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

The Staff and the Board of Trustees take this opportunity

to wish all of the Mother’s that read this newsletter a
very happy and blessed day on this day, your day. This
is the day especially set aside to honor Mother’s. It
is our privilege to honor and recognize the place that
mother’s Mother’s influence has on the lives of their children.
Thank God for Godly Mothers! The old adage, “the
Day hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that builds the
character of the generation that will one day be the
leaders of our country”, is still true. It is godly Mothers
that have the real influence on the children, sorry Dads,
but it is the truth! It is Mom that the kids go to when
they skin a knee, burn a finger, have a fight or any
number of things including getting into trouble. It is
her comforting, assuring, sympathizing and making all
things better by a simple kiss that they are looking for
when they go to her.

Mother’s influence makes all the difference in the

world as to how families turn out. She usually leads
David M. Williams in the spiritual life. She is the one that sees to it that
Program Director everyone gets to church in time for Sunday School, has
their Bible lesson prepared, leads in family worship
Larry Aldrich and talks to the children about the Lord, maybe, even
Operations Manager leading them to a saving knowledge of Jesus as their
Savior.
Randy Hess
Maintenance Supervisor
Yes, Mom, I believe that it is you that creates the
Larry O’Connor TO environment of love and caring in the home, that
puts a longing in our heart to return home in hope of
Greg Mann
Roger Klein ALL finding some of the feelings that we remember from
our childhood. For me personally, I like to remember
Donn Baker
Client Supervisors
OF how it was at home and I like to be at home where love
abounds and each one cares for the other with a Godly
David McKnight OUR concern.
Van Driver
MOTHERS Keep up the good work, Moms
Solomona Talivaa
Maintenance May the Lord bless you abundantly!
John Lofquist
Donations

Neil Givens
ay

Learning Center

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 In Loving Memory of It’s Never too Late to Honor our Mothers.
Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
(Exodus 20:12 KJV)

When I first became a Christian there was a great deal of guilt and pain associated with the 5th commandment.
Although the same can be said for all the commandments the fifth was the most difficult to process. You see my mother
never knew the Christian David. She never had the opportunity
to witness me serving others because in her lifetime I only cared In Loving Memory of My Mother
about myself. I cannot even begin to imagine the depth of the
sorrow I caused my mother. She spent her life loving someone
who reject the idea of love altogether. The concept eluded me
because it required thinking about someone other than me. I was
so selfish and self-centered the idea, others had feelings, never
crossed my mind. Despite this selfishness my mother loved me
unconditionally. In Deuteronomy we are told, “the Lord will
never leave you nor forsake you.” My mother treated me the
way the Lord has promised to treat me. You can see how I would
feel guilty whenever I read the 5th commandment.

Or is it guilt I feel? Romans 4:7 tells us, “Blessed are they whose
iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” Doesn’t
this mean I’m guiltless before the throne? How then can I be
feeling guilt? I can’t be unless God has lied and I rule that our
completely! What I don’t rule out is Satan the father of lies. He
loves it when I believe things that appose the nature of God. The
thing that aggravates me the most is I am such an easy target!
You would think by now I would have stopped doing his work
for him. I can’t be feeling guilt so what am I feeling?
Kathryn Ann Wilkinson
I know my sins are forgiven even those against my mother but
that doesn’t mean I can’t feel remorseful for my behavior. I
grieve the fact I played such a pivotal part in breaking her heart. I mourn the lost time I could have been spending
with here rather than languishing away in one jail, or another, paying the consequences for my behavior. This is time
lost that cannot be retrieved and I’m sorry for that.

I know my mother loved me and I know in my heart she would be so proud of me today. The last thing she would
want is for me to beat myself up for the foolishness of the past. I refuse to continue to dishonor my mother or my
Lord by misidentifying my feelings of regret as guilt. My mother is still with me today. I think of her mostly when
I find myself making the right decisions, even when it hurts to do so. These are the times I say, usually to my wife,
“My Mama would be proud.”

My prayer for all the Mothers who read this is; If you are experiencing with your children what my Mother went
through with me, that you know in your lifetime how important you are to your children’s lives! For all those who
might be struggling with addiction or are somehow estranged from their Mothers love; my prayer for you is that you
are able to tell them how much you love and appreciate them before it’s too late.

Happy Mother’s day Mama I will forever love you and I miss you dearly.

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David M. Williams
 Thank God for Our Mothers
We know from reading the Bible that prayer
changes things. While God himself does not change,
nevertheless He will change His preannounced
intentions to deal with sin and sinful people. Godly
people down through the ages have pleaded with God
to spare sinful people from His impending wrath and
righteous judgment; and He has listened and graciously
granted their requests! How amazing is this?
In Genesis 18:23-33 we read about Abraham
bargaining with God to spare
the lives of the people in
Sodom, whom He was about
to utterly, destroy because of
their wickedness. Abraham’s
most probable motivation was
his concern for his nephew,
Lot and Lot’s family. In my
opinion, it takes a lot of nerve
to haggle with the Creator of
the Universe over the lives of
some extremely evil people,
who are about to get exactly
From Left to Right—Jean Maynard, Sharon
what they deserve, like you
Baker, Lana Lofquist, Mary-Lou Hogue
where at some kind of “flea
market,” but that’s just what
Abraham did. And he pulled it off; God spared Lot and
his family. Things might have gone differently for Lot
had he let the two angels, which God had sent, to sleep
in the town square as they had intended to do.
In Exodus 32:11-14 we read about how Moses
successfully persuaded God, with a skillfully worded
argument, to spare the lives of the Israelites. Talk about
going boldly before the Throne of God. The Israelites
had just witnessed the most extensive display of God’s
power and mercy that He had yet performed in human
history since creation, and before God had finished
giving Moses the Law, they were already in active
rebellion. I am not sure if God actually changes His
mind, or if He is allowing us to show ourselves just
how much we need Him, and at the same time, showing
us aspects of His character. All I do know for sure about
these things is what I read in His word. The Word clearly
teaches that God answers the prayers of Godly people,
and this kind of prayer changes things.
Jonah knew this too. Jonah 4:2; He prayed
to the Lord. “O Lord, is this not what I said when I
was still at home? That is why I was so quick to
flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and
compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in
love,” a God who relents from sending calamity. Jonah
had not wanted to go to Ninevah to warn the Ninevites
of their impending doom, because not only were they
about to get what they deserved, but the Ninevites
were enemies of Israel. Jonah had reluctantly warned
the city of Nineveh that God was about to impose His
righteous judgment on them and they fasted, prayed,
and repented. God relented. Jonah got mad. Jonah’s
life had just recently been spared by the Lord. God had
subjected Jonah to some extreme circumstances for
his rebellion. Jonah repented and
cried out to God for salvation.
So, God also saves undeserving
people with bad attitudes.
God also uses Godly
women to change things. Let us
return to the story of Moses. In
Exodus 4:24-26 we read about a
“touching display of obedience”
on the part of Moses’ wife,
Zipporah. God was about to
kill Moses for his disobedience.
Moses had failed to carry out a
command God had given him to
do. If not for Zipporah’s quick
thinking and quick actions Moses
would have paid for his failure to
follow God’s instructions with his life.
Genesis 27:41-45 tells us of Isaac’s mother,
Rebekah, saving him from his brother, Esau, and
saving Esau from himself. Tamar saves Judah from
being without descendants in Genesis 38. In Joshua
2:1-21 Rahab saves the Israelite spies in Jericho; and
in the process saves her family and herself. In the book
of Judges, chapters 4 and 5, we read of the prophetess
Deborah and how she led Barak and the Israelites in
a war against their oppressors. The same story tells
how Jael, a Kenite, who were descendants of Moses’
brother-in-law, pounded a tent stake through the enemy
commanders’ skull while he lay sleeping in her tent.
Seems that he was a little tuckered out after being
chased by the Israelites all day; and then makes a poor
choice of tents to go to sleep in. So, I guess it would
be safe to say that God uses Godly women to bail their
men out of bad situations.
Intercessor prayer is taught all through the Bible.
Continued on page 5
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 “Easter Celebration”
2008!
If you didn’t get the opportunity to come by and visit the I you have it in your heart to participate we will be
Mission on Easter you missed a wonderful celebration having another celebration on June 28th. This is the day
of our Risen Lord. Our chapel services conducted by we will have our picnic celebrating the 4th of July. Why
the Rev. Don Bowery were a time overflowing with
worship in song as well as a heartfelt message filled
with hope and the assurances of promises fulfilled.
The men and women who participated appreciated
the worship songs preformed by some of the men in
our “NewLife” recovery program. They did a fantastic
job! This was not something they were asked to do by
the Mission. It was a calling the Lord put on their
hearts and they responded accordingly.

The Easter meal was prepared by others in our

“NewLife” program and what a meal it turned out to
be! Check out this menu!

Celebrations
like our Easter
Easter Dinner service and meal
is what its really
Glazed Ham
all about. The
Black eye peas
Mission was
Corn Custard
able to provide a
Mashed Potato’s & Gravy
nice wholesome
Dinner Rolls
environment
Cold Slaw
for the men and
Assorted Pies & Cakes so early? Well we do this so that we don’t come into
women whose
lives are generally conflict with any of the other organizations who might
out of control and want to do something for the homeless. It also gives
certainly amenity you, our supporters, the opportunity to participate and
free. If you want also enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.
to know what If you would like to be a part of this celebration give
gratefulness feels like, join us. The hand shakes and me, David Williams, a call at 563-5603 and we will
smiles can overwhelm your heart. God allows us to put you on the list to either cook or serve the meal. No
reap joy abundantly by being unselfish in our giving. matter what capacity you serve you will reap the reward
You are responsible for what we do here at the Mission associated with helping those who need it the most
so join us and feel the joy.
Once again thank you for your support and for making
it possible for us to provide, in your name, activities like
our Easter 2008 Celebration. We rely on your generosity

4
to make this type of wholesome activity possible.

r people, all prayed to God on behalf of other people.
e
nt
ce
ng ns
rni ive
ea l G
l e i
N pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved
Introduction
As David Williams introduced me in our last newsletter
I’m Neil Givens, I’ve been with the Anchorage Gospel
Rescue Mission, in one capacity or another since 2003,
incorporated into my duties here I will be facilitating
our learning center programs.
Our learning center is challenged with meeting the
personal needs of our “NewLife” program men. Be it
completing GED certification, rudimentary computer
skills, all the way to advanced widow applications.
With such a broad based, progressive, curriculum I find
myself a student as much as a teacher.
We face an environment of rapidly changing technology.
But as we instill in the men here “Life is about change”
We do have several needs. With your help we need to
upgrade several student stations in our computer lab.
We have applied every band aid we could think of,
although these computers have served us well though
the years, in one case seven years, they are unable to
meet our current needs. Like before we are offering our
donors and opportunity to upgrade some of our aging
equipment as a tribute to a loved one. If your desire is
to replace a complete computer station we can usually
find a complete system on sale for between $700.00
and $800.00. If you would rather purchase just the CPU
it will cost between $550.00 and $650.00. As with our
previous upgrades we will place an engraved nameplate
on the CPU or the computer Station in memory of or in
honor of your loved ones. These nameplates will also
help remind the men in our “NewLife” program of your
generosity. They will also remind us that were not along
in the challenges we face
Continued from page 3
Old Testament prophets, kings, priests, and ordinary
The New Testament also teaches us to pray on behalf of
others. Paul instructs Timothy in I Timothy 2:1-5; “I
urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession
and thanksgiving be made for everyone—2for kings and
all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet
lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and
and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one
God and one mediator between God and, the man Christ
Jesus,” Also, James writes in James 5:16; “. . . The prayer
of a righteous man (or woman) is powerful and effective.”
Jesus leads and teaches His disciples by example, and in
John 17:6-19, He prayed for His disciples. Continuing
on in v.20-26, He prayed for all believers. The reason we
should pray on behalf of others is revealed in verses 3 and
4 in the above scripture from I Timothy. The prayer of the
Intercessor is good and pleases God. God desires that all
should come to Him and be saved.
I imagine that most, if not all of us, have heard
at one time or another, someone say: “Well, all we can
do is pray for them.” I have, and I have said those words
myself. During those times we have felt so helpless to
help another person, or persons we see who are in the
midst of dire circumstances. But, I am convinced that this
is exactly what God requires of us. Not only does He want
us to call on Him in seemly hopeless situations; but in all
situations. Furthermore, I am convinced that God grants
our requests on behalf of other people. I am living proof
that this is true. If not for the prayers of my mother and
the prayers of her friends, who are all mothers too, then I
do not believe that I would be here today. For many years
I knew who Jesus was and I believed that I was saved, but
you couldn’t tell by the way I was living my life that I had
accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Sometimes I wonder if in fact I was saved. I
shudder to think that I was not. But, for the persistent
prayer of intercession over the course of many years by
some Godly mothers I finally came to the end of myself
and called on the Name of the Lord. He answered my
prayer. In answering my prayer He answered the prayers
of those Godly mothers; as He had been answering them
all along. I give thanks to the Lord that He answered our
prayers; and I give thanks to Him for my Godly mothers.
Let us give thanks to the Lord for all Godly mothers
everywhere.
Written by John Lofquist
5
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
George Hixon
by Peggy J. Mc Mahon
Robert & Ann Strother
In Memory of
John D. Schandelmeier
by Etta M. Schandelmeier
In Memory of
Jean Soundy
by Lynn and Mary Pryor
* * * *
A Childs Prayer
On Mother‛s Day
God in Heaven, I thank Thee
This day on bended knee
For the wonderful mother
Thou hast given me!
Her heart is kind and gentle…
Flowing with loving care;
Her touch is warm and loving,
Her life a constant prayer.
How she often draws me
Into her arms to read,
God‛s holy word, the Bible…
Words my heart should heed.
How often, too, I hear her
Whisper my name in prayer!
Never a Childish problem
But she is always there.
God in heaven, I ask Thee,
Now while I bow to pray—
In Thy great loving kindness
Bless my mother today!
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Mother’s Day
Is Every Day
Every day should be
Mother’s Day!
She is special, in every way.
Remembering when
She helped me pray,
By my bed and what to say—
We talked to God—
Yes, this was my dear mother.
Every day she was there for me,
“Are you hurt? O let me see”!
Always busy as a bee,
Living and loving for her family.
And on she plod—
Yes, this was my dear mother.
Some of the days as years went by,
My goals (sometimes) made her sigh,
Though, she did help me make my try—
* She was there, and ever nigh—
Some times used the rod,
Yes, she was my dear mother!
Every child needs mothers like her!
Always there fr’ us and father,
Filling the family with much cheer,
Our siblings knew she was near—
She walked with God,
Yes, she was my dear mother!
Written by E.J. Best
Used with Permission
your HELP needed
It is that time of the year when in-kind donations begin
to slow down just when our inventory of food is very
low. We are having to buy food products that are
usually donated. I know that folks are getting ready
for vacations and other summer activities but life at the
Mission goes on. and on and on (just kidding). So if
you have any of last years fish catch left or any kind of
game meat that is just sitting there—please bring it to
the Mission or we will pick it up. Then you can go and
catch yourself a fresh supply of fish and have room in
your freezer for fresh game. We really do depend on
you for these items and we appreciate your willingness
to share with us to help those in need.
 Spiritual Needs Are Always A Priority!
sk
de t is
r’
s
e t
o B A Christian Gospel Rescue Mission is just that! Rescue a person
ct
e on from where they are and bring them to restoration and recovery.
di
r
. D We take a person as they are and meet their most critical
v
Re
immediate need—usually their first need is a meal. After that
need is met there is a time for registration. At this time we may
find out other needs in their life. We do everything we can to
make them comfortable and feel at ease. Coming to a Rescue
Mission can be a traumatic experience, especially if you are down on your luck, cold, hungry and feel all alone.
But that is what we are here for—to offer help in their time of need. after we have assisted with all of these
problems, we address the spiritual problems. This is by no means secondary but we have found if we provide
for a person’s physical needs then it is much easier to find out what spiritual needs they may have. If a person
is hungry or emotionally upset it is hard to reason with them about spiritual problems. That is why we take the
approach we do. The spiritual needs of our clients or guests are a priority with all of the Mission staff,
especially if the person is not a Christian. We provide all of the above services and more so that we will be able
to talk to them about spiritual needs. Then, we help them with other things in their life that is troubling them
by counseling, talking, listening and then referring them to our Chaplain for further counseling. Then, we may
even refer them to a local church Pastor for more advice or counseling. But we strongly believe there are no
problems that cannot be solved by prayer and yielding it to the Lord.
I have to admit we are guilty at times of being so busy trying to provide for the physical needs of the people we
serve, that perhaps we are negligent in meeting their spiritual needs. However, I have reminded the staff of our
Mission policy and our Mission goal. And that is being a witness for Christ through word and deed. As
a result we have dedicated ourselves anew to fulfilling our responsibility of putting first things first, and that is
the spiritual concerns of those that come to us for help.

We want people to know that we care about them spiritually by providing a warm Christian environment while
they are here with us. Without a doubt we want our clients (guests) to know we are concerned for their spiritual
well being.

Proverbs 11:30 the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Please PRAY for the staff of your Gospel Rescue Mission, Daily.

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 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 May
u e Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
e s c 1 2 3
r Is to
Anchorage
Vineyard
First
Presbyterian
Calvary
Baptist
Fellowship Church Church
The least 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
The last God’s
Place
Abbot Loop
Community
Anchorage
Pilgrim
Anchorage
Gospel
Christ
Community
Calvary
Church
Wasilla
Assembly
The lost Church Nazarene Singers Church of God
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
God’s Church First Change Sherbahn Sherbahn Lighthouse
“URGENT” Place of God of Assembly of Point Evangelistic Evangelistic Christian

Our supplies of these Prophecy God Team Team Fellowship

18 19 20 21 22 23 24
items is constantly in Grace Sherbahn Anchorage Christian Evangelical In His Name Glenn
need of replenishing Victory
Fellowship
Evangelistic
Team
Native
Assembly
Evangelical
Church
Covenant
Church
Sandy
McCollum
Herman

† Prayer 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
† Paper Towels New Light
Community
Calvary
Baptist
Attorney
Greg Grebe
Calvary
Baptist
Shiloh
Baptist
Sherbahn
Evangelistic
Change
Point
† 45 Gallon Trash Bags Church Church Church Church Team

† Fresh Meat Nightly Services 7:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

† Coffee
† Bathroom Tissue
† Laundry Soap
† Disposable Shavers
† Cleaning Supplies STATEMENT OF FAITH
† Dinner Napkins The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a Non-Profit, Non-Denominational
organization. We receive NO municipal, state or federal funds. We are not a United Way
† Shampoo Agency. Your financial support and In-Kind donations make it possible for us to provide
“URGENT” for the poor, needy and homeless people in our community. Also, your donations 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.
Anchorage Gospel
Rescue Mission Anchorage Non-Profit Org.

ue
U.S. Postal

Board of Trustees Gospel c PAID

s Anchorage, AK
re
Mission GOD BLESS AMERICA
Permit # 290
Ed Shelton
(President) A Ministry of info@anchoragerescue.org
Bob Collins Rescue & Recovery www.anchoragerescue.org
( Vice President/treasure) Visit us at:
Enoch Adams e

news
u
(Secretary) sc 2823 E. Tudor Rd.
re Anchorage, AK 99507
Mark Soquet

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

Cliff Hodgins RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Rev. Willard leisy
Advisory Board:
Paul Kelly

Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir.

Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir.

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