Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

u e A Ministry of
june
2009

s c Rescue & Discipleship

s
a publication of the

e
Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission • Anchorage, Alaska

r w H A P P Y
5
96
ne
1
t.

FATHERS
es

D A Y
To All Of The Father’s That Receive This Newsletter!
Larry Aldrich
Operations Manager I hope that you enjoy this day that is set aside for you to celebrate with those of your family
David Williams that are with you.
Program Director
This is your day. You may be an older father or a young father or perhaps a grandfather, but
Randy Hess we all like to show off our children or grandchildren. We like to boast about how good they
Maintenance Supervisor
are in sports or academic achievements. We all like to throw out our chest and say, “that’s
Larry O’Connor my kid.” However, in this world that we live in today, with all of the violence, disrespect
Greg Mann for parents and all adults that we see among young people—I wonder Dad, or we setting
Roger Klein the right example for them? Do they see Christ in our life everyday; the way we handle
disappointments and set backs in our life or maybe the little “white lies” that we say want
David McKnight hurt anyone and the small items we take from our place of employment that we say no one
Van Driver
will miss.
Solomona Talivaa
Maintenance
MY PRAYER IS THAT ALL FATHERS WILL TAKE THEIR
Darlene Whaley RIGHTFUL PLACE OF LEADERSHIP IN THE FAMILY.
Kitchen Manager
Take control and be the spiritual leader God wants you to be, that your wife wants you to be
and surprisingly the leader your children wants you to be. You may think that it is too late,
that everything is already out of control—but remember, nothing is impossible with God!
You and God make a majority and nothing can defeat a combination like that
I truly hope and pray that we are trying to set the right example for our young people to see
and follow. Then, we will be like the man referred to in Psalms 1:3, “he shall be like a
tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also
shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper”.
 “The Poor Shall Never Cease Out
sk Of The Land….”
de
is
Deuteronomy 15:11.
r’
s
e t t
to B A Father’s Day Message
ec on
.D
r
di Dad’s, Do You Want Your Son
e v
R To Be Just Like You?

There are little eyes upon you,

When I read this and other scriptures I know we will always
have the poor, needy and homeless people with us. However,
it becomes more of a reality when you work with them
everyday. It seems like there is no end to homelessness. We
are still at capacity with the number of people we serve in
our dorm—however, more and more people are coming in
for their meals.
There are many reasons why a person may become homeless.
In the mind of most people though, drugs and alcohol are the
main reason. I agree that they play a big part and may be the
end results of why a person becomes homeless. But mental
illness, divorce, break-up of the home and many other
reasons add to the cause of homelessness. Also, in our city
a big reason for a person being homeless is unemployment.
Most of the people that come to the Mission would work, if
they could find a job. Some people are still coming to Alaska
on the promise of a job but when they get here—there is no
job. When a person loses their job, his source of income,
and gradually everything they own; they turn to alcohol
and drugs. They think they can find some relief from their
problem by taking this outlet only to find they have created
a bigger problem. Finally when all is lost they may come to
us as a last resort, for help.
Those that do come to us with a sincere desire for help—
can find it here! You see, we believe a person’s real help
comes from the Lord. With Jesus Christ in their life and the
Holy Spirit to give them the help, guidance and comfort they
need a person can look beyond their circumstances and see
that the Lord can help them reach their goals and achieve
a spiritual walk with Him. They do not need the drugs or
alcohol as a crutch for now they have Jesus to lean on and He
will help them to get where they want to be—fully recovered
and serving God.
“For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye
will ye may do them good….”
Mark 14:7
And they are watching night and day;
There are little ears that quickly
Take in, every word you say;
There are little hands all eager
To do, everything you do;
And a little boy who’s dreaming
Of the day he will be like you.
You are the little fellow’s idol,
You’re the wisest of the wise;
In his little mind about you,
No suspicions ever rise;
He believes in you devoutly,
Holds all you say and do,
He will say and do, in your way,
When he is grown up just like you.
There is a wide-eyed little fellow
Who believes you are always right;
And his ears are always open,
As he watches day and night.
You are setting an example,
Every day in all you do,
For the little boy who is waiting
To grow up, to be just like you.
About Your Will
Have you included the Anchorage Gospel
Rescue Mission in your Will or Estate? If
not will you please consider including us.
It would, indeed, be a blessing to this
ministry here and it could have eternal
rewards for you. We average about one
person per day making a profession of
faith in Jesus Christ and accepting Him
as their Savior. By including us in your
Will or Estate you can continue to have

2
a part in this ministry.
 Living Memorials Oldies With AMessage
….touch lives as they honor the memory I heard from several folks that did not know the old
of loved ones and friends. Gospel song, “It’s Real”, that was in the May newsletter.
Maybe you are not as old as me. This song was very
In Memory of popular in the 50’s; most all of the Gospel singers used
Frank and Esperanza Casas it when they were invited to sing somewhere.
by Martha Cashen
See if you remember this one. Let me know!
In Memory of
David McKinney NO ONE EVER CARED FOR ME
by Herbert and Jean McKinney LIKE JESUS
In Memory of I would love to tell you
Wilton and Rose Fiedler what I think of Jesus
by Herbert and Jean McKinney Since I found in Him
a friend so strong and true;
In Memory of I would tell you how
Otis Rosson He changed my life completely,
by Brad and Theresa Zimmerman He did something that
Thomas W. Sparavalo No other friend could do.
Angelina Savovich All my life was full of sin
Etta M. Schandelmeier When Jesus found me,
All my heart was full
In Memory of Of misery and woe;
Conner Bearuegard Jesus placed His strong
by Mrs. Erin Leslie And loving arms around me,
And He led me in the
In Memory of Way I ought to go.
S. L. Sims Everyday He comes to me
by Mary Sims With new assurance,
More and more I
* * * * * Understands His words of love;
In Honor of But I’ll never know just why
Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission He came to save me,
For caring for those less-fortunate, upholding Till some day I see
laws/codes, supporting safe neighborhoods, His blessed face above.
acting on Christian principles, Chorus:
No one ever cared for me
and reminding others ̶ Thank You
Like Jesus,
by Roy and Frances Seater
There’s no other friend
Mark and Carol Wood So kind as He;
No one else could take the
In Special Memory of Sin and darkness from me,
All the Fathers and Grandfathers O how much He cared for me.
who are no longer with us
Your sons and daughters miss you dearly,
think of you fondly,
and dream of you often.
We will continue to pass along
the legacy of your love
to those who follow in your footsteps.

3
“Thou shalt love thy ne
I’ve had several opportunities in the last couple of
weeks to recognize just how inadequate I am when it
comes to, “loving thy neighbor as thyself.” My instinct
is to be angry at God for being mean and pointing out
this flaw in my spiritual character. This is also where
I begin to use my superior intellect to convince God
how wrong his is. I begin to show God all the ways I
respond with love toward my neighbor.
Glenn Herman lost his home to a fire a few weeks ago
and I have, like the knight in shining armor I am, rallied
by his side to help in any way I can, see I do love my
neighbor. Ha-ha! David one God zero! Of course God
pointed out Glenn is my friend and the meager amount
of help I’ve offered would have been given anyway.
Eeerrr! No points on a technicality!
Well what about the fact I took it upon myself, out of
the goodness of my heart, to wash the volcano dust
from my next door neighbor’s car because she was out
of town. David one God zero! Well it did rain the next
day so I suppose this would be another instance where
I should have waited on God and didn’t. Ok another
point lost on a technicality, I’ll give you that.
This is where God begins to play tough. He does so
by pointing out the only reason I bothered to rinse her
car off in the first place was because I know she is new
to driving. I figured she wouldn’t be smart enough to
know you can’t just wipe volcano ash off or you’ll
scratch the paint and possibly damage the windshield.
In other words “I think she’s dumb.” In a letter to the
Christians in Corinth, the Apostle Paul discusses the
importance of helping without judgment. God is the
only judge. 1 Corinthians 4:5 says, “It is the Lord who
judges me.”Ouch! Lost a point on motive ok… ok…
you got me there, God one David zero.
I really didn’t want to do this but I can see this
is going to be more difficult that I first
4 thought. I’m pulling my trump card… “I
work at a Rescue Mission.” Spank! Didn’t see that one
coming did you God? Talk about love thy neighbor;
Two words for you, Sun Glasses. It’s getting bright in
here. I can feel the halo glowing over my head as we
speak. God one David one, Tied!
It would be nice if God would just accept the fact I
know more than Him and give up at this point but
nooo… He has to make His point by informing me the
Rescue Mission belongs to Him, He got me the job and
the only reason I’m still working here is because He
puts up with my foolishness and loves me despite my
flaws. Let us not overlook the fact He pays my wages,
protects me from harm, and takes care of all my needs.
Then He does what God likes to do, He drives his
argument home with a point! How much would I love
my neighbor’s at the Rescue Mission if He were to stop
paying me? What would my attitude be if life were to
get really hard? Am I a Job? Sting! I hate it when God
does that! Doesn’t He know how annoying it is when
He’s always right?
I’ll be the first to acknowledge the silliness of the
proceeding conversation with God. Yet I often wonder
if this is what took place when Jacob wrestled with God
in Genesis 32:24. As insane as it is, I find myself having
some variation of this conversation with God all the
time. You would think I had some kind of bargaining
power! I know the score is closer to God infinity David
0 but I continue to argue my imaginary points despite
knowing in my heart I’m wrong. Why do I do this?
Why do we do this?
I suppose the character trait I find most endearing about
God is how He loves me enough to invest time beyond
the argument. He loves me enough to, not only point
out my character flaws but to also, bless my life with
situations to help me overcome those flaws. The flaw-
of-the-Day in my life is “love thy neighbor as thyself”
and the life situation I speak of is this:
neighbour as thyself”
My wife and I were attending our regular weekly
church service. As most of the services go at our
church the Pastor, Dan Jerrall, was delivering a
message that seemed to be designed specifically for
me. What I failed to realize was God and Dan were
working hand in hand in order to teach me something
about myself. The message was taught from the book
of First Timothy. A book showing us there are so many
distractions trying to pull us away from the simple
reality, God loves people, and the gospel is about God
giving himself for our sake. We can’t add to or taking
away from this because it’s about receiving the gift of
grace. This is a great message given at a time in my life
when I really needed to hear it. Finally I understand! I
was made in God’s image therefore I must love people,
give myself for their sake, and show unmitigated grace.
Paul needed a whole book to teach us the very same
lesson Christ taught in a single sentence, “Thou shalt
love thy neighbour as thyself”
Words cannot describe how liberating it is to have the
answers because now comes the easy part, applying the
lesson learned to my life. Whew… I’m glad that’s over!
I can move on to the next thing on God’s honey do list.
(Authors Note: Imagine the screeching sound of a
phonograph needle scratching across a vinyl record.)
Wrong! This is where God takes over the sermon
and I must say He’s good! I’ve come to realize God’s
favorite teaching method is not to tell me the answer
but to lead me to the answer. On this particular day God
used Dan to tell me the answer so He could drive the
point home with an illustration. The service ended, I
thought, with the offering and then a young woman on
our worship team approached the microphone to sing. I
became instantly excited because this young woman is
my favorite singer in the world! She has such a unique
voice that is a little folksy and resonates perfectly
within my heart. When she sings about God I feel God.
Matthew 19:19.
Unfortunately I was not the only one who felt the
service was over. There were two people behind me
who began a loud conversation. About what, I don’t
know because in an instance I lost focus on God and
it became all about me. They were robbing me of my
joy! I wanted to hear this young lady sing a song and
how dare they do this to me! I began to sin in my heart
towards two of God’s children in the middle of God’s
living room. Talk about losing focus! I didn’t hear one
word of the song because of my anger. The truth is it
took me several days to finally reflect on the situation
without becoming angry.
Once I was able to relax and reflect I came to the
realization I should have turned around and in a loving
Christian way explained how I was losing focus and
needed their help to regain it. I never know when God
has offered me an opportunity to be a servant. This
could very well have been one of those opportunities
and I missed it. Perhaps God was using me to show
them they were losing focus in church. Perhaps their
“Flaw-of-the-Day” was dealing with consideration. If
this is the case I let God down all because I didn’t love
those people behind me enough to say something in
a loving way. Shame On Me! At that point in time I
loved myself more than I loved them.
Point taken God, I’m not as smart as I think and I have
such a long way to go. I cannot imagine taking this
journey without you. Thank you for not treating me the
way I treat my brother. I suppose that leads us into the
next “Flaw-of-the-Day” grace.
David M. Williams
Program Director
5
 CHARACTER
Two weeks ago I gave a short sermon from Romans
13, “Respect For Authority”. This chapter talks about
how our life style in recovery includes the way we
relate to governmental authorities. Paul pointed out that
government exists because God put it there. Therefore,
we need to submit to the government as we would
submit to God himself. In Ephesians 6:5-9, it is titled
“Slaves and Masters”. This part of the chapter tells us
that as slaves of “Christ” we should do the will of God
with all of our heart. Work with enthusiasm as though
you were working for the LORD rather than people.
Remember that the LORD will reward each one of us
for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. In
today’s time it would not be slaves and masters, but
employee and employer.
People enroll in the “NewLife” Recovery Program
for different reasons. What ever the reason, we are all
taught the same thing, The Word of God. This program
is here to help us change from our old addictive habits,
and become transform into disciples for our LORD and
Savior Jesus Christ. Nobody said it was going to be
easy, in fact God said that He would see us through our
trials and tribulations, and the only way to do that is by
having faith. This program is designed for us to re-enter
society, let’s face it, we all messed up. That is why we
are here now. In Romans 5:3-4 we are told that when
we run into problems and trials, they will help us
develop endurance. And endurance develops
6
strength of character, and character strengthens our
confident hope of salvation. Learning to wait patiently
is an important characteristic for us to develop, and this
program is specifically designed for that purpose.
In the real world, if you have a negative attitude towards
your employer, you’re gone. There might be some words
exchanged, but you are the one with out a job. I have
seen this happen over and over, a person applies for a
job, some people don’t even ask what their salary is,
that’s because at the time, they are ready to do anything,
for any wage. Then after they get the job, after a couple
of weeks, they think that they know every thing and
want a raise. They haven’t even been there 90 days and
they want a raise, and then they start complaining about
doing too much work, and saying that the other person
isn’t doing as much work as they are doing. These types
of people have no character at all, and they always wind
up out of a job. There are over 6 billion people on this
planet, and they are hungry for work. Your employer
doesn’t have to put up with your attitude and neither do
the people at this Mission. Every last one of us can be
replaced, so who do you think you are Mr. Big Stuff.
Not only are you disrespecting your employer or the
staff at the Mission, you are disrespecting God, and He
will bring this up on judgment day. Just about everyone
has read First Corinthians, in the forth chapter Paul
told Timothy to remind the Corinthians believers that
they needed to be held accountable to the truths they
had been taught and to encourage them to preserve in
their faith. Everyone here at “NewLife” is being taught
the Word of God and how to receive the Fruits of the
Spirits. We all know the rules here, so let’s just do our
jobs and stop complaining. In James 5:9 the Bible says
don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or
you will be judged. At times we may become frustrated
and explode in anger just as David did in Psalm 39:1-
7, and just like David we should ask for forgiveness.
Obedience to God’s program is one of the requirements
for spiritual growth.
Cado Spates
Phase 5 Disciple
 rg www.anc rg www.anc
ue.o ho ue.o ho
sc r sc r

ag

ag
e

e
w.an rager

w.an rager
er

er
escue.org w

escue.org w
cho

cho
We invite you to visit You can also
us on the web or drop make your donations
us an e-mail with on our secure
ww

ww
your comments and On-Line donation

ww

ww
g

g
.a .a
nc suggestions
hor .o
r nc
hor page .o
r
ageresceu ageresceu

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.

While There Is Time Farewell Dear Friend

When we come to the end of the long, long road, Our brother Michael Knott went home to be with the Lord.
No matter how clever or shrewd Michael graduated from “NewLife” and was a success by
We’ve been through the years, how will we react all the standards set here at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue
When the book of our life is viewed? Mission. Michael remained faithful to the Lord to the end.
Whatever success we have managed to gain,
In spite of each brilliant degree, Welcome Home!
What do you suppose His judgment will be
When God looks inside you and me?
For it isn’t the money we have in the bank,
The prudent investments we prize,
It isn’t our status among the elite
That counts for a thing in His eyes.

When we entered this world, we had not a shred,

And we’ll not take a thing when we leave,
Depending upon the seeds we have sown,
The welcome we’re apt to receive.
So while there is time, let us see to the things
We cannot afford to neglect,
And by all the good we can possible do,
Insure the reward we expect
For moments are fleeting, it may be today— 7/18/1980 - 4/15/2009
Might be the last one you see,
And we must have an answer, For Jesus will ask, “What have

7
accomplished for me?”
 Our Ministry of Non-Profit Org.
Anchorage
age
u e u e U.S. Postal

es c Gospel
sc
PAID
Anchorage, AK
r is to reMission
Mission GOD BLESS AMERICA
Permit # 290

the least
the last
A Ministry
Ministry of
the lost Rescue & Recovery info@anchoragerescue.org
www.anchoragerescue.org
ue
“urgent”
Our supplies of these
items is constantly in
r es
news
c

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

need of replenishing return service requested
† Prayer
† Paper Towels
† 45 Gallon Trash Bags
† Fresh Meat
† Coffee
† Bathroom Tissue
L
O
† Laundry Soap
† Disposable Shavers D
† Cleaning Supplies Pr
† Liquid Dish Detergent
† Dinner Napkins R
† Shampoo M
“urgent”
L
Anchorage Gospel STATEMENT OF FAITH G
Rescue Mission The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a Non-Profit, Non-Denominational R
Board of Trustees organization. We receive NO municipal, state or federal funds. We are not a United
Way Agency. Your financial support and In-Kind donations makes it possible for us to D
Ed Shelton provide for the poor, needy and homeless people in our community. Also, your donations Va
(President) allow us to provide a Drug and Alcohol Recovery program. All Donations are fully tax
Bob Collins deductible. We will give you a receipt for your donation. S
( Vice President/treasure) M

Enoch Adams
(Secretary)
Chapel Services for June D
K
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Mark Soquet
Ralph Nobrega 1 2 3 4 5 6
Abbott Loop Anchorage Anchorage Anchorage First Calvary
Rev. Bob Sloan Community Pilgrim Gospel Vineyard Presbyterian Baptist
Church Nazarene Singers Fellowship Church Church
Emeritus:
Cliff Hodgins 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Rev. Willard Leisy God’s Church First Anchorage Christ Calvary Wasilla
Advisory Board: Place of God of
Prophecy
Assembly of
God
Church
of Christ
Community
Church
Church Assembly
of God
Paul Kelly 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
God’s Sherbahn Anchorage Christian Sherbahn Sherbahn Lighthouse
Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir. Place Evangelistic Native Evangelical Evangelistic Evangelistic Christian
Team Assembly Church Team Team Fellowship
Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir.
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
i o n of Grace Calvary Attorney Calvary Evangelical In His Name Glenn
ia t Victory
Fellowship
Baptist Greg Grebe Baptist Covenant
Church
Sandy
McCollum
Hermann
c

Go
A sso

28 29 30
s pel

New Light Trinity Grace

Member Community Presbyterian Brethren
Church Church Eagle River
e
cu
s

Nightly Services
on

s
i
M iss re
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM