August 2006 Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Newsletter

8/8/2019 August 2006 Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Newsletter

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www.anchoragerescue.orgWe invite you to visit our recently

Re-designed web page and we encourag

you to drop us an E-mail with your

comments and suggestions

learn

ingcent

erupd

ate

Overcoming Ignorance

Will Rogers once wrote,

Everybodys ignorant just in

different subjects.

When I was 21 years old

I was, for all practical purposes,

illiterate. Although I could read itwas a painful process to witness. I

had to laboriously sound out each

word until I finally recognized it

for what it was. I had difficulty

spelling the simplest of words. For

example: I spelled any, eney. My

spelling was so bad I scribbled in

order to hide my ignorance.

There came a point in

my life where I knew I had to do

something about my illiteracy. Iobtained a book explaining how to

get your GED and set out to educate

myself. It took years of hard work

and determination. None of it was

easy but I had an enormous amount

of help along the way. I obtained

my GED and went on to earn

several trade school diplomas and

have over eighty hours of college

credits.

The first thing I learned

was: learning is a process. There are

basic steps to learning regardless

of what subject youve chosen

to explore. First and foremost

there has to be a need. Its easier

to study things that interest us or

things we use regularly than it is to

learn something we could care lessabout or will never use. Once the

need is established the next step

is to obtain the proper learning

materials for the subject. Lastly

it is imperative to have someone

available who can help us over

the humps because there will be

humps, lots of them!

It is a huge advantage

when helping someone with a

need if youre able to identifywith what their going through. Im

convinced God has put me here

at the Mission, in the Learning

Center Administrators job

specifically, because I understand

the fear involved when faced with

the daunting task of learning new

things. Especially when we are not

quite sure we have the intelligence

to pull it off. This insecurity never

leaves you no matter how much

you achieve. Im confident the men

who come to our Learning Center

can achieve their goals because if

I can do it anyone can.

The Anchorage Gospel

Rescue Mission is dedicated to

providing the most up-to-date

materials available. This is not

always easy because learning

materials are very expensive.

you have school aged childre

or if youve already sent yo

children through school I

preaching to the choir because yo

already know how expensive the

materials are.

As the Learning Cent

Administrator I try my very beto be that someone who can off

a helping hand getting over som

of the humps. This often requir

learning materials I wouldn

ordinarily be interest in but that

OK because I do have a nee

That need is to give the men

the Anchorage Gospel Rescu

Missions NewLife Recove

program the necessary tools

compete in today job market. is also our hope to show the me

ignorance can be overcome wi

the right materials, a helping han

and a lot of hard work.

This is a joint effort and w

appreciate your support.

David WilliamLearning Center Administra

Learning Center Wish List

Software

Computers

GED Textbooks

Computer Textbooks

Compost ion Notebooks

Gift cards to Barnes & Noble or

CompUSA are a great way to donate

textbooks and software.


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spe

cial

rep

ort

Websters 11th collegiate dictionary

defines relapse as: to slip or fall

back into a former worse state.

The Anchorage Gospel Rescue

Mission defines relapse as: an

event common to the recovery

process. Despite the many ads

on television telling us otherwisethere are no quickfixes in life. This

is especially true when it comes to

conquering an addiction to drugs

and alcohol.

Relapses are common because

drugs and alcohol are not the

problem. They are symptoms of

deeper problem covered in layer

after layer of denial, shame, fear,

and overwhelming amounts ofpride. Finding the source of the

addiction is a daunting task fraught

with dangers. The largest being the

Mission becoming a part of the

problem rather than the solution.

Relapse is a component in the

addiction cycle. The common

addict will use drugs or alcohol,

typically both, for a period of

time thinking they are in control.

As their bodies build tolerances

to the substances more and more

are needed to produce the desired

affect. While all of this is going on

so is life and as everyone knows life

is not always easy. Once the addict

combines the general hardships of

life with the problems generated

by the need to purchase more drugs

and alcohol they generally end

up crashing. After the crash they

convince themselves they need to

change and they stop using drugs

and alcohol. Once the addict has

been clean for a while they forget

how horrible the experience was

and they reason justifications as to

why they can be a casual user andthey relapse.

The Newlife recovery program is

designed to draw people out of that

cycle. The danger of becoming a

component it the cycle is very real.

Rarely is treatment successful the

first time around; in fact one of the

Godless men I know went through

treatment thirteen times before

turning his life around. There arethose who incorporate treatment

programs like Newlife into

their cycle. Once this happens we

become a part of the problem rather

than the solution. Our options are

to refuse the person entry into the

recovery program or help them

find another program. This is an

extremely difficult call to make.

Rescue Mission are rare in that

they do not charge for their

services. Therefore finding another

recovery program to refer someone

who is homeless, a condition not

uncommon among addicts, often

involves relocation to a Mission in

another state. The other alternative,

refusing someone entry to our

program, is our least favorite. How

do we really know this want be thetime that works? How can we just

give up on someone? Its difficult

to know and it is the Anchorage

Gospel Rescue Missions policy to

err on the side of grace.

Relapse happens and when it does

love is needed and thats the core

of our business in the Rescue

Ministry.

RELAPSE

Blessings & NeedsSnowplow

During the winter months the

Mission spends thousands of dol

lars on snow removal. Although

necessary this is one of those

areas where we would rather be

spending this money on homeles

services. Thanks to the Lords

blessings were half way there!

The Mission has been blessed

with the donation of a truck (pic

tured above) we would like to us

for snow removal. The problem

we dont have a snow plow to go

with it. If you know someone or

if you are someone with a plow

youre not using or have not usein a long time please consider

donating it to the Mission. This i

one of those gifts that will, over

the years, make an incredible

impact on the Missions operating

budget.


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testim

onies

As far as I can remember back Ive always s believed in God and Jesus. Believing in God an

serving him are two different things I found out.

I was 12 yrs. old when I tried pot for the first time and that lead to a cycle of alcohol and dru

addiction for the next three decades.

I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior at 16yrs old, with no direction in my life I didnt

understand what letting Jesus be Lord of my

life meant.

I was in a backslidden state when I came to the

Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission. I knew

in my heart that this is where God wanted me

to be.

Since Ive been here the salvation, and

believing has led into a relationship, a love

relationship for my God, the God of creation,

the father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

By the grace of God, my life changed while going through the program here, and may thi

continue. To me the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a discipleship school that rescue

Shane Loren Day

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the father through him.

Colossians 3:17

BELIEVING & SERVING


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I was introduced to drugs at a very young age. By the age of twelve I was in full rebellion to

the point my mother was forced to have me placed in jail. Neither she nor I could have guessed

this was the beginning of a lifestyle. I was state raised and completely out of control. I found

myself in this cycle of drug and alcohol addiction that included committing crimes and lengthy

jail sentences. For twenty five years I was trapped in this cycle. I tried time and time again to

get sober and change my life with AA, NA, Relapse Prevention, Great White Buffalo, and the

list goes on and on. None of these programs worked.

The process of life transformation began

for me six years ago when I walked through

the doors of the Anchorage Gospel Rescue

Mission and joined the Newlife Recovery

program. I was introduced to Jesus Christ

and my life has never been the same.

The Mission taught me to seek a personal

relationship with Jesus by studying theword and staying in the word. I was taught

the importance of prayer and meditation. It

takes time to learn to walk in the newness

and I thank God for this place because it

was here that I found all that I needed.

Since I began my walk with Christ the difference in my life is HUGE! Im going on five years

of marriage to a beautiful God loving woman who helps me in my journey. God is continually

shaping and moving me into the man he created me to be. He has groomed me into the ministrywhich I love. May all the thanks, honor, and glory be given to God the Father thru my Lord

and Savior Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit which empowers me to continue on. May his will

be done and not mine

When the Son has set you free youre free-in-deed

SET FREE-IN-DEED


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di

rect

ors

desk

Each morning when I arrive at the Mission I neverknow what to expect. Is everything all right? Did

something break down? Was it a freezer or furnace that

quit working? Was there an emergency and someone

had to be taken to the hospital? Maybe some of our

guest clients are unhappy because of some rule that

interferes with their life style. Or perhaps the person

that was supposed to be in charge of the Chapel service

did not show and staff had to conduct the service. It

could be any number of things that just happens but

God is always there and He watches over things for us

and we have never really had a crises situation.

He is so good!

Then with in-kind donations, when supplies get low

and the cupboard is getting bare, God always sends

someone by to donate just the things that are needed.

Also, with financial gifts God has really given us

some devoted and caring donors that are concerned for

this ministry and has helped us to continue serving theneeds of homeless people. Not that we are wealthy or

serve porter house steaks, but God has provided for our

needs through kind benevolent friends that are interested

in providing for us that we may make life a little better

for some. Without you we could do nothing. I am so

thankful that have permitted the Lord to use you to

sustain this ministry.

Thanks to your donations we can operate our NewLife

Recovery Program. This program has changed the

lives of so many men and given them a new out look

on life by providing them with education and skills toreturn to life in the real world with new hope.

We really need your PRAYER support at this time as

we are facing some difficult decisions. But GOD is so

GOOD. I know that He will supply the answers for us

to make the right decisions.

My ShepherdI feel the hand of God on me

like a friend to whom Ive known,

Leading me down better roads,

Than I would take alone.

His guidance helps me through the days,

When I need his help to cope.

And at night,

He gives me peace and restand soothes my heart with hope.

I feel the love of Christ in me,

The love He said Id know,

If Id just put my trust in Him

And let my hatreds go.

And so Ill hate no man, again,

The way Ive done before,

Instead, I do the best I can to

Go and sin no more.

The hand of God, the Love of Christ are in m

daily life

And now I live in love and peace

Where once I dwelt in strife.

My life is richer now by far

than anything before,

For my Shepherd leads me

in His steps on the pathTo heavens door.

Bill HazelUsed with permission

The Lord is

my Shepherd

I shall not want. Psalms 23:1

Don

Bettis

GOD IS SO GOOD!


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Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission P.OB 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 confidenceMake checks payable to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

You will receive a receipt.

7

Living Memorials...touch lives as they honor the memory of

loved ones and friends.

In Memory of

Esperanza M. Casas

by Martha Cashen

In Memory of

Ruth Estelle Dilley

by Richard and Sharon Jones

In Memory of

Evelyn Michou

by Larry and Linda Michou

Arla Jo Knause

Elizabeth Capps Foster

N.A.P.M.Houston, Inc.

In Memory of

Al Syren

by Charles and Erdie Brodahl

In Memory of

Tom Taylor

by Cheri R. Sayer

In Memory of

Beverly Dagley Wallner

by Jimmy and Annette Coleman

In Honor of

Al Atkey

Billy Charles

by Susan Hoefner

Talk To Him

Talk to Him, soon as you open your eyes,

Thank Him for every new day,

Tell Him you love Him, throughout every

hour,

Dont be too busy to pray.Tell Him good night,

When you lie down to sleep,

Ask His forgiveness if there is something

You feel that you shouldnt have done.

Go to Him often in prayer,

Talk to Him, make Him

Apart of your life.

Include Him in all that you do,

He knows the heartachesThat youve learned how to hide,

The things you are going through.

He knows all your questions,

But better than that,

He has the solutions, too.

So talk to the Lord,

And know in your heart,

. . . .Hes waiting to talk to you!

For the overcoming, victorious life mak

prayer a part of your life everyday!


8/8

Our Ministry of

is to

the least

the last

the lost

resc

ue

URGENTOur supplies of these

items is constantly in

need of replenishing

Prayer

Paper Towels

45 Gallon Trash Bags

Fresh Meat

Coffee

Bathroom Tissue

Laundry Soap

Disposable ShaversCleaning Supplies

Liquid Dish Detergent

Dinner Napkins

Shampoo

URGENT

Anchorage Gospel

Rescue Mission

Board of Trustees

Mark Soquet, President

Bob Collins, Vice President

(and acting treasure)

Ed Shelton, Secretary

Enoch Adams

Brad Young

Emeritus:

Cliff Hodgins

Rev. Willard leisy

Advisory Board:Paul Kelly

Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir.

Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir.

MEMBER

resc

ueAssociation of Gospel Missions

An association of Rescue Ministries

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Non-Profit OU.S. Posta

PAID

Anchorage, Permit # 29

Anchorage

Gospel

MissionA Ministry of

Rescue & Recovery

rescu

e

newsrescu

e

[email protected]

P.O. Box 230510Anchorage, AK99523-0510(907) 563-560

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

STATEMENT OF FAITHThe Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a Non-Profit, Non-Denominationorganization. We received NO municipal, state or federal funds. We are not a UniteWay Agency. Your financial support and In-Kind donations makes it possible for us tprovide for the poor, needy and homeless people in our community. Also, your donationallow us to provide a Drug and Alcohol Recovery program. All Donations are fully tadeductible. We will give you a receipt for your donation.

Chapel Services for AugustSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1Anchorage

PilgrimNazarene

2Anchorage

GospelSingers

3Reverend

BenSherbahn

4First

PresbyterianChurch

5CalveryBaptistChurch

6GodsPlace

7Abbot LoopCommunity

Church

8First

Assembly ofGod

9Change

Point

10Alliance

BibleChurch

11CalvaryChurch

12Wasilla

Assemblyof God

13Gods

Place

14Church

of God ofProphecy

15Anchorage

NativeAssembly

16Christian

EvangelicalChurch

17Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

18Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

19Lighthouse

ChristianFellowship

20GraceVictory

Fellowship

21Reverend

BenSherbahn

22Attorney

Greg Grebe

23ChapelBy The

Sea

24EvangelicalCovenantChurch

25In His Name

SandyMcCollum

26Southside

Churchof God

27New Light

CommunityChurch

28HillsideBaptistChurch

29Grace

Brethern,Eagle River

30Change

Point

31ShilohBaptistChurch

Services are held nightly from 7:30 to 8:30

August 2006 Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Newsletter

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