Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

u e A Ministry of
april
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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Because He Lives
Larry Aldrich and the angel said to them, “why seek ye the
Operations Manager living among the dead? He is not here,
David Williams but is risen....”. Luke 24:1-6.
Program Director

….Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the sepulcher----and the
Randy Hess
Maintenance Supervisor angel said unto the women, “fear not for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was
crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come and see the place
Larry O’Connor
Greg Mann where the Lord lay”. Matthew 28:1—5,6.
Roger Klein
John Lofquist
Guest Supervisors We Can Face Tomorrow!
In these very trying and uncertain times we can find solace in the fact that no
David McKnight
Van Driver matter what happens in this world, as Christians we can have complete faith
and confidence in the outcome of whatever may happen—God is still in charge.
Solomona Talivaa
Maintenance Because He lives we have complete victory over the world, satan and whatever
else we may face. The victory is in the resurrection of our Lord. Paul tells us,
Darlene Whaley
Kitchen Manager “without this hope he would be of all men most miserable”.
Anthony Boone The resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ should be the most significant
Intern
event in the life of any Christian—except for their own personal salvation experience and
that could not have happened without His resurrection!
The resurrection solidifies 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 this
life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable”. He continues, “but now
is Christ risen from the dead”. Paul recalls the life of Christ in I Corinthians 15:3-4, “how
that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures”. I am so thankful that He did not
leave us without hope. Yes, because He lives we also will live forever with Him.
Do You Have This Hope?
Our “NewLife” Disciples are encouraged to write and
present short sermons at our house meetings held each
Friday. The purposes of these sermons are to help
the men develop research skills, speaking skills, and
writing skills. They also allow the men to share with
their brothers the things that weigh heavy upon their
hearts. We felt compelled to share one of these sermons
with our readers so that you may get a glimpse into
the concerns that face the men in “NewLife”. We do so
with permission from Cado Spates.
David Williams
Program Director
“Be Prepared”
My sermon for today is “Be Prepared”, that is also the
Boy Scout’s motto. It is also what the Bible wants us to
do everyday of our lives, and that is to be prepared for the
second coming of Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior.
I was watching the History channel on television the
other night, and it showed a meteorite that hit this
windmill in northern Arizona and it landed in Dallas
Texas. Now a windmill is about thirty to forty feet high
right. 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 the
twinkling of an eye. In my mind, I can see our LORD
and Savior riding a white horse with fire in his eyes,
and a sword in his hand, and this time he’s not coming
as a lamb. No.. No.. No. He’s coming for vengeance.
Are you prepared for his second coming, if you’re not
then you better get ready. In the Old Testament God
gave instructions to his prophets about telling the
people about repenting. The prophets in the Bible made
it clear to the people that God despises those who treat
others 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 comes
back this time he’s coming for the saved and the lost.
Now you may ask, who are the saved, well the saved
are those that believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God. That’s not all! You must be obedient to God’s
Word. There are a lot of people in this world who know
about God, they know about Jesus, they know about
the Bible, they can recite scriptures from the
Bible, but do they practice what the Bible
2
says? God doesn’t just want hearers of his word, he
wants doers. Who are the lost, well my friend the lost
are those people that chose to follow Satan. The devil is
God’s arch enemy. The devil has just three purposes in
life, and that is to steal, kill and destroy, and he does that
by getting into your mind. The devil is crafty, just look
at his name DEVIL, you take away the D and what do
you have EVIL. Just when you think that you are safe,
that’s when he strikes. You think that you have it good
here at the Mission, then all of a sudden after a couple
of weeks or a couple of months you know everything.
I have seen this happen over and over. The devil will
tell you that you can make it on your own, or that you
have children that need your love and attention. You
Big Dummy! Don’t you know that you can’t even take
care of yourself let along your kids. That‘s the main
purpose for you being in this program at the Mission,
first you have to get yourself straight. Don’t you know
that nobody can save you but you. Your momma can’t
save you, your daddy can’t save you, your sister can’t
save you, you have to save yourself. God wants to
help you but you have to ask him for his help. When
you came to this Mission and enrolled in this program
you agreed to give God your undivided attention for
two full years. Now that doesn’t mean for you to come
in here and just eat three times a day and get a bed.
My friend you have to study the word of God and
put his words into action for this program to work.
When someone tries to help us and correct us, we
have two choices. We can either listen and learn as
the wise person does, or we can get angry and rebel
as the mocker does. To mock and hate those who are
concerned for us is to deny that we have a problem.
This is where that Genesis program here at the Mission
comes in, it is here to help us. If we are wise, we will
be honest enough to admit that we have a problem and
we need help. This attitude enables recovery. Mockers
will reject good advice and be overtaken by their sins.
continued on page 5
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 Living Memorials Another Favorite
….touch lives as they honor the memory
I was watching “Billy Graham Classics” from the late
of loved ones and friends.
50’s, the other night and I heard George Beverly Shea
In Memory of
sing this old favorite of mine. His singing thrills my
Phyllis Burt
heart
by Eugene and Nancy Ervine
See if you remember—
In Memory of
Frank, Esperanza and Until Then
Ernest Casas
by Martha Cashen My heart can sing
When I pause to remember
In Memory of
A heartache here
Carolyn Lodwig
Is but a stepping stone.
Maxine Reed
Along a trail that’s
Maratha Roderick
Winding always upward,
by Mary Doppelfeld
This troubled world
In Memory of Is not my final home.
Ruth Schulz
The things of earth
by Joseph Schulz
Will dim and lose their value
National Weather Service
If we recall they’re
Borrowed for a while;
* * * * * And things of earth
That cause the heart to tremble,
Our Web Site Remembered there,
Will only bring a smile.
I want to encourage you to visit our web site if you
have not. There you may find information about This weary world,
the Mission that you do not get in this newsletter. With all its toil and struggle
We try to keep you informed and updated on what May take its toll
is going on here. You can read this newsletter or Of misery and strife;
past newsletters if you are interested, meet our staff The soul of man
and those in the “NewLife” Discipleship Program, Is like a waiting falcon;
volunteer information, reads others comments about When it’s released,
the Mission, see our current needs, check out the It’s destined for the skies.
Chorus: (repeat after each verse)
Chapel service calendar, read some of the history of
the Mission, see the people we serve and you can even But until then,
make a donation to the Mission on line with all of My heart will go on singing,
the security that is possible to keep your information Until then
confidential. With joy I’ll carry on,
Then go to guest book and sign in and let us know Until the day
what you think or what may need to be added to this My eyes behold the city,
site. Thanks! Until the day
God calls me home.
Please let me know if you remember
this old hymn of the faith.

3
 es
my new life
i
on
im To the staff of the Rescue Mission:
st
te
I want to thank God for bringing me to the Rescue
Mission. While here I’ve been given the opportunity
to learn more about myself and what God has in store
for me.
When I came to the Mission I did not know God. The
staff has helped me find what was missing in my life. I
began on safety watch which forced me to slow down
and take a long hard look at myself. I also began to
read and memorize scripture. The staff has been there
to help on those occasions when I have lost focus and
became sidetracked. They have steered me back onto
the path I long to be on.
The Mission has taught me how to get back in
alignment with God. Like any job the Mission has
trained me to be victorious in life. After 90 days they
put me in computer class and gave me more tasks to
do for phase II. During this phase they have taught
me how to focus on my goals in life more effectively
and how to take a discouraging situation and make it
work for my best interest. I cannot change my past,
but I am doing something positive right now, thanks
to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission’s “NewLife”
Recovery Program, I have hope for a brighter future.
I have graduated from required computer classes and
am pursuing extensive computer skills through more
education at the Rescue Mission.
God does not care what religion or denomination you
are, the only thing that He is concerned with is the
intimate relationship that we have together. I haven’t
been doing a very good job in the past, but now I am
confident better decisions are being made. I came to
the Mission with many problems and have
found out through the friendships I have
made here I am not alone. Honesty and
4
integrity seem to be high on God’s list of things He
wants for our lives, so we are encouraged to look back
in our lives to identify and correct the thinking errors
that have resulted in bad choices.
“All things work together for good to those who love
God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”
(Romans 8:28)
Before I came to the Mission I struggled with the concept
of a God of the universe. But through my studies here
at the Mission I’ve come to know that God is not only
possible but very real and I often pray that He would
reveal himself to me in a way that I could recognize and
understand. I’ve learned when I’m feeling bad or when
life doesn’t seem to be running as smoothly as I think
it should, how to look up towards Almighty God for
strength. In Christ, I find all of the security and serenity
I need when I make mistakes. Frustration with life is
no reason for me to give up. I still find myself growing
more and more comfortable with my sobriety, and more
importantly, growing closer to God. I’ve still got a long
way to go in both my sobriety and getting closer to God.
Before joining The “NewLife” Discipleship Training
Program I didn’t go to church. I have classes here that
help me learn more about God and what he has done
for me in my life. There are a lot of different churches
that come here. Different religions and they all have
their interpretation of the Bible. At the Mission I have
heard the same message from different guest and get
a different message from each one. Unless it is with
me continually, the inconsistencies of my natural heart
will appear and life will be a constant struggle. Going
through the phases at the Rescue Mission helps me
keep focused on my journey toward God.
Each phase has its own tasks to work on. Phase I
introduces us to scripture and helps us find our identity in
Christ. Phase II help us purge bad habits by identifying
and concerning false beliefs, negative behaviors, and
our destructive thinking. Phase III is designed to help
us recognize and to understand the power of the Holy
Spirit. In each of the three phases I have learned about
God, what He has done for me, and what He is going to
do for me. The conclusion I’ve reached is His promises
are real!
At night I visit with other men in “NewLife” before
going to bed. I’ve found surrounding yourself with
likeminded Christian men is important. Being at the
Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission has taught me there
is but one power that can break the hold of evil from
my heart that is the Lord Jesus Christ. The staff is very
helpful and that helps me trust people more then I’ve
ever have done in the past. When Christ entered my
heart there was a change in my character and attitude
which has resulted in a changed life. I felt an empty
space being filled with the loving power of God and the
Holy Spirit.
What has being at the Mission meant to me? Well I’ve
been clean and sober for seventeen month and I have
been baptized. Every day I try to do what is right but
without the Lord I fail, and being at the Mission has
taught me in my failures God’s love and grace abound.
God has led me to the grace of Christ and He will lead
my soul to drink of the water of life because God made
me the Christian I am today.
the storms and learn what God is teaching us through
them. For people of faith, such trails are opportunities
for personal growth.
Difficulties and temptations are facts of life for
everyone, particularly those of us with a background
of addiction. We may be tempted to return to our
destructive behaviors, but don’t do it. As we face
difficult 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 attitude
toward tough times. We can have joy during these trails
because through them we learn patience, an essential
ingredient for successful recovery.
Isn’t time you thought about what you’re going to
do. Isn’t it time you thought about , what’s right for
you. Isn’t it time you thought about what went wrong.
Isn’t it time you thought about coming home. Isn’t
it time you thought about all the misery, isn’t it time
you thought about being free. Isn’t it time you thought
about a brighter day, and isn’t time you thought about
changing your ways. Every day it gets harder in a world
that’s so cold, don’t you think its time you thought
about renewing your soul.
You’re never going to make it all by yourself. God
is waiting on you, and you know you need the help.
So remember brother let us all stay prepared for the
Second Coming.

Denny Leffler

Continued from page 2

The “NewLife” Program is helping us to build a solid

foundation that will keep us from falling for Satan’s
evil schemes. Just like a building’s foundation keeps it
from falling in a storm or strong wind. Without a solid,
lasting foundation, tall buildings wouldn’t last very
long. We encounter all sorts of “storms” along the road
to recovery. Whether or not we can stand fast through
the many storms we encounter depends on the strength
of our “foundation” of faith. Our foundation---that is,
our trust in God –will support and steady us so we
can get through even the toughest cyclones. When we
encounter difficulties, it is a real challenge to weather
5
 sk
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s i
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B
jesus is coming
v.D are you ready?
Re
Don’t Be Left Behind!
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 we
are living in now. Prophesy and the signs of the times point to the soon return of our Lord. These are economic
conditions, terrorism, murders, and all of the other things listed in the text. The Bible plainly promises us that
Jesus will return to take those that have accepted Him as their Savior to live with Him in His glorious presence
forever. Everyone else will be left behind to face God’s wrath and judgment. If Jesus were to return today, do
you 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 filled with
reports of murders, robberies and rapes. All of these signs seem to indicate that something will happen soon—could
it be the return of JESUS? All of these changes are happening. But there is one thing that never changes. God never
changes. Mal. 3:6, “I am the Lord, I change not.” God does not change in any way, His nature, His holiness, His
righteousness—He never changes. But, He is also a God of Judgment. Jesus taught us that there is a coming a day
that 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 in
control of everything.

God’s word has not changed either. The Bible tells us, “that whosoever will” may come to know God through the
shed 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 has
He 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 and
believe 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

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 God Grant Me The Gratitude
Gratitude is the inward feeling of
kindness received. Thankfulness is the
natural 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 difficult for the
Mission staff and disciples. The truth is it has been
the most difficult time I’ve ever experienced as a
Program Director. We lost seven of our Disciples to
the consequences of bad choices. Six ignored all the
evidence and advice gifted to them from the staff and
their fellow Disciples while One was asked to leave
because his behavior resulted in the safety of others
being taken away. Regardless of the circumstances
surrounding their departure it’s frustrating to witness
people with such potential veer off the path of spiritual
recovery. You know from experience things will not
work out for the person. Reports of relapse are already
flooding in!
It’s times like these when you begin to wonder if
perhaps you’ve chosen the wrong line of work. This
is not the first time I’ve become discouraged and I’m
guessing it want be the last. The truth is I’ve often
wondered why I chose to make Rescue Ministry my
life’s work. Of course it doesn’t take long to realize
you 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 council
of their brothers, I too ignore the wisdom gifted by
God as a reminder, He chose me! Despite this glorious
knowledge I get into that bad place where I feel sorry
for myself because in my pride I’ve made things about
me. God’s grace is such that even in the depths of my
foolishness He reaches out to rescues me.
The Rescue
My rescue came in a familiar disguise. A disguise I see
so regularly I just as regularly overlook them. I was
standing in the lobby when an elderly Homeless man
approached me. Although I’m use to seeing ragtag
outfits of all sorts I must confess his was worse than
most but in a good way. What I mean by that is his
clothing was worn in all the right places to make one
believe he was not afraid of an honest day’s work. He
wore the hardships of his life in every leathery creases
of his face and his eyes looked tired and sad. He reached
into his pocket and pulled out three crumpled up one
dollar bills and handed them to me. “I know it’s not
much, but you guys take care of me and I just want to
help 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 grateful
to be your servant and I ask you to help me serve gratefully.
Amen
The vacancy’s will be filled quickly because the need is
so great. Two were filled before I could complete this
article. As we celebrate Easter this year let us remember
God chose us!

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 April
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
u e
es c 1
Anchorage
2
Anchorage
3
First
4
Calvary
r is to
Gospel
Singers
Vineyard
Fellowship
Presbyterian
Church
Baptist
Church
the least 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
God’s Abbott Loop Anchorage Anchorage Christ Calvary Wasilla
the last Place Community Pilgrim Church Community Church Assembly
the lost Church Nazarene of Christ Church of God
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
God’s Church First Christian Sherbahn Sherbahn Lighthouse
Place of God of Assembly of Evangelical Evangelistic Evangelistic Christian
Prophecy God Church Team Team Fellowship
“urgent” 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Our supplies of these Grace Sherbahn Anchorage Calvary Evangelical In His Name Glenn
items is constantly in Victory Evangelistic Native Baptist Covenant Sandy Hermann
Fellowship Team Assembly Church McCollum
need of replenishing
26 27 28 29 30
† Prayer New Light Calvary Attorney Change Shiloh
† Paper Towels Community Baptist Greg Grebe Point Baptist
† 45 Gallon Trash Bags Church Church
† Fresh Meat
† Coffee
Nightly Services
† Bathroom Tissue 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM L
O
† Laundry Soap
† Disposable Shavers STATEMENT OF FAITH D
† Cleaning Supplies The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a Non-Profit, Non-Denominational Pr
† 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
† Shampoo M
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
Board of Trustees J
G
Ed Shelton Anchorage
age Non-Profit Org.
(President) Gospel u e U.S. Postal
PAID D
Bob Collins sc Anchorage, AK Va
( Vice President/treasure) reMission
Mission GOD BLESS AMERICA
Permit # 290

Enoch Adams S
(Secretary) A Ministry
Ministry of M

Mark Soquet Rescue & Recovery info@anchoragerescue.org D

Ralph Nobrega www.anchoragerescue.org K
e

news
Bob Sloan u
sc A
Emeritus: re In
Cliff Hodgins
Rev. Willard Leisy P.O. Box 230510•Anchorage, AK•99523-0510•(907) 563-5603
Advisory Board: return service requested
Paul Kelly

Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir.

Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir.
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