April 2009 Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Newsletter

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

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Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

A Ministry of Rescue & Discipleship

a publication of theAnchorage Gospel Rescue Mission • Anchorage, Alaska

Larry AldrichOperations Manager

David WilliamsProgram Director

Randy HessMaintenance Supervisor

Larry O’ConnorGreg MannRoger KleinJohn LofquistGuest Supervisors

David McKnightVan Driver

Solomona TalivaaMaintenance

Darlene WhaleyKitchen Manager

Anthony BooneIntern

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and the angel said to them, “why seek ye theliving among the dead? He is not here,

but is risen....”. Luke 24:1-6.

….Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the sepulcher----and theangel said unto the women, “fear not for I know that ye seek Jesus, which wascruci ed. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come and see the placewhere the Lord lay”. Matthew 28:1—5,6.

We Can Face Tomorrow! In these very trying and uncertain times we can nd solace in the fact that no

matter what happens in this world, as Christians we can have complete faithand con dence in the outcome of whatever may happen—God is still in charge.Because He lives we have complete victory over the world, satan and whateverelse we may face. The victory is in the resurrection of our Lord. Paul tells us,“without this hope he would be of all men most miserable”.

The resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ should be the most signi cantevent in the life of any Christian—except for their own personal salvation experience andthat could not have happened without His resurrection!

The resurrection solidi es our faith, gives us hope and assures us eternal life with Him(because He lives, we also shall live). Again, In I Corinthians 15:19 Paul tells us, “If in thislife only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable”. He continues, “but nowis Christ risen from the dead”. Paul recalls the life of Christ in I Corinthians 15:3-4, “howthat Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures”. I am so thankful that He did notleave us without hope. Yes, because He lives we also will live forever with Him.

Do You Have This Hope?

Because He Lives



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We invite you to visitus on the web or drop

us an e-mail withyour comments and

suggestions

“Be Prepared”My sermon for today is “Be Prepared”, that is also theBoy Scout’s motto. It is also what the Bible wants us to

do everyday of our lives, and that is to be prepared for thesecond coming of Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior.

I was watching the History channel on television theother night, and it showed a meteorite that hit thiswindmill in northern Arizona and it landed in DallasTexas. Now a windmill is about thirty to forty feet highright. Can you imagine the speed that it was traveling.It made me think of what the Bible said about Jesus’second coming, we would be transformed in thetwinkling of an eye. In my mind, I can see our LORD

and Savior riding a white horse with

re in his eyes,and a sword in his hand, and this time he’s not comingas a lamb. No.. No.. No. He’s coming for vengeance.Are you prepared for his second coming, if you’re notthen you better get ready. In the Old Testament Godgave instructions to his prophets about telling thepeople about repenting. The prophets in the Bible madeit clear to the people that God despises those who treatothers unfairly or who cheat others for personal gain,

just read Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Proverbs 11:1; 20:10,23. That’s right my friend when Jesus Christ comesback this time he’s coming for the saved and the lost.

Now you may ask, who are the saved, well the savedare those that believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That’s not all! You must be obedient to God’sWord. There are a lot of people in this world who knowabout God, they know about Jesus, they know about

the Bible, they can recite scriptures from theBible, but do they practice what the Bible

says? God doesn’t just want hearers of his word, hewants doers. Who are the lost, well my friend the lostare those people that chose to follow Satan. The devil isGod’s arch enemy. The devil has just three purposes inlife, and that is to steal, kill and destroy, and he does thatby getting into your mind. The devil is crafty, just look at his name DEVIL, you take away the D and what doyou have EVIL. Just when you think that you are safe,that’s when he strikes. You think that you have it goodhere at the Mission, then all of a sudden after a coupleof weeks or a couple of months you know everything.I have seen this happen over and over. The devil willtell you that you can make it on your own, or that youhave children that need your love and attention. YouBig Dummy! Don’t you know that you can’t even takecare of yourself let along your kids. That‘s the mainpurpose for you being in this program at the Mission, rst you have to get yourself straight. Don’t you knowthat nobody can save you but you. Your momma can’tsave you, your daddy can’t save you, your sister can’tsave you, you have to save yourself. God wants tohelp you but you have to ask him for his help. Whenyou came to this Mission and enrolled in this programyou agreed to give God your undivided attention fortwo full years. Now that doesn’t mean for you to comein here and just eat three times a day and get a bed.My friend you have to study the word of God andput his words into action for this program to work. When someone tries to help us and correct us, wehave two choices. We can either listen and learn asthe wise person does, or we can get angry and rebelas the mocker does. To mock and hate those who areconcerned for us is to deny that we have a problem.This is where that Genesis program here at the Missioncomes in, it is here to help us. If we are wise, we willbe honest enough to admit that we have a problem andwe need help. This attitude enables recovery. Mockerswill reject good advice and be overtaken by their sins.

continued on page 5

Our “ NewLife ” Disciples are encouraged to write andpresent short sermons at our house meetings held eachFriday. The purposes of these sermons are to helpthe men develop research skills, speaking skills, andwriting skills. They also allow the men to share withtheir brothers the things that weigh heavy upon theirhearts. We felt compelled to share one of these sermonswith our readers so that you may get a glimpse intothe concerns that face the men in “ NewLife ”. We do sowith permission from Cado Spates.

David WilliamsProgram Director



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Living Memorials …. touch lives as they honor the memory

of loved ones and friends.In Memory of Phyllis Burt

by Eugene and Nancy Ervine

In Memory of Frank, Esperanza andErnest Casas

by Martha Cashen

In Memory of Carolyn Lodwig

Maxine ReedMaratha Roderick

by Mary Doppelfeld

In Memory of

Ruth Schulzby Joseph Schulz

National Weather Service

* * * * *

Our Web Site

I want to encourage you to visit our web site if youhave not. There you may nd information aboutthe Mission that you do not get in this newsletter.We try to keep you informed and updated on whatis going on here. You can read this newsletter orpast newsletters if you are interested, meet our staff and those in the “ NewLife” Discipleship Program,volunteer information, reads others comments aboutthe Mission, see our current needs, check out theChapel service calendar, read some of the history of the Mission, see the people we serve and you can evenmake a donation to the Mission on line with all of the security that is possible to keep your informationcon dential.Then go to guest book and sign in and let us knowwhat you think or what may need to be added to thissite. Thanks!

Another Favorite

I was watching “Billy Graham Classics” from the late50’s, the other night and I heard George Beverly Sheasing this old favorite of mine. His singing thrills myheart

See if you remember—

Until Then

My heart can singWhen I pause to remember

A heartache hereIs but a stepping stone.

Along a trail that’sWinding always upward,

This troubled worldIs not my nal home.

The things of earthWill dim and lose their value

If we recall they’reBorrowed for a while;

And things of earthThat cause the heart to tremble,

Remembered there,Will only bring a smile.

This weary world,With all its toil and struggle

May take its tollOf misery and strife;

The soul of manIs like a waiting falcon;

When it’s released,It’s destined for the skies.

Chorus: (repeat after each verse)

But until then,My heart will go on singing,

Until thenWith joy I’ll carry on,

Until the dayMy eyes behold the city,

Until the dayGod calls me home.

Please let me know if you rememberthis old hymn of the faith.



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I want to thank God for bringing me to the RescueMission. While here I’ve been given the opportunityto learn more about myself and what God has in storefor me.

When I came to the Mission I did not know God. Thestaff has helped me nd what was missing in my life. Ibegan on safety watch which forced me to slow downand take a long hard look at myself. I also began toread and memorize scripture. The staff has been thereto help on those occasions when I have lost focus andbecame sidetracked. They have steered me back ontothe path I long to be on.

The Mission has taught me how to get back inalignment with God. Like any job the Mission hastrained me to be victorious in life. After 90 days theyput me in computer class and gave me more tasks todo for phase II. During this phase they have taughtme how to focus on my goals in life more effectivelyand how to take a discouraging situation and make itwork for my best interest. I cannot change my past,but I am doing something positive right now, thanksto the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission’s “ NewLife ”Recovery Program, I have hope for a brighter future.I have graduated from required computer classes andam pursuing extensive computer skills through moreeducation at the Rescue Mission.

God does not care what religion or denomination youare, the only thing that He is concerned with is theintimate relationship that we have together. I haven’tbeen doing a very good job in the past, but now I amcon dent better decisions are being made . I came to

the Mission with many problems and havefound out through the friendships I havemade here I am not alone. Honesty and

integrity seem to be high on God’s list of things Hewants for our lives, so we are encouraged to look back in our lives to identify and correct the thinking errorsthat have resulted in bad choices.

“All things work together for good to those who loveGod, to those who are called according to his purpose.”(Romans 8:28)

Before I came to the Mission I struggled with the conceptof a God of the universe. But through my studies hereat the Mission I’ve come to know that God is not onlypossible but very real and I often pray that He wouldreveal himself to me in a way that I could recognize andunderstand. I’ve learned when I’m feeling bad or whenlife doesn’t seem to be running as smoothly as I think it should, how to look up towards Almighty God forstrength. In Christ, I nd all of the security and serenityI need when I make mistakes. Frustration with life isno reason for me to give up. I still nd myself growingmore and more comfortable with my sobriety, and moreimportantly, growing closer to God. I’ve still got a longway to go in both my sobriety and getting closer to God.

Before joining The “ NewLife ” Discipleship TrainingProgram I didn’t go to church. I have classes here thathelp me learn more about God and what he has donefor me in my life. There are a lot of different churchesthat come here. Different religions and they all havetheir interpretation of the Bible. At the Mission I haveheard the same message from different guest and geta different message from each one. Unless it is withme continually, the inconsistencies of my natural heartwill appear and life will be a constant struggle. Goingthrough the phases at the Rescue Mission helps mekeep focused on my journey toward God.

my new life To the staff of the Rescue Mission:



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Each phase has its own tasks to work on. Phase Iintroduces us to scripture and helps us nd our identity inChrist. Phase II help us purge bad habits by identifyingand concerning false beliefs, negative behaviors, andour destructive thinking. Phase III is designed to helpus recognize and to understand the power of the HolySpirit. In each of the three phases I have learned aboutGod, what He has done for me, and what He is going todo for me. The conclusion I’ve reached is His promisesare real!

At night I visit with other men in “ NewLife ” beforegoing to bed. I’ve found surrounding yourself withlikeminded Christian men is important. Being at theAnchorage Gospel Rescue Mission has taught me thereis but one power that can break the hold of evil frommy heart that is the Lord Jesus Christ. The staff is veryhelpful and that helps me trust people more then I’veever have done in the past. When Christ entered myheart there was a change in my character and attitudewhich has resulted in a changed life. I felt an emptyspace being lled with the loving power of God and theHoly Spirit.

What has being at the Mission meant to me? Well I’vebeen clean and sober for seventeen month and I havebeen baptized. Every day I try to do what is right butwithout the Lord I fail, and being at the Mission hastaught me in my failures God’s love and grace abound.God has led me to the grace of Christ and He will leadmy soul to drink of the water of life because God mademe the Christian I am today.

Denny Lef er

Continued from page 2

The “NewLife” Program is helping us to build a solidfoundation that will keep us from falling for Satan’s

evil schemes. Just like a building’s foundation keeps itfrom falling in a storm or strong wind. Without a solid,lasting foundation, tall buildings wouldn’t last verylong. We encounter all sorts of “storms” along the roadto recovery. Whether or not we can stand fast throughthe many storms we encounter depends on the strengthof our “foundation” of faith. Our foundation---that is,our trust in God –will support and steady us so wecan get through even the toughest cyclones. When weencounter dif culties, it is a real challenge to weather

the storms and learn what God is teaching us throughthem. For people of faith, such trails are opportunitiesfor personal growth.

Dif culties and temptations are facts of life foreveryone, particularly those of us with a backgroundof addiction. We may be tempted to return to ourdestructive behaviors, but don’t do it. As we facedif cult times, our attitude can make all the difference.Seeing our trials as building blocks to God’s work in our life may help us change our negative attitudetoward tough times. We can have joy during these trailsbecause through them we learn patience, an essentialingredient for successful recovery.

Isn’t time you thought about what you’re going todo. Isn’t it time you thought about , what’s right foryou. Isn’t it time you thought about what went wrong.Isn’t it time you thought about coming home. Isn’tit time you thought about all the misery, isn’t it timeyou thought about being free. Isn’t it time you thoughtabout a brighter day, and isn’t time you thought aboutchanging your ways. Every day it gets harder in a worldthat’s so cold, don’t you think its time you thoughtabout renewing your soul.

You’re never going to make it all by yourself. Godis waiting on you, and you know you need the help.So remember brother let us all stay prepared for theSecond Coming.



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II Timothy 3:1-9—(Please read it all). Verse 1 tells us that, “in the last days perilous times shall come.” If you are aware of world affairs you will know that there have never been more perilous times than these days weare living in now. Prophesy and the signs of the times point to the soon return of our Lord. These are economicconditions, terrorism, murders, and all of the other things listed in the text. The Bible plainly promises us thatJesus will return to take those that have accepted Him as their Savior to live with Him in His glorious presenceforever. Everyone else will be left behind to face God’s wrath and judgment. If Jesus were to return today, doyou know if He would take you to heaven? This is the most important question you will ever answer—do now

whatever it takes to make your future secure.

DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!

Our Lord made certain predictions about the time before His coming again. He said that there would be earthquakes,wars, violence, moral decay and permissiveness, tribulations, people betraying one another. The news is lled withreports of murders, robberies and rapes. All of these signs seem to indicate that something will happen soon—couldit be the return of JESUS? All of these changes are happening. But there is one thing that never changes. God neverchanges. Mal. 3:6, “I am the Lord, I change not.” God does not change in any way, His nature, His holiness, Hisrighteousness—He never changes. But, He is also a God of Judgment. Jesus taught us that there is a coming a daythat those that have not accepted Him as their Savior would be judged. However, He is still unchanging in His love.He loves you. He has a plan for your life.

Please do not let everything that is happening in the world disillusion you. God is still on His throne and He is incontrol of everything.

God’s word has not changed either. The Bible tells us, “that whosoever will” may come to know God through theshed blood of Jesus Christ. He is calling for you right now. It has been over 2000 years since the angel proclaimed,“that this same Jesus that you see ascend into heaven shall so come in like manner…”. What has happened, why hasHe not returned—the time has not been right, but the signs of the time all point to His soon return.

ARE YOU READY?

If not, all you have to do is ask Him to come into your heart, confess Him as your Savior, accept it by faith andbelieve that He has saved you, turn from your sin and make Him the Lord of your life.

THEN YOU WILL NOT BE LEFT BEHIND!

Please make this decision now. If you need someone to talk to please call the Mission and ask for the Chaplain,David Williams or me— Bro. Don

jesus is comingare you ready?

Don’t Be Left Behind!



Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission P.O. Box 230510 Anchorage, Alaska 99523-0510Here 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 con denceMake checks payable to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

You will receive a receipt.

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Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is thenatural impulse to express that feeling.

Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.

American author, educator, and clergyman.Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)

TheTrap

The last couple weeks have been dif cult for theMission staff and disciples. The truth is it has beenthe most dif cult time I’ve ever experienced as aProgram Director. We lost seven of our Disciples tothe consequences of bad choices. Six ignored all theevidence and advice gifted to them from the staff andtheir fellow Disciples while One was asked to leavebecause his behavior resulted in the safety of othersbeing taken away. Regardless of the circumstancessurrounding their departure it’s frustrating to witnesspeople with such potential veer off the path of spiritualrecovery. You know from experience things will notwork out for the person. Reports of relapse are already ooding in!

It’s times like these when you begin to wonder if perhaps you’ve chosen the wrong line of work. Thisis not the rst time I’ve become discouraged and I’mguessing it want be the last. The truth is I’ve oftenwondered why I chose to make Rescue Ministry mylife’s work. Of course it doesn’t take long to realizeyou really don’t choose Rescue Ministry it sort of chooses you. Knowing this does little for the boohoo

moments, like the men who ignored the wise councilof their brothers, I too ignore the wisdom gifted byGod as a reminder, He chose me! Despite this gloriousknowledge I get into that bad place where I feel sorryfor myself because in my pride I’ve made things aboutme. God’s grace is such that even in the depths of myfoolishness He reaches out to rescues me.

The Rescue

My rescue came in a familiar disguise. A disguise I seeso regularly I just as regularly overlook them. I wasstanding in the lobby when an elderly Homeless manapproached me. Although I’m use to seeing ragtagout ts of all sorts I must confess his was worse thanmost but in a good way. What I mean by that is hisclothing was worn in all the right places to make onebelieve he was not afraid of an honest day’s work. Hewore the hardships of his life in every leathery creasesof his face and his eyes looked tired and sad. He reachedinto his pocket and pulled out three crumpled up onedollar bills and handed them to me. “I know it’s notmuch, but you guys take care of me and I just want tohelp out.” With that he turned and walked out the door.

Thank you God for using this good man as a way of reminding me why I’m in Rescue Ministry. I’m gratefulto be your servant and I ask you to help me serve gratefully.

Amen

The vacancy’s will be lled quickly because the need isso great. Two were lled before I could complete thisarticle. As we celebrate Easter this year let us rememberGod chose us!

God Grant Me The Gratitude



GOD BLESS AMERICA

Non-Pro t Org.U.S. Postal

PAID

Anchorage, AKPermit # 290

AnchorageGospel

MissionA Ministry of

Rescue & Recovery

ge

sion r e s c u

e

news r e s c

u [email protected]

P.O. Box 230510•Anchorage, AK•99523-0510•(907) 563-5603return service requested

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

A s s

o c i a

t i o n o f G

o s

p e l

M i s s i o

n s Member

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“urgent”

O ur supplies of theseitems is constantly inneed 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 GospelRescue Mission

Board of TrusteesEd Shelton(President)

Bob Collins( Vice President/treasure)Enoch Adams

(Secretary)Mark Soquet

Ralph NobregaBob SloanEmeritus:

Cliff HodginsRev. Willard LeisyAdvisory Board:

Paul Kelly

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

r e s c u e

r ec u

Our Ministry of

is tothe least

the lastthe lost

Chapel Services for AprilSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1Anchorage

GospelSingers

2Anchorage

VineyardFellowship

3First

PresbyterianChurch

4CalvaryBaptistChurch

5God’sPlace

6Abbott LoopCommunity

Church

7Anchorage

PilgrimNazarene

8Anchorage

Churchof Christ

9Christ

CommunityChurch

10CalvaryChurch

11Wasilla

Assemblyof God

12God’sPlace

13Church

of God ofProphecy

14First

Assembly ofGod

15Christian

EvangelicalChurch

16Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

17Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

18Lighthouse

ChristianFellowship

19Grace

VictoryFellowship

20Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

21Anchorage

NativeAssembly

22CalvaryBaptist

23EvangelicalCovenant

Church

24In His Name

SandyMcCollum

25Glenn

Hermann

26New Light

CommunityChurch

27CalvaryBaptist

28Attorney

Greg Grebe

29Change

Point

30ShilohBaptistChurch

Nightly Services7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

April 2009 Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Newsletter

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