onBettis

1. Be Persistent The parable of the widow

and the unjust Judge.

2. Be InsistentIn spite of our soft modern

ways, the Bible speaks of storming heaven

and praying all night.

3. Be DissidentDo not try to answer your

own prayers.

4. Be ResistantWe fight against satan. He

knows when we pray and he knows when to

let the phone ring, dog bark or baby to cry.5. Pray in SecretTell God alone.

6. Be SpecificExact need.

7. Pray in Jesus Namethat what you are

praying for will bring glory and honor to

Him.

8. In FaithMk. 9:23, If thou can believe, all

things are possible.

prayerI have always believed in and practiced prayer for every aspect of my life. Butover the past few months PRAYER has become more of a reality to me when I

have seen what God has done in my own life and in this ministry. Even though

we have been limited by those in authority over us we continue to see Gods

hand on this ministry by providing for our needs and by sending those to our doors that we may be able to help

in other ways beside shelter. We are serving more meals, giving out more clothing and household items than ever

before and our NewLifeDisciplining Program has been constantly full with a waiting list for those that want and

need a program such as ours.

I have some notes on prayer I would like to share with you. Please read and study them and perhaps someday I can

come and present them to your church.

SIXTEEN LAWS OF PRAYER

9. Pleading the PromisesThere are 7,487

promises concerning prayer in the Bible also,

see Psalms 37.

10. Do not Dictateto God how He should answer

your prayer.

11. RealizingGods resources are limitless.

12. Pray according to Gods willwe do this

by seeking wisdom. Paul told the church at

Colosse to be filled with the knowledge of His

will.13. Pray until you can praiseHim for the

answer.

14. Praywith a desire to please and obey Him.

15. Pray with AuthorityUpon the authority of

Gods word and past answers to your prayers.

16. Pray for Others.


8/8

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postal

PAID

Anchorage, AKPermit # 290

Anchorage

Gospel

MissionA Ministry of

Rescue & Recovery

ge

ssionres

cue

newsrescu

e

[email protected]

P.O. Box 230510Anchorage, AK99523-0510(907) 563-5603

return service requested

STATEMENT OF FAITHThe Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a Non-Profit, Non-Denominationalorganization. We receive NO municipal, state or federal funds. We are not a UnitedWay Agency. Your financial support and In-Kind donations makes it possible for us to

provide for the poor, needy and homeless people in our community. Also, your donationsallow us to provide a Drug and Alcohol Recovery program. All Donations are fully taxdeductible. We will give you a receipt for your donation.

Associa

tion ofGo

sp

el

Missio

nsMember

resc

ue

urgent

Our supplies of theseitems is constantly in

need of replenishing

Prayer

Paper Towels

45 Gallon Trash Bags

Fresh Meat

Coffee

Bathroom Tissue

Laundry Soap

Disposable Shavers Cleaning Supplies

Liquid Dish Detergent

Dinner Napkins

Shampoo

urgent

Anchorage Gospel

Rescue Mission

Board of Trustees

Ed Shelton

(President)

Bob Collins( Vice President/treasure)

Enoch Adams

(Secretary)

Mark Soquet

Ralph Nobrega

Emeritus:

Cliff Hodgins

Rev. Willard Leisy

Advisory Board:

Paul Kelly

Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir.Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir.

resc

ue

recu

Our Ministry of

is to

the least

the last

the lost

Chapel Services for FebruarySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1GodsPlace

2Abbott LoopCommunity

Church

3Anchorage

PilgrimNazarene

4Anchorage

GospelSingers

5AnchorageVineyard

Fellowship

6First

PresbyterianChurch

7CalvaryBaptistChurch

8GodsPlace

9Church

of God ofProphecy

10First

Assembly ofGod

11Anchorage

Churchof Christ

12Christ

CommunityChurch

13CalvaryChurch

14Wasilla

Assemblyof God

15GraceVictory

Fellowship

16Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

17Anchorage

NativeAssembly

18Christian

EvangelicalChurch

19Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

20Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

21LighthouseChristian

Fellowship

22New Light

CommunityChurch

23CalvaryBaptist

24Attorney

Greg Grebe

25CalvaryBaptist

26EvangelicalCovenantChurch

27In His Name

SandyMcCollum

28Glenn

Herman

Nightly Services7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

february 2009 anchorage gospel rescue mission newsletter

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