april 2008 anchorage gospel rescue mission newsletter

8/8/2019 April 2008 Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Newsletter

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vid M. Williamsgram Director

rry Aldrichrations Manager

ndy Hessntenance Supervisor

rry O’Connoreg Mannil Givensger Kleinnn Baker

nt Supervisors

vid McKnightDriver

lomona Talivaantenance

hn Lofquistations

rtis Scogginsrn

Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission A Ministry of Rescue & Recovery A publication of the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission • Anchorage, Alaska

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What is a. . . . Gospel

Rescue

MissionOur Ministry is to,“the Least, the Last,

theLost”.

Christ our Creed—Love our Law. Under God, by His grace and through the Leadershipof the Holy Spirit a Gospel Rescue Mission is: an arm of the local church given to a soulsaving ministry among rejected and neglected people every-where. A home mission

station where Christianity is practiced every day of the year. It is a gospel orientedagency dedicated to helping those people the church does not reach. Although we arecalled upon to help a person meet material needs this is over-shadowed by meetingspiritual needs and preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all who will hear.Yes, the Gospel Rescue Mission strives to set people on their feet. But, more important itstrives to start them walking with God.

In Love and Compassion the Gospel Rescue Mission points out that God’s grace (Hisunmerited favor alone) recreates a life. This re-recreation is for men, women, youngpeople and children alike. This ministry gives evidence that God is no respecter of persons. The proof of this is recognized in that “if any man be in Christ, he is a new

creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. II Cor. 5:17.

Some have found and others will nd the Gospel Rescue Mission to be: A relief society…,a work therapy program geared to helping a person become rehabilitated, a shelter forthose without a roof over their head…, a home for the homeless…, a friendly inn wherefood is found for the body. The Gospel Rescue Mission endeavors to meet physical needsof all who seek out its help in order that it may minister to their spiritual needs. Why thisimage, this attitude, this approach? Because our Lord often identi ed with this typeof man or women or a child that would nd their way to a Gospel Rescue Mission. Heeven said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed me to preachthe gospel to the poor; He sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to

the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. Topreach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19.

The Gospel Rescue Mission remembers that our Lord set the pace and expects us to keepup by telling people everywhere that He said, “I am not come to call the righteous, butsinners to repentance”. Matt. 9:13.

(continued in Director’s Desk)



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Dispelling a Few MythsI would like to begin this article by dispelling a fewmyths. The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is nota drug & alcohol rehabilitation center. We are not aCommunity Correctional Residential Center (CCRC),and we are not a op house for the chronic inebriate.What we are is a spiritual recovery program in serviceto disenfranchised, helpless, lost, and hurting peoplein the Anchorage community. Our aim is to restorethe severed relationship between the Lord and theindividual. This severed relationship is at the root of most, if not all, problems faced by those we serve.

In exodus 20:3 The Lord instructs “You shall have noother gods before Me.” In Psalm 105:4 we are toldto “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his facealways.” Deuteronomy 6:5 commands us to “Love the

LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Psalm 65:30 says, “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him withthanksgiving.” All of this tells me we were created forone thing and one thing only, to be addicted to God!It makes perfect sense to me. If we were created to beaddictive beings it explains why we do the things wedon’t want to do. When we turn our face from Godwe have to nd something to ll this compulsion to be

dependent. That’s what an addiction really is, needingto rely on or trust in somebody or something for help orsupport, especially in the area of our need to feel safe.

There are a myriad of addictions to choose from.Drugs, Alcohol, sex, shopping, gambling, co-dependentrelationships, and food just to name a few. These areall coping behaviors designed to temporarily deadenunwanted thoughts, feelings, and memories in order forus to feel normal or safe.

The reason we are not a drug and alcohol rehabilitationcenter is because we do not teach the science of addiction. There are those who believe science andtheology are mutually exclusive. I’m not one of them. Ibelieve science, regardless of the eld, can do nothingbut point to the existence of a creator. Having said this Ibelieve there is a science associated with addiction. Thelimbic system, neocortex, and other areas of the brainall play an important role in our behaviors.

Pointing out the existence of the science behindaddiction is as far as we go. Thirty percent of ourprogram men remain clean and sober beyond twoyears after graduation. This impressive number is nota result of a rehabilitation or treatment program it is aby product of a restored relationship with our savior.In the end science, theory, speculation, and hypothesisevaporate in the presence of God. Once you haverestored your relationship with the Lord Jesus yourbehavior changes.

The reason we are not a Community CorrectionalResidential Center (CCRC) is simply because we donot lock the doors nor are we under contract with theDepartment of Corrections (DOC). Do we have menand women who use our service on parole or probation?Yes! One of the tragic reality of this business is mostof our clients are ex offenders. The operative wordhere is ex. Once these men and women complete theirobligation to the justice system we as a society haveallowed so many barriers to be erected they have littlechance of success. I don’t believe this has happenedout of spite but I do believe our fear has overridden ourreason.

Justice is a funny thing, if I demand justice I have to beprepared to receive justice. I once read a story about ayoung man who was brought before the famous civil wargeneral Robert E. Lee for some infraction of the camprules. As he stood there trembling before the generalthe general said, “You don’t have to be afraid you’ll nd justice here.” The young man replied, “That’s whatI’m afraid of.” The thought of God dispensing justiceto me is terrifying. I know what I deserve but becauseof grace I have been spared justice.

We have to stop making it impossible for these men

and women to move foreword in life. That’s why wedon’t discriminate against anyone at the AnchorageGospel Rescue Mission. If we did a lot of our problemswould evaporate. The new title 21 zoning beingimplemented turns any organization into a CCRCas soon as they accept someone who is on parole orprobation. The result is they are out of compliance withzoning regulations. Therefore they have to either shuttheir doors or discriminate. Our city code requires us todiscriminate? Say it isn’t so! I wish I could but I can’t.

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I begin this month’s report recognizing the Mission’s Board of Trustees and Emeritus who live Paul’s words inEphesians 4:1. Collectively these six men have served this Mission for 133 years or an average of about 22 yearseach. If these gentlemen volunteer about 5 hours a week in service to the Lord and this Mission; that’s about260 hour a year each. Collectively for their 133 years, that’s about 34,580 hours of volunteer service from thesesix men. Please pray for the Mission’s Board of Trustees and Advisory Board. These individual bear a heavy

responsibility and each needs the Lord’s support and your prayers.

Mission on the Move update. The Mission’s executive/professional staff and its Board are conducting an orderly,deliberate thoughtful prayerful process of risk quali cation, and future planning. The Rasmuson Foundationstepped forward in January to offer leadership assistance. On April 1, 2008, the Mission hosts the RasmusonFoundation’s president Diane Kaplan and program of cer Sammye Pokryfki for an initial get-acquainted meetingand Mission tour. NewLife program director David Williams and Executive Director Bro. Don Bettis have put the nishing touches on a nal draft ve-year plan; the focus of this plan is what the Mission needs to be to follow itspurpose and serve its constituency.

Mission on the Move volunteer request. Ladies and gentleman: If you or someone you know has a calling from theLord to step forward and volunteer to help, the Mission is ready to hear from you. From now through mid-May,our objective is to compile a list of volunteers; then with that list in hand we will begin to parse out projects thatmight interest you. Please call the Mission’s Assistant Executive Director Charlotte Bettis (or Miss Charlotte as theNewLife men know her), and get your name on the list. Miss Charlotte’s phone number is (907) 563-5603 and herfax number is (907) 563-3863. We are looking for people who would give from ½ hour to 10 hours a week for thisproject.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for the Lord’s help assembling a volunteer army. The Lord Needs You – An Army of You, not just one or two. We—all of us together—each doing a little part will together accomplish a miracle. Jointoday!

Thank You: Attn Mission News reader/supporter S.R. (you know who you are): Thank you and your family forvolunteering a few hours of your time to research and email to me what other Missions are doing around thecountry—like Children’s programs, Medical Clinics, Women’s Outreach and Clothes Closet. God Bless You foryour help! You are a good example to others who might spend a little time here or there to serve their Lord and HisMission.

Mission Status Report

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My name is Michael Knott and I’m27 years old. 15 of those 27 yearsI had a big problem with drugs. Istarted when I was 12 years oldby smoking pot and as I got olderI got deeper and deeper in. I’mnot proud of it but I’ve had myexperiences with a lot of differentsubstances.

When I was 18 years old I endedup getting into legal trouble for the rst time in my life. And thoughthat was my rst and only felonyI could not seem to get away fromthe misdemeanors. I ended up onprobation, and became a member

of the rotating door plan with thedepartment of corrections.

As bad as I knew the drugs were andthe fact they kept me going back to

jail didn’t slow me down. As soonas I got out I would go right back doing the same old thing. When Iwas 20 years old I was on housearrest and on July 7 of 2001 mygrandmother died. Three days lateron July 10 my mother who was mybest friend died, we buried both of them on the seventeenth. The nextday I turned 21.At that point my life was as low asIt could get. Or at least I thoughtthis was the bottom of my barrel.

I began to use drugs in earnest. Thislifestyle affected every part of my

life. From my relationship with myfather to my work and everythingin between. I know now that eventhough there were plenty of timesthat should have killed me God keptme alive because he has a plan formy life. I don’t know what it is rightnow but I believe that God broughtme to the “NewLife” Recovery

program at the Anchorage GospelRescue Mission to begin cleansingme from the things he didn’t likeabout my life.

Romans 8:28 says, “All thingswork together for good to thosewho love God, to those who arecalled according to his purpose.”So I believe that god allowed meto go through all that stuff so he

could bring me out of it now so Iwould have an awesome testimonywhich gives him glory.

There is no way I could begin toexpress my gratitude to God forbringing me this far and now I canhonestly say that I’m no longer justexisting in this world, I’m livingnow and I’m living for God. The“NewLife” program here at the

Rescue Mission has done wondersfor me. Part of what God is doing

in my life now is changing mydesires. Those desires kept draggedme down. Now my desires are forthe things that not only will help mebut also to help the community.

I’m interested in getting involvedin my church doing ministry work like street evangelism or hospitalministry or something along thoselines. Whatever it is I know it will

allow me to spread the word of God and what he has done and isdoing in my life. In my job hereat the mission I go out into thecommunity and pick up donationsfrom so many different people andbusiness, at rst it really surprisedme but the more I get to know Godthe more he reveals himself to methe more I realize it is his loveshining through his children.

When I graduate the programthis summer and go back into thecommunity I want people to seethe light of God shining throughme. I plan on staying in the word of God and to continue to grow in myloving relationship with my lord. Ipray that everyone who knows theLord continues to do the same and

for those who don’t know God Ipray for them to realize the savinggrace and knowledge that is JesusChrist lord and savior.

God bless you all!

The Love of Christ



Living Memorials ….touch lives as they honor the memory

of loved ones and friends.

In Memory of Esperanza M. Casas

by Martha CashenIn Memory of George Hixon

by Lee and Carolyn HollarKenneth and Maria Cobb

In Memory of Lowell and Betty Thorsness

by Curtis and Trudy LundIn Memory of

George Whalenby Edna Whalen

In Memory of

A.J. “Whitey” Yurmanby Mrs. J.A. Yurman

faith and purpose

However dark may seem…Or steep the path I trod…

I have no fear because I know…I have my faith in God…

I know He will not leave me or…Forget me in my need…

As long as I believe in Him… With every thought and deed…I may be foolish now and then…

And I may lose the way…But He is always at my side…

Wherever I may stray…His guiding grace reminds me of…

The mercy He has shown… And in my deepest misery…

I never feel alone…I know my God is willing to…

Forgive my every sin… As long as I have faith and I

Sincerely try to win…

“Without faith it is impossible to please God”… Hebrews 11:6

Please Let MeReminisce, Again

Last month I printed two very old songs in thisnewsletter and I never heard from anyone if they

remember them. I was sure,“The Old Fashioned Meeting” would have beenremembered by some. But, maybe it was too old.

See if you remember this one.

God Leads Us AlongIn Shady green pastures, so rich and so sweet,

God leads His dear children along;Where the water’s cold ow bathes

The weary one’s feet,God leads His dear children along

Sometimes on the mountain where theSun shines so bright,

God leads his dear children along;Sometimes in the valley in the darkness of night,God leads His dear children along.

Tho’ sorrows befall us and satan oppose,God leads His dear children along;

Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,God leads His dear children along.

Away from the mire and away from the clay,God leads His dear children along;

Away up in glory, eternity’s day,God leads His dear children along.

Chorus: repeat after each verse.Some thro’ the waters, some thro’ the ood,Some thro’ the re, but all thro’ the blood;

Some thro’ great sorrow, but God gives a song;In the night season and all the day long.

your will Have you prepared your will or planned your estate?

If not, you really need to attend to this matter soon.Someone that you do not even know could beappointed to handle these things for you when youare gone and your personal possessions and valuablescould go where you may not want them to go. Whenpreparing your will or estate. please remember theAnchorage Gospel Rescue Mission.



To visit our new travel page go towww.ytbtravel.com/anchoragerescue

or go to the Mission’s web page atwww.anchoragerescue.org

and click on the menu item Travel.

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The staff at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue seek to glorify the Lord through their ministry. Jesus, looking overthe centuries of unborn put His blessings on this extension of the church ministry (Gospel Rescue Missions),when He said, “the poor ye have with you always”. John 12:8. There will always be a need for the Gospel RescueMission. This is true in spite of efforts on the part of men and governments to silence the Gospel.

There is an ever-increasing number of what sociologist term the “low bottom” people. You count then in every agerange; children, youth and adults. These are largely neglected because of moral, ethical, mental or physical stenchthey raise. Many of these from the, “street of forgotten men”, in desperation turn to the Gospel Rescue Mission asa last resort. Thus, ministering in the name of our lovely Lord the Gospel Rescue Mission seeks to reach them

for CHRIST who is the answer to their problems. The Gospel Rescue Mission does not ask, “Why are you here”but rather, now that you are here turn what is left of your life over to Christ.”

In feeding or housing the unemployed or unemployable, the Gospel Rescue Mission helps to keeps some fromrobbing or stealing or pursuing other lawless ways. So, this ministry has a part in protecting the community,

people, property and the person himself from doing something harmful and destructive.

To this service is linked the preaching of the Gospel. Sin is rampant in the world and in the mad procession thereare multitudes that never darken the sanctuary of any church. Some of these will be reached by the Gospel Rescue

Mission and every effort will then be made to guide them to the church. There they can take their place asmembers of society

Did I Hear You Say….How Can I Have A Part….How can I Help?

You as a person, and your church a Christian community, can pray for your local Gospel Rescue Mission andthose in charge of its operation… you can with full assurance of being appreciated, participate in its service tothe homeless… become acquainted with the staff and share constructively its problems and burdens… also, youmay contribute nancially or with-in kind donations. For de nite suggestions on how you may help contact LarryAldridge, Operations Manager or David Williams Program Director at 563-5603. Don Bettis

What is a GospelRescue Mission … continued



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 con denceMake checks payable to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

You will receive a receipt.

7

www.anchoragerescue.org We invite you to visit us on the web ordrop us an E-mail with your comments

and suggestions

Learning Center Wish List

SoftwareComputersGED TextbooksComputer TextbooksCompost ion Notebooks

Gift cards to Barnes & Noble orBest Buy are a great way to donatetextbooks and software.

•••••

Learning Center Update

Neil Givens has been named as our newLearning Center Administrator

Look for Neil’s Learning Center Updatearticle in the May 2008 newsletter.He will provide our readers with hisassessment of our needs in the EducationDepartment.

and ideas. It is so very important for each of you tounderstand we cannot do what we do without you!

Continued from page 2

The reason we are not a op house for the chronicinebriate is because we don’t allow anyone who hasbeen drinking to stay at our facility. The reason wedon’t allow this is because intoxicated people take awaythe safety of our other guest. Everyone deserves a safeenvironment what is provided here at the AnchorageGospel Rescue Mission is a safe healing environment.We also believe it’s important to set boundaries andstandards. Our behavior is dictated by our character andour character is rooted in our belief system. We refuseto compromise our beliefs because to do so places ourcharacter at risk.

There are those in the community who believe weenable the homeless population. To be fair we probablydo when it comes to those individuals who choose tobe homeless. Homelessness is, after all, a lifestyle thatrequires no responsibility what so ever. As strange as itmight seem to some this attracts a small percentage of people. Do we then sacri ce all the other men, women,and children who rely upon the Mission for basicnecessities? Of course not! Are there some who get overon us because of our desire to help? Yes! However justas our justice system would rather see a guilty man gofree rather than have an innocent man go to jail. We atthe Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission would rather betaken advantage of by those who use the system ratherthan deny those who rely on the system.

I suppose the most important myth we would like todispel an that is the ideal this is our Ministry. The bottomline is this is your Ministry! All we do is oversee it onyour behalf. We are open to comments, suggestion,



ur Ministry of

Is toThe least

The lastThe lost

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“URGENT”Our supplies of theseitems is constantly inneed of replenishing

PrayerPaper Towels45 Gallon Trash BagsFresh MeatCoffeeBathroom Tissue

Laundry SoapDisposable ShaversCleaning SuppliesDinner NapkinsShampoo

“URGENT”

Anchorage GospelRescue Mission

Board of TrusteesEd Shelton(President)Bob Collins

( Vice President/treasure)Enoch Adams(Secretary)

Mark Soquet

Emeritus:Cliff Hodgins

Rev. Willard leisy Advisory Board:

Paul Kelly

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

MEMBER

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u eAssociation of Gospel Missions

An association of Rescue Ministries

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Non-Pro t OU.S. Postal

PAID

Anchorage, APermit # 290

AnchorageGospel

Mission A Ministry of

Rescue & Recovery

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[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 United WayAgency. Your nancial support and In-Kind donations make it possible for us to providefor the poor, needy and homeless people in our community. Also, your donations allow usto provide a Drug and Alcohol Recovery program. All Donations are fully tax deductible.We will give you a receipt for your donation.

Visit us at:2823 E. Tudor Rd.Anchorage, AK 99507

Chapel Services for AprilSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1Anchorage

PilgrimNazarene

2Anchorage

GospelSingers

3Anchorage

VineyardFellowship

4First

PresbyterianChurch

5Wasilla

Assemblyof God

6God’sPlace

7Abbot LoopCommunity

Church

8First

Assembly ofGod

9Change

Point

10Christ

CommunityChurch

11CalvaryChurch

12Lighthouse

ChristianFellowship

13

God’sPlace

14

Churchof God ofProphecy

15

AnchorageNativeAssembly

16

ChristianEvangelicalChurch

17

SherbahnEvangelisticTeam

18

SherbahnEvangelisticTeam

19

GlennHerman

20Grace

VictoryFellowship

21Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

22Attorney

Greg Grebe

23CalvaryBaptistChurch

24EvangelicalCovenant

Church

25In His Name

SandyMcCollum

26Change

Point

27New Light

CommunityChurch

28CalvaryBaptistChurch

29Grace

BrethrenEagle River

30Change

Point

Nightly Services 7:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

april 2008 anchorage gospel rescue mission newsletter

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