Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

u e A Ministry of
february
2009
s c Rescue & Discipleship

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a publication of the

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Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission • Anchorage, Alaska

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5 Happy Valentine’s
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Day
BRINGS Some examples from the Romans 13:10—Love worketh
scriptures that we as Christians no ill to his neighbour:
Larry Aldrich
Operations Manager THOUGHTS should practice! therefore love is the fulfilling of
David Williams OF LOVE John 13:14—A new
the law.
Program Director
commandment I give unto you, These are only a few of the
Someone said, “Love makes
Randy Hess That ye love one another; as many scriptures that could be
Maintenance Supervisor the world go.” This is a great
I have loved you, that ye also used to show our obligations as
saying but it is put into practice
Larry O’Connor love one another. Christians to show love.
so little in this day and time.
Greg Mann People are so rude, impatience, John 15:12—This is my Back to celebrating Valentines’s
Roger Klein inconsiderate, selfish and self- commandment, That ye love Day and love. Don’cha just
John Lofquist centered that there is never a one another, as I have loved enjoy all the symbols of love—
Guest Supervisors
thought of the other person, it you. the hearts, the flowers, Cupid
David McKnight is just ME or I and what I can and his bow and arrow, all of the
Van Driver do or get for me without any Matthew 5:44—Love your red, white and festive colors.
consideration for those that are enemies, bless them that curse It is a great day to celebrate
Solomona Talivaa in need or less fortunate than you, do good to them that hate this time together with your
Maintenance
themselves. you, and pray for them which loved one. My, my a long life
Darlene Whaley despitefully use you, and together with the one you truly
Kitchen Manager
I know that the world will persecute you….”. love is beyond compare to
Anthony Boone never observe or adhere to the
Intern Romans 12:9-10—Let love anything you can imagine. One
type of love that was spoken
be without hypocrisy. Abhor day you may be able to recall
by Jesus and the other writers
that which is evil; cleave to all of the good times and bad
of the Bible—but what about
that which is good. Be kindly times that the Lord has brought
Christians—when will we
affectionate one to another you through; but they were all
ever put the principles of this
with brotherly love; in honor glorious times because your
love that we learn from the were with the one you love.
preferring one another….
scriptures into practice.
 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
Anchorage’s 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.
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

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 Rock bottom boys
case may be, without notice, I am called to fill this
portion of the service.

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others in the “NewLife” discipleship training program
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another and other disciples stepping up to the plate to

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We invite you to visit

help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have now
us on the web or drop
formed a gospel music band called the “Rock Bottom
us an e-mail with
Boys”. We are all honored to be able to serve the
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 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. Carmichael
James 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 Nobrega
In 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 Marlow
by 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 Zellmer
Thom and Elaine Hathaway
Ken and Sharman Collins
by Vickie Turner
Your Will
Please 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 Rest
My soul in sad exile was out on life’s 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, who’ll 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.
I’ve anchored my soul, In the Haven of Rest,
I’ll sail the wild seas no more;
The Tempest may sweep
O’er the wild stormy deep,
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.
UNBELIEVABLE!
A Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life survey
showed that 65 percent of the people that
identified themselves as “religious” believe
there is more than one way to heaven. Also,
52 percent of “Christians” said those of other
faiths—Jews, Hindus, Muslims and those of no
faith may very well find eternal life.
What a challenge for Evangelical Christians.
3

es
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m were true to their word I was kicked out nine months
s ti
te
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. It’s completely voluntary. Consequently
the 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 aren’t and there are those who are
interested yet don’t feel ready to share their names. This
is one of those testimonies. We’ve 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 pride
been 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
Hello America,
I’m 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 Mission’s
“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
4
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
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 didn’t
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 so
well. Perhaps the reason I couldn’t 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 yards
away and about 40 feet high add to that these guards
were trained marksmen and I don’t 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 wasn’t worth very much.
Realizing you’re worthless makes you do a lot of
thinking. I went to the Chapel services I’d told
myself time and time again I would or should attend
someday. I remember repeating the Preacher’s 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 sinner’s
prayer and although I thought I was saved I didn’t 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 God’s 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 God’s 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 God’s 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 Father’s Will!
I’ve been convicted and know God is my father who
is the same today as he was yesterday and as he will
be tomorrow. I’ve 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 blind
in one eye and can’t 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 of
no 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 month’s 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
don’t. My ineptness is noted and I will strive to do a
better job in the future.
5
 “For he is God’s servant to do you good.”
If I were to leave the Mission today, never to return,
these snapshots of these two men would be the
memory I would carry in my minds eye of them. The
photo of Larry is how he appears early in the morning
when he arrives at work. You see, Larry walks to, and
from work every day; Monday thru Friday. The route
between his house and the Mission take him through
a portion of Anchorage’s greenbelts that follows our
city’s streams. I imagine it is a peaceful way to start
the workday and make a smooth mental transition
from homelife to worklife. Then back again, from
worklife to homelife. It also is a good way to stay in
touch with many of the homeless who are “camping
David Williams-Program Director
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 snappier
dresser then this, and as a Program Director he
should be. But it is well known that David will not ask
someone to do something that he isn’t willing to do
himself. In this case he is showing a new janitor the
ropes. Most often he can be found sitting in front of
a computer screen with an intense look on his face,
deep in concentration. How many computer geeks
do you know that can buff a bathroom floor to a
spit-shine polish? Seriously though, working at the
Mission requires a person to be flexible. No one here
at the Mission can afford to “forget where they came
from,” and that means everyone. When we begin to
forget where it is that we have come from God is not
slow in reminding us.
When I look at these pictures and some of the group
photos that I have of us, both staff and the “NewLife”
Disciples in the program, I am reminded of a section
of Scripture that I wish to share with you.
Galatians 6
Doing Good to All
6 1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin,
you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But
watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry
each other’s burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is
something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4
Each one should test his own actions. Then he can
take pride in himself, without comparing himself to
somebody else, 5for each one should carry his
own load.
“Carrying each others burdens” and “each one
carrying his own load” seem like God is contradicting
Himself in His Word to us. Since God can not
contradict Himself what does this mean? To me it
Larry Alderidge—Operations Manager
means that as a community of believers we need
all the others in the group to love and support us.
We each need the patience and tolerance of the
group. We need encouragement and at the same
time accountability. In short, grace and mercy
must never be in short supply. Unfortunately, these
essential qualities do not come naturally to us.
They must be deveolped and nurtured and allowed
to grow in our characters. As for “each one carrying
his own load,” we as individuals must consistently
strive to do our best each day in what ever we do,
and not giving up when we fail. Failure is a part
of life and here again we need our brothers and
sisters’ acceptance and encouragement.
Perseverance is going to be my watchword for this
year. Perseverance with others and perseverance
with myself. Romans 5:3-5 says: “3Not only so,
but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we
know that suffering produces perseverance;
4
perseverance, character; and character,
hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because
God has poured out his love into our hearts by the
Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. I am confidant
that no one who is in Christ Jesus will be put to
shame on the last day. We have His Word on it.
Written by John Lofquist.
 re
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Bett
is prayer
di .D I have always believed in and practiced prayer for every aspect of my life. But
e v over the past few months PRAYER has become more of a reality to me when I
R 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 God’s
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 “NewLife” Disciplining 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

1. Be Persistent – The parable of the widow 9. Pleading the Promises—There are 7,487
and the unjust Judge. promises concerning prayer in the Bible also,
2. Be Insistent—In spite of our soft modern see Psalms 37.
ways, the Bible speaks of storming heaven 10. Do not Dictate—to God how He should answer
and praying all night. your prayer.
3. Be Dissident—Do not try to answer your 11. Realizing—God’s resources are limitless.
own prayers. 12. Pray according to God’s will—we do this
4. Be Resistant—We fight against satan. He by seeking wisdom. Paul told the church at
knows when we pray and he knows when to Colosse to be filled with the knowledge of His
let the phone ring, dog bark or baby to cry. will.
5. Pray in Secret—Tell God alone. 13. Pray until you can praise—Him for the
6. Be Specific—Exact need. answer.
7. Pray in Jesus Name—that what you are 14. Pray—with a desire to please and obey Him.
praying for will bring glory and honor to 15. Pray with Authority—Upon the authority of
Him. God’s word and past answers to your prayers.
8. In Faith—Mk. 9:23, If thou can believe, all 16. Pray for Others.
things are possible.

Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission P.O. Box 230510 Anchorage, Alaska 99523-0510
Here is my support gift: For Credit Card Donations:
Food and Shelter: $_____ I would like to charge my total donation of $__________________
Check One: Visa  M/C  Am/Ex  Discover 
Facilities Maintenance: $_____
$46.25 For 25 Meals ______
$74.00 For 40 Meals ______ Card Number __________________________________________
$132.20 For 72 Meals ______
Exp. Date: ______/______ Signature _______________________
$277.50 For 150 Meals ______
______Other: All credit card information is kept in strict confidence
______ I Will Pray for this Ministry. Make checks payable to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission
You will receive a receipt.

Name:________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________
Please send this coupon with your donations. 7
 Our Ministry of
Chapel Services for February
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
u e
es c 1
God’s
2
Abbott Loop
3
Anchorage
4
Anchorage
5
Anchorage
6
First
7
Calvary
r is to
Place Community
Church
Pilgrim
Nazarene
Gospel
Singers
Vineyard
Fellowship
Presbyterian
Church
Baptist
Church
the least 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
God’s Church First Anchorage Christ Calvary Wasilla
the last Place of God of Assembly of Church Community Church Assembly
the lost Prophecy God of Christ Church of God
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Grace Sherbahn Anchorage Christian Sherbahn Sherbahn Lighthouse
Victory Evangelistic Native Evangelical Evangelistic Evangelistic Christian
“urgent”
“urgrgeen
ent” Fellowship Team Assembly Church Team Team Fellowship

Our supplies of these 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

New Light Calvary Attorney Calvary Evangelical In His Name Glenn
items is constantly in Community Baptist Greg Grebe Baptist Covenant Sandy Herman
need of replenishing Church Church McCollum

† Prayer Nightly Services

† Paper Towels
† 45 Gallon Trash Bags
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
† Fresh Meat
† Coffee
† Bathroom Tissue
L
O
† Laundry Soap
† Disposable Shavers STATEMENT OF FAITH D
† Cleaning Supplies Pr
The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a Non-Profit, Non-Denominational
† Liquid Dish Detergent organization. We receive NO municipal, state or federal funds. We are not a United
† Dinner Napkins Way Agency. Your financial support and In-Kind donations makes it possible for us to R
M
† Shampoo provide for the poor, needy and homeless people in our community. Also, your donations
“urgent” allow us to provide a Drug and Alcohol Recovery program. All Donations are fully tax
deductible. We will give you a receipt for your donation.
L
Anchorage Gospel G
Rescue Mission R
J
Board of Trustees G
Anchorage
age Non-Profit Org.
Ed Shelton
Gospel u e U.S. Postal
PAID D
sc
(President)
Anchorage, AK Va
reMission
Bob Collins Permit # 290
( Vice President/treasure) Mission GOD BLESS AMERICA
S
Enoch Adams A Ministry
Ministry of M
(Secretary)
Rescue & Recovery info@anchoragerescue.org D
Mark Soquet
Ralph Nobrega e www.anchoragerescue.org K

news
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Emeritus: sc A
Cliff Hodgins
re In

Rev. Willard Leisy

Advisory Board: P.O. Box 230510•Anchorage, AK•99523-0510•(907) 563-5603
Paul Kelly return service requested
Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir.
Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir.

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