October 2006 Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Newsletter

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

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new

s

arry Aldrich

ogram Director

avid Williamsarning Center Administrator

onald Guynes

tchen Manager

andy Hess

aintenance Supervisor

arry OConnor

reg Mann

cott DuFouroger Klein

ent Supervisors

avid McKnight

n Driver

hane Day

aintenance

resc

ueAnchorage Gospel Rescue Missio

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

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tob e

20 0

As I was preparing this newsletter the country was commemorating the fifth anniversary

the darkest day in American history (the happenings of September 11th, 2001) by payi

tribute to the gallant men and women that gave their lives and others that perform

heroic deeds to save the lives of those that were injured or trapped in a deluge of debris. The

things we should and want to do to honor their memory. I am so thankful that things were not a

worse than they were.

BUT THERE IS ANOTHER TRAGEDY GOING ON RIGHT NOW

In a land of plenty and fairly good economic times there are still many

who are hungry and homeless. Some through no fault of their own

and others for many different reasons. No matter why no one should

have to go hungry in a city like ours. Everyday many people come tothe Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission for a meal, perhaps this will

temporarily satisfy their hunger. Every effort is made to brighten their

lives and give them the help and encouragement they need to overcome

the problems that have led to their poverty and homelessness. This

whole process usually starts with a hot, nutritious meal.

NO ONE IN OUR CITY SHOULD GO HUNGRY!

The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission serves many meals everyday mostly to impoverished me

women and families that include Mom, Dad and kids. We have been serving more whole families recent months. We have not established a reason why. However, it does not matter the reason

they are hungry, we will feed them.

The down side to our efforts is that some will say that, we a

enabling people to stay in their present situation. But who a

we to judge? If a person comes to us and they are hungry w

are going to do our best to feed them.

The up side is

this, to welcome

needy people to our dining room and hear the expressions

of gratitude that they say to each other and to us whenthey leave. It makes it worth all of the effort that was

put forth to prepare the meal that they had just enjoyed.

Please help us in our efforts to feed all of the hyngry, poor, needy and homeless people that com

to us for meals by your continued prayers, financial support and in-kind donations to this ministr

REMEMBER, we receive NO Federal, State or Municipal funds.Thanks,

Bro. Don


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www.anchoragerescue.orgWe invite you to visit us on the web or

drop us an E-mail with your comments

and suggestions

2

learn

ingcent

erupd

ate

Climbing Mountains

I once hiked to the summit of

Flat Top. There were eight of us

in the expedition that day. It was

perfect climbing weather in that itwas sunny yet windy. As soon as I

worked up a sweat the wind cooled

me down. It was perfect!

Perfect until the unthinkable

happened. I was walking along

minding my own business when

out of no where my age viciously

and mercilessly assaulted me.

There was no denying I was forty

four years old. I had come to termswith the fact I would not see forty

five. It was OK because there had

to be more oxygen in the grave

than there was in my lungs.

From a distance Flat Top is such

a cute little hill. Up close its a

formidable challenge. Half way up

it becomes a Mt. McKinley want-

a-be growing fast.

As I struggled upward on trembling

legs I thought of three hundred

and seventy two solid reasons why

I should stop and go back down.

None of them legitimate but why

split hairs? I had another eight

hundred and twelve that made no

since at all however the higher I

climbed the better they sounded.

I only had one reason not to stop

and that was I would never forgive

myself for quitting this close to the

top.

This is the same attitude I run

across in the learning center.

When one of my students comes

to a difficult task they immediately

begin making excuses why theyshouldnt have to move foreword.

The excuses range from, Ill

never use this stuff. To Im not

smart enough. Neither excuse

works but they try anyway.

In these difficult times I try to

encourage inner dialog. While

climbing Mt. Mckin....umm... Flat

Top I reasoned away the negative

excuses by recognizing them as

lies. Only after I was able to see the

truth was I able to move forward

through the pain and reach my

goal.

Difficult times are a regular

happenstance of life. Learning

how to move forward despite the

circumstances is an importa

life skill we desperately want

teach the men in the NewLif

Recovery program.

Once the difficult moment h

passed a powerful sense

accomplishment is experience

The men learn they are capable achieving more than they realize

and the next time they are face

with a mountain they are n

afraid.

By the way the Lord and I had a ta

on Flat Top that day. He told m

if I would stop making ridiculou

promises and silly deals with hi

he would show me what a ne

body in glory would look like.agreed and at that exact mome

an eight year old girl passed m

like I was standing still, bent ove

and gasping for breath. She w

giggling as she ran to the summ

of Flat Top.

The Lord was faithful in keepin

his word so I no longer mak

excuses I just push through th

difficult challenges. I do howev

draw the line at giggling.

Learning Center Wish List

Software

Computers

GED Textbooks

Computer Textbooks

Composition Notebooks

Gift cards to Barnes & Noble orCompUSA are a great way to donate

textbooks and software.

DavidWi

lliams


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pr

ogra

mupd

ate

LarryAldr

ich

This month we were blessed

to experience all three seasons

here at the AGRM.

New men joining the

NewLife Recovery Program

calls for intercessory prayers,

that the seeds may fall on

fertile ground. It is also a time

of heartaches when the seeds

seem to fall on hard ground

and these men leave the

program after a short time.

During that time our faith is

tested the most. Do we trust

God? Do we believe that he

knows the plans that he has

for each of these men? Can

he preserve those seeds and

in his time cause them to take

root?

For I know the plans I have

for you, delcares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and notto harm you, plans to give

you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

The time for tending can be

a challenging time as well. I

find myself questioning my

ability to really give these

men everything they need in

order to grow. Have I missed

anything? Am I lacking in an

area that could be crucial to

their growth? Self-doubt is

one of the toughest strugglesin my life here at the AGRM.

However, it does build my

faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

I am in constant prayer that

my thoughts, my words and

my actions are inspired and

guided by the Holy Spirit. I

trust Gods word that he will

not give me more than I canhandle and therefore I will not

be found lacking. He promises

that in my weakness He is at

his strongest.

Your prayers for our staff for

spiritual maturity would be a

great comfort. We want to be

good shepherds of the flockGod has entrusted us with.

A time for harvest for me is the

time when a man graduates.

The time when a man has

walked through a year of

growing pains. He has walked

through the trials, through

the storms, through the rain

and through the droughts. H

endured the hardships and th

trying times that the enem

threw his way and he stoo

steadfast in Gods promises.

Our prayer is that he has

personal relationship wit

Jesus Christ. We pray that h

knows the full armor of Go

and that he is equipped to us

it.

It has been a blessed mon

at the New Life RecoverProgram.

The laborers are few

The tasks are endless

The harvest a blessing

May all the Praise, Hono

and Glory be given to Chri

Jesus, in whom all things arpossible.

Please continue to keep u

on your prayer list and ma

God continue to bless yo

abundantly.

A Time for Sowing

A Time for Tending

A Time for Harvest


4/84

Rev. Sherbahn was born September 25, 1919, in Lynch, Nebraska to

Benjamin and Goldie Sherbahn. In his teens he was in the CivilianConservation Corps.

He pastured churches in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho from the

early 1940s until God called him to go to Alaska. Rev. Sherbahn

came to Alaska in September 1956, along with his wife and four

children. He went to Kotzebue to pastor the Church of God and was

there from 1956 to 1964, and again in 1967. Along with pasotring, he

worked at Hansens Trading Company , served as postmaster, and operated

Sherbahns store. While in Kotzebue, Rev. and Mrs. Sherbahn had two more

children. He made many friends during his time there and truly loved the Alaskanative people. He often said that he would not have traded his time in Kotzebue for

anything.

In Anchorage Rev. Sherbahn pastored the Northern Lights Church of god, retiring in 1983,

however he continued pastoring in several interim positions. He was active in ministry and

passionate about the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission and crisis Pregnancy Center.

He Enjoyed gardening, making jams and jellies with fruit from his garden and canning

vegetables he had grown. He liked making Christmas Candy for family and friends, and

enjoyed reading.

His family wrote, Our dad enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, camping, and

fishing. He was fully dedicated to God and preaching the gospel...The heritage and legacy he

has given us are gifts that will remain in our hearts forever. He loved Alaska and the people

here. All of his family and friends will miss him dearly. He truly was and continues to be a

blessing to us all.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Myrtle (Sisk) Sherbahn: children and spouses, Lois

Miller, Ben and Ida Sherbahn, Beth and Kent Maraman, Rachel and Tony Black, Karen and

Grant Turner, daughter-in-law Ginger Sherbahn, son-in-law Curt Boatner; 21 grandchildren

and 26 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dean, Paul, Donald and Lawrence Sherbahn, and sister

Lotus Hudson.

He was preceded in death by his son, David Sherbahn, daughter ruth Boatner, and son-in-law

Reinhold W. Miller.

Well Done Good a


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s is one of those times in life where words can do no justice to the heart. What a wonderful friend Rev.

n Sherbahn was to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission. His energy and drive was unmatched and he wilmissed. This small, unassuming man was a giant in heart and spirit. Rev. Ben was so filled with the Holy

Spirit you could feel the energy and love wash over you anytime you had the privilege to stand in his

presence.

He wore his love for the Lord on his sleeve for the entire world to see. Alaska has not only lost

one of its true pioneers it has also lost a humble man of God. The Rescue Mission has lost a

staunches supporter. Rev. Ben did more than holding numerous services each month in our chape

He provided a steady stream of food as well. Not helping the needy was never an option for Rev.

Ben because his nature was so unselfish and caring.

How do you say goodbye to someone who made such a powerful impact on our lives? Wer

confident Rev. Ben would tell us to never stop moving forward in the Lord. He loved this

Mission therefore we choose to honor this great man by doing the best we can with what

we have. After all isnt that how Rev. Ben Sherbahn lived his life?

Rejoice in the presence of the Lord and we will see you in glory our dear loving friend.

The Staff

d Faithful Servant!


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di

rect

ors

desk

DonBettis

_________________________

___________________________Rev. Benjamin Franklin Sherbahn

At Home With The Lord

Bro. Ben, as he was so affectually known around here at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission, was

called home by the Lord on August 29, 2006. He was a beloved husband, father, friend, but most of all

he was a fine Christian man and humble servant that loved the Lord with all of his heart.

Bro. Ben loved the work of the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission and wanted to be here for every

service that was available. Even though he was 87 years old he had 3 assigned nights each month to be

in charge of the Chapel service and 5 nights if the month had a fifth Friday or Saturday. However, besid

the Chapel service he loved the people he came to minister too. No telling how many people were

brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Savior under the influence of his preaching and

teaching of Gods word here at the Mission over the many years that he faithfully came to conduct the

Chapel service.

Bro. Ben was the first pastor that I met when I became the Director of the Mission. I was trying to get

churches lined up to come at least once a month to conduct the Chapel service. In our first conversation

he told me he would take any night that was open that he did not have to be in his own church.

Bro Ben was not only interested in the Chapel service but he was constantly bringing food, clothing and

cleaning supplies to the Mission. He would even stop by sometimes to see how things were going and i

we needed anythinghe would also stop by just to pray.

Bro. Ben made a lasting impression on me, the Mission staff and the homeless people that will not be

forgotten. He was, indeed, a real friend to the Mission.

So long Bro. Ben, we will see you again, one day in heaven!

So Long To A Beloved Friend


7/8

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 ofGary Foland

by Rebecca S. Fowler.

In Memory of

Evelyn T. Michou

by Faye Autrey

In Memory of

Rev. Ben Sherbahn

by The Messers

Paul and Evangeline Sherbahn

Don and Charlotte Bettis

In Memory of

Dean Thompson

by Rev. James and Faith Carpenter

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Just A ReminderWe are NOTa United Way Agency. However,they have begun their fall contributions

campaign. Remember if you make a donationto the United Way you may designate theAnchorage Gospel Rescue Mission to receivethis contribution. Also, if you work for acompany that matches donations to non-profitorganizations this will double your contributionto the Mission. So please keep us in mind.

Faith and PurposeHowever 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 GodHebrews 11:6


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 OctoberSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1GodsPlace

2Abbot LoopCommunity

Church

3Anchorage

PilgrimNazarene

4Anchorage

GospelSingers

5Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

6First

PresbyterianChurch

7CalvaryBaptistChurch

8GodsPlace

9Church

of God ofProphecy

10First

Assembly ofGod

11Change

Point

12Alliance

BibleChurch

13CalvaryChurch

14Wasilla

Assemblyof God

15Grace

VictoryFellowship

16Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

17Anchorage

NativeAssembly

18Christian

EvangelicalChurch

19Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

20Sherbahn

EvangelisticTeam

21Lighthouse

ChristianFellowship

22New Light

CommunityChurch

23HillsideBaptistChurch

24Attorney

Greg Grebe

25CalvaryBaptistChurch

26EvangelicalCovenantChurch

27In His Name

SandyMcCollum

28Southside

Churchof God

29GodsPlace

30Trinity

PresbyterianChurch

31Grace

BrethrenEagle River

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

October 2006 Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Newsletter

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