news r e s c u e Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

A Ministry of Rescue & Recovery

a publication of the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission • Anchorage, Alaska

behold the man!

(OH WHAT A SAVIOR)
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the
government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor, the Might God, the everlasting Father, the Prince
of Peace.

jesus only!
Matthew 17:6 “ ….and when they lifted up their eyes they saw no man, save
Jesus only.”
The promise of a Savior goes all the way back to Genesis 3:15. But in Isaiah there is a definite
promise of who He is and what He will do. We commemorate our Savior’s birth on December
25th each year. What an honor and privilege to have this opportunity to remember the One
that was born on this day. However, it is much more than that—this is the only man that was
born to die that He could become the perfect sacrifice for our sin and provide salvation for
WHOSOEVER would believe in Him, put their faith and trust in Him and receive everlasting
David M. Williams life. Not by anything they can do but by ALL that He has done.
Program Director
My prayer is that we here at the Mission and all of you in the Christian community that read
Larry Aldrich this newsletter would put Christ back in Christmas and not Xmas him out. Over the years we
Operations Manager have gradually eliminated HIM from the celebration that was meant to honor HIM. But we
have become to busy, not enough time to get everything done, too commercial and a lack or
Donald Guynes real love
Kitchen Manager
for Him that we have forgotten that—
Randy Hess “Jesus Is The Reason For The Season.”
Maintenance Supervisor

SPECIAL FOOD NEEDS FOR OUR CHRISTMAS DINNER:

Larry O’Connor
Greg Mann Christmas Dinner will be served from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM December 22nd.
Scott DuFour Special Chapel Service at 2:00 PM
Roger Klein
Client Supervisors Lots of Turkeys Canned Fruit Instant Mashed Potatoes
Celery Canned Corn Canned Sweet Potatoes
David McKnight Green Beans Marshmallows Onions
Van Driver Cranberry Sauce Stuffing Mix Dinner Rolls
Pumpkin Pie Apple Pie Pecan Pie
Shane Day
r
be

Maintenance Please keep this newsletter with your shopping list as a reminder of our needs.

Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year to all.

m

May the Lord bless you abundantly!

0 6
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20
de

te
da
up
m m
gra il lia
ro W challenges that accompanies
p
v id
Da
The Fear of Change
I recently suffered a job
promotion from Learning
Center Administrator to
Program Director here at the
Mission. I use the word suffer
because even though I believe,
in my heart, I’m where the Lord
wants me to be and despite the
fact I’m certain I can do the job
effectively there is a fear that
accompanies change I must
suffer through.
Change is scary because we
find ourselves stepping out
from under the umbrella of
the familiar into a realm of
the unknown. No matter how
comfortable I am of my abilities
I continually questioning
myself as to whether or not I’m
capable of doing what needs to
be done.
2 and suggestions
Am I unique in this thought
process? If I were a betting man
I would wager NO! Change
effects us differently I know.
Our response to change can be
s
just as varied. We can either
accept change and embrace the
the change or we can resist
change and prolong our
suffering. I choose to embrace
change and step out in faith. I
find the tension between fear
and faith lessens when I’m
reminded the Lord promised
not to put more on me than I
could handle. Therefore, if it’s
happening to me I can handle
it if I couldn’t it wouldn’t be
happening.
The Lord has blessed me
with the opportunity to have
a positive influence on fellow
Christians who are currently
struggling with the twist and
turns life has placed in front
of them. This is an awesome
responsibility that cannot be
taken lightly. I can never loose
sight of the fact I’m here to
serve these men with love
and compassion just as Christ
served.
There’s no doubt mistakes will
be made; that, unfortunately, is
www.anchoragerescue.org
We invite you to visit us on the web or
drop us an E-mail with your comments
a part of life. Satan loves to use
our mistakes against us. He lies
to us and tries to move us off the
narrow path of righteousness
and back onto the wide path of
destruction. The Lord wants us
to learn from our mistakes and
move forward in his name all
the while spreading the gospel.
I personally believe the best
way to spread the gospel is by
example.
My standards for the men in our
“NewLife” Recovery Program
will be high. It is my prayer the
standards we teach them to set
for themselves will make mine
seem low in comparison.
Prayer and a close personal
relationship with our Lord and
Savior are critical elements
in making the “NewLife”
Recover Program a success.
Your prayers are desperately
needed and appreciated.
If you have any question,
comments, or suggestions feel
free to contact me at:
dwilliams@anchoragerescue.org
 t e
da
up
ns
ich
io d r
at
A l
er ry Contentment vs. Green Grass
op
L ar

Can we be content with where God has us?

I think that being content is a big issue in our lives. It’s my thought that contentment and humbleness go
hand in hand. If I’m always seeking more and I’m not happy with where I am then where is my focus? Is
it on worldly things or is it on kingdom things? If it’s worldly then would pride be the motive behind my
actions and behaviors? If that’s the case when would enough be enough?

In my walk with Jesus one of the things I’ve come to realize is that if I don’t keep a tight rein on the issue
of contentment enough will never be enough. If I’m always seeking there is no real peace or joy.

I’ve seen this continual search for joy with so many

Our Solicitation Policy!
The Anchorage Gospel Rescue
Mission does not solicit funds door
to door or by telephone. If someone
contacts you in this way on behalf
of the Mission, please call us (563-
5603) or the proper authorities at
once.
We do permit children and churches
to collect food or clothing door to
door. They will identify themselves,
and will have a badge or letter
on Mission letterhead stationary.
However, we never allow anyone
to collect money. We appreciate
your support and do not want
donations getting into the wrong
hands.
of the men who come into the program here at the
Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission. Its ok for awhile
but then impatience sets in and they become anxious
for greener grass only to find it wasn’t any better.
There’s a reason why God has us where we are at ,
at any given time. It’s so he can work on a particular
character flaw that we have. It’s through the storms
and deserts that God is shaping and molding us.
If I’m content in those times I can have peace and
joy knowing that my Heavenly Father is working in
me. God knows what we need and when we need it.
He is faithful!
As Isaiah 40:31 says; “but those who wait on the
Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount
up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be
weary, they shall walk and not faint.” is this truth
not better to stand upon verses the greener grass
illusion? If not, am I not saying, “God I know what
I need more than you.” Food for thought! May God
bless you above and beyond.

3
 ls
ia
on

te
st im A Safe Place to go!

Almost two years ago I found myself all alone, scared, jobless, homeless and far from all that was
familiar to me. An acquaintance I had just met referred me to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission.
He said it was a safe place for a woman to get rest and fed. I had no way of knowing then that such
a terrible situation of being broke, alone and homeless could turn out to be such a blessing to me.

The staff was awesome...they were very friendly, accommodating, helpful, resourceful and sensitive
to my needs and well being. The girls I shared a room with taught me many things about ME that
I was unaware of. The staff along with other people, in the same predicament as I found myself in,
helped turn my forty day stay into an experience, a memory I’ll never forget. That moment in time
still inspires me and motivates me to never give up and never stop trying to overcome what seems
hopeless.

Today I have my family back, an apartment, job, food, and have

gone back to school to finish up my degree, and many wonderful
people in my life I call friends. Most of them I had met during
what felt like the lowest point in my life. “Today life is good!” I’d
like to take this moment and say “Thank You” to those of you who
picked me up off my face and put me back on my feet.

The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission isn’t just another shelter,

it’s a warm place filled with warm smiling faces that RESCUES
broken women like myself and warms their broken bodies, hearts
and spirit. A place that makes you feel very much at home! Thank
you JESUS for looking out for me, for giving me direction and
guidance through each and every wonderful person you hand
picked to make a difference in my life!

Tonya Lewis

4
 e
A Few Thoughts
t
da ry
up e
w
about Giving
l
ap
e
Bo
ch on
. D
R ev

As we approach this season of giving and receiving gifts a few thoughts rooted in the teaching of Christ
may help us give in the true spirit of “Christian giving.”

Jesus warns us about giving just to be seen of others, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds
before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew
6:1 (NKJV) And He warns us about the danger of giving with ulterior motives. That is, giving to others
so that we can get something out of it. He warns, “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for
nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High...” Luke 6:35
(NKJV)

So how can we avoid the problem of giving to be seen and to those that can give us something in return?
It might be good to first ask ourselves, How much of my giving could possible be to be noticed by others
(I must give so and so a gift or I’ll be embarrassed if I don’t) and with ulterior motives (what’s in this for
me)? When was the last time you gave something without the thought of being applauded by man, and
gave without any thought of what the other person could do for you?

This season find someone to help that can do nothing for you in return. Also find an occasion to give
that in no way will be recognized and bring credit to you. I know of one good opportunity! The rescue
mission is one good way to give in the spirit of Christ. The men in the program can in no way help you
and you will not be ashamed if you do not give them anything.

One final thought, Paul said that we were to give of what we have, not of what we don’t have, see 2
Corinthians 9:10. Our giving must be responsible. Paul wants believers to give generously, but not to
the extent that those who depend on the givers (their families, for example) must go without having their
basic needs met. Give until it hurts, but don’t give so that it hurts your family and/or relatives who need
your financial support.

One of the greatest feelings in the world is to do something for someone who can in no way pay you back.
Try it this Christmas season.

Chaplain Bowery

5
 sk

’s
de
is Charistmas
t or
Bett
c
re on A Time For You To
di .D Volunteer AGAIN To Help With Christmas Dinner!
e v
R
God the Father, God
We are offering you the following
the Son—Jesus
opportunities to help YOUR
God the Holy Spirit
Local Rescue Mission:
Alive and Well!
Our volunteer coordinator, Jeanne Lutz—Phone 278-
In this day and age when the deity of our Lord
9679, needs volunteers of individuals and families
is being questioned and His person is being
that can make the following commitments of time on degraded, Christians must rally to the cause of
Friday December 22nd , 2006. Christianity. Not that God needs us, but we need
Team 1 – Prepare food and decorate facility for Him. We must come out of the closet and stand for
the Christmas dinner—To be served on Friday the fundamental truths of our faith.
December 22nd. Need a commitment of 4 consecutive
hours beginning in the morning. To list a few:
1. Jesus is the virgin born Son of God.
Team 2 –Serve the refreshments, meal, dessert and 2. His birth was miraculous.
clean up facilities at the close-Friday December 22nd. 3. He lived a sinless life.
Need a commitment of 5 consecutive hours beginning 4. He died on the cross and become
the perfect sacrifice that God
in the afternoon.
required for the sins of the world.
Both teams require children to be a minimum of 8 5. He was resurrected from the dead.
years of age. 6. He ascended into heaven.
7. He is coming back…Soon.
Jeanne will do the scheduling of the teams. You We must show the world that we serve a Living
may reach her at her home telephone after 6 P.M. and Savior by the life that we live before them, not just
weekends or by leaving a message on her telephone talk the talk, but walk the walk. These truths we must
uphold, to a world that believes that God is dead
recorder. Please leave an evening number and speak
and are lost in their sins without hope. Yes, we must
the number slowly. She will give you specific details
live it all of the time and not just at Christmas.
about team assignment and schedule your time to
work. Living , He loved me;
Dying, He saved me;
YOUR WILL! Buried, He carried my
sins far away:
ARE WE A PART OF YOUR Rising, He justified
WILL OR ESTATE? freely forever;
Please consider including the Anchorage Gospel One day He’s Coming
Rescue Mission in your will or estate! Thanks O glorious day!
He is Coming! Are you ready?

6
 Living Memorials seeking for me
. . . .touch lives as they honor the
memory of loved ones and friends. Jesus my Savior, to Bethlehem came,
Born in a manger, to sorrow and shame.
In Memory of Oh, it was wonderful, blessed be His name,
Pauline V. Burkher Seeking for me, for me
by Gordon M. Burkher
Seeking for me, for me.
In Memory of
Seeking for me, for me.
Esperanza M. Casas
by Martha Cashen Oh it was wonderful, blessed be His name,
Seeking for me for me.
In Memory of
Jesus my Savior, the same as of old,
Rev. Ben Sherbahn
It is the sweetest story, that ever was told.
by Carole Irene Miller
Tenderly pleading, to win my soul,
In Memory of Pleading for me, for me
Jerry Sohreiber
by Harrison and Raymona Yost Pleading for me, for me.
Pleading for me, for me.
Oh it was wonderful, blessed be His name,
“Living Memorials” and “Honorariums” are a
Pleading for me, for me.
great way to honor the memory of loved ones and
friends. Giving a gift to the Mission in the name of Jesus my Savior, Shall come from on high,
that person is a very personal, lasting expression of Sweet is the promise as the weary years fly.
your love. Your thoughtful remembrance can have Soon, I shall see Him descending the sky,
eternal value when invested in the lives of people. Coming for me, for me.
These gifts become a part of the general operating
budget of the Mission. This allows us to continue Coming for me, for me,
to do the things we do. By giving a person a meal, Coming for me, for me.
shelter, clean clothes, Chapel service and personal Soon, I shall see Him descending the sky,
witness by our staff. That may be all that is needed Coming for me, for me.
to bring a person to the knowledge and acceptance
Yes, He came to seek and save that
of Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
We will notify the family of the person memorialized
which was lost—this included you and
that a gift has been given to the Mission in the name me and whosoever will—may come to
of the person you specify but not the amount of the Him. Just praise the Lord and thank
gift. The person memorialized and the person giving Him for His Son, Jesus Christ!
the memorial gift will be listed in the newsletter.
Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission P.OB 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 ˆ M/C ˆ Am/Ex ˆ Discover ˆ
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
Make checks payable to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission
______ I Will Pray for this Ministry.
You will receive a receipt.

Name:________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________
Please send this coupon with your donations. 7
Our Ministry of
Chapel Services for December
ue Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

r esc 1
First
2
Calvary
Presbyterian Baptist
is to Church Church
the least 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
the last God’s
Place
Abbott Loop
Community
Anchorage
Pilgrim
Anchorage
Gospel
Anchorage
Christian
Calvary
Church
Wasilla
Assembly
the lost Church Nazarene Singers Fellowship of God
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
“URGENT” God’s Church First Change Alliance Sherbahn Lighthouse
Our supplies of these Place of God of
Prophecy
Assembly of
God
Point Bible
Church
Evangelistic
Team
Christian
Fellowship
items is constantly in 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
need of replenishing Grace
Victory
Sherbahn
Evangelistic
Anchorage
Native
Christian
Evangelical
Sherbahn
Evangelistic
In His Name
Sandy
Southside
Church
† Prayer Fellowship Team Assembly Church Team McCollum of God

† Paper Towels 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
New Light Hillside Attorney Calvary Evangelical Sherbahn Change
† 45 Gallon Trash Bags Community Baptist Greg Grebe Baptist Covenant Evangelistic Point
Church Church Church Church Team
† Fresh Meat
31
† Coffee God’s Special Chapel Services - at 2:00 P. M.
† Bathroom Tissue Place
December 22, 2006 “Special Guest Speaker”
† Laundry Soap
† Disposable Shavers STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a Non-Profit, Non-Denominational
† Cleaning Supplies
organization. We receive NO municipal, state or federal funds. We are not a United
† Liquid Dish Detergent Way Agency. Your financial support and In-Kind donations makes it possible for us to
† Dinner Napkins provide for the poor, needy and homeless people in our community. Also, your donations
† Shampoo allow us to provide a Drug and Alcohol Recovery program. All Donations are fully tax
“URGENT” deductible. We will give you a receipt for your donation.

Anchorage Gospel D
Non-Profit Org.
Rescue Mission Anchorage P
ue
U.S. Postal

Board of Trustees Gospel c PAID

s Anchorage, AK
re Permit # 290 L
O
Mark Soquet, President Mission GOD BLESS AMERICA

Bob Collins, Vice President A Ministry of D

(and acting treasure) Rescue & Recovery info@anchoragerescue.org K
Ed Shelton, Secretary www.anchoragerescue.org
ue
Enoch Adams
Brad Young

Emeritus:
r es
news
c

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

R
M

L
Cliff Hodgins G
Rev. Willard leisy RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
S
Advisory Board: R
Paul Kelly
C

Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir. D

Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir.
V

S
MEMBER M
Association of Gospel ue
sc Missions
re
An association of Rescue Ministries