news r e s cu e Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

A Ministry of Rescue & Recovery

a publication of the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission • Anchorage, Alaska

down from his glory

It Is An Ever Living Story!
Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the
government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince
of peace.
Luke 2:11 – For unto to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord.
Matthew 1:21 – And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shall call His
name JESUS; for He shall save His people from their sin.
This is our blessed Hope, our Savior.
Born on this day that we celebrate His birth.
Larry Aldrich
Operations Manager WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU? I mean, really mean
David M. Williams to you? Is it just a time of frolic and gaiety; parties ,giving and getting
Program Director
presents? Or do you understand the significance of God sending His Son
Randy Hess to become the Savior for all of those that would believe in Him and accept
Maintenance Supervisor Him into their life as Lord and Savior?
YOU CAN HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND CONTENTMENT THE
Larry O’Connor
REST OF YOUR LIFE, IF YOU WILL ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S SON AS
Greg Mann
YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR AND MAKE HIM THE LORD OF YOUR LIFE!
Roger Klein
Donn Baker Christmas Dinner – Wednesday December 24th, 3P.M. till 5:30 P.M.
John Lofquist
Client Supervisors
special needs for christmas dinner
David McKnight Lots and Lots of Turkeys – Stuffing Mix – Cranberry Sauce –Green Beans –
Van Driver
Corn – Instant Mashed Potatoes – Onions – Celery – Fruit Cocktail –Dinner Rolls
Solomona Talivaa Canned Sweet Potatoes – Marshmallows – Pumpkin – Apple – Pecan Pie.
Maintenance

Neil Givens
Learning Center

Darlene Whaley
Kitchen Manager
r

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All

be

Anthony Boone
Intern
m

0 8
ce

20
de
 sk
de

0
’ s
r

180
t o
e s
ir m
d il lia
m
a W
gr v id
pro Da

“6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan
also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”
Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back
and forth in it.” Job 1:6-7 NIV)

I can’t help but wonder had I been around in those days if you would be reading Satan’s
answer in the book of Job as; “From hanging out at David’s house and going back and forth in
his head.” He does that a lot and now that I’m a Christian he’s an uninvited guest. Sadly that
has not always been the case. However that’s another story for another time, maybe, ah...
maybe not. I’m curious to know if I’m the only Christian who felt Satan’s job was to scam,
lie, or trick me into turning my back on God. I’ve come to the realizations I was wrong in this
assessment. What I now believe is that his job is so much easier than I first realized.

I don’t have to turn my back on God for Satan to have done his job; all I have to do is take
my eyes off of God. After all isn’t that what happened to Eve? Had Eve kept her eyes on God
the fruit would not have been pleasing to the eye. (Genesis 3:6) Nothing is more pleasing to
the eye than God and Satan knows this. Had Solomon kept his eyes on God his heart could
not have been turned toward other gods. (1 King 11:2) When your eyes are on God there can
be no other gods. Then of course there is the Nation of Israel who’s feet were still wet when
their eye’s were turned from God which caused them to complain about there circumstances
and had them reminiscing about the good old slavery days. And then there is the most
recognized instance in the whole Bible as to what happens to us when we take our eyes off
God. Matthew 14:30 tells of how Peter got down out of the boat and began walking toward
Jesus. We all know what happened when he took his eyes of Jesus and began to look around
him at the raging storm.

continued on page 6

www.anchoragerescue.org
We invite you to visit us on the web or
drop us an E-mail with your comments

2 and suggestions
Living Memorials A Favorite of Mine
. . . . touch lives as they honor the memory
of loved ones and friends.
At Christmas Time
In Memory of Let me know if you remember this one!
Chalmers Kellec
by Sharon Kellec Seeking For Me
In Memory of Jesus, my Savior, to Bethlehem came,
Marie E Lutz Born in a manger, to sorrow and shame.
by Jeanne J, Lutz Oh, it was wonderful, blessed be His name,
In Memory of Seeking for me, for me.
A.J. “Whitey” Yurman
by J.A. Yurman Seeking for me, for me.
In Memory of Seeking for me, for me.
Alvin Syren Oh, it was wonderful, Blesses be His name,
by Claris Syren Seeking for me, for me.
Jane (Syren) Langston
In Memory of Jesus my Savior, the same as of old,
David McKinney It is the sweetest story, that ever was told.
by Herb McKinney Tenderly pleading, to win my soul,
Jean McKinney Pleading for me, for me.
Nicole McKinney
In Honor of Pleading for me, for me.
Mary Linda Pryor Pleading for me, for me.
by Marianne Boyer Oh it was wonderful, Blessed be His Name,
Pleading for me, for me.
Open Your Heart Jesus my Savior, shall come from on high,
To Jesus— Sweet is the promise as the weary years fly.
Open your heart to Jesus— Soon, I shall see Him descending the sky,
Let His Spirit enter in— Coming for me, for me.
And forever be your Savior
From life’s struggles and their sins; Coming for me, for me.
Let Him be your true Companion, Coming for me, for me.
On each road you choose to trod, Soon I shall see Him, descending the shy,
And your Guide to Christian Glories Coming for me, for me.
On this earth and unto God.

Open your heart—and heartaches—

To His mercy and His care
And be blessed with saving graces
In your life and in your prayers;
He is waiting to endear you, Please
With the love that He imparts, Remember the
When you open up the shutters Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission
To the closets in your heart. in your will. It can have
eternal blessings for you!
Except a man be born again, Thanks
he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

3
 CHARLATANS
The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is supported
solely on the donations of you, the donors. When people
come to the Mission to offer their donations in person
we often get an opportunity to speak with them. More
often then not, it is a “stop, drop, and roll” and so there
is only time enough to say “thank you.” We greatly
appreciate every one of our donors and their gracious
donations. We are aware that most are taking precious
time out of their busy schedules to offer a donation in
person. Many times people will want to talk with us for
a few minutes. It is a great way to make new friends,
or catch-up on things with old friends. Then there are
those that need to talk. Occasionally, we need to talk
with someone and don’t even realize that we do. I know
that it is like that with me. Before I know it, I am sharing
a deeply personal issue with somebody I have just met.
The Lord puts us in each others’ paths in order that we
may minister to one another. I truly believe that. I have
seen this happen to often not too.
A gentleman stopped by here just the other day
to offer his gifts to the Lord. The Holidays are a busy
time, but we got a chance to talk for a few minutes. I
know that I will never forget this man or what he said
to me that day. As I was helping him carry things inside
he commented that he “wanted to give to a ministry
that actually helped people.” My reply was that “most,
if not all, our donors shared his sentiments.” This man
went on to say that his wife, who had recently died of
a terminal illness, had donated large sums of money
while she was alive, to a certain “Christian television
personality.” He mentioned the name of this fellow
and the “ministry,” but I need not pass that on. He
continued to relate to me the story of how his wife had
contracted a rare form of cancer and after a long illness
the insurance money ran out. Of course they, and many
4
others, had been praying to the Lord for healing. As this
woman lay dying, she wrote a letter to the ministry that
she had given so much too, and asked them to pray for
her and that God would mercifully heal her from her
illness. What do you suppose their response was? This
“ministry” sent back a letter to her offering to send her
a “prayer cloth” for the rock bottom price of $250.00.
The man went on to say that “someone should
expose those charlatans,” and I agreed; someone
should. Winston Churchill once said; “All it takes for
evil to triumph, is for good men to remain silent.” The
fact of the matter is that those who use the gospel for
gain have already been exposed. Jesus and the apostles
exposed them, the early church fathers exposed them,
and present day pastors regularly expose them. The
“wolves in sheep’s clothing who will not spare the
flock” even expose themselves. At one time, a major
force in the “Faith in Faith” movement (commonly
known as the health wealth, and prosperity movement)
recanted from this heresy in a prison cell. After being
convicted of multiple counts of fraud he has since been
released from federal prison after serving nearly five
years. He now admits that he took much of his “proof
texts” out of context.
The last book that I read was lent to me by
Chaplain Bowery, “Christianity in Crisis,” and was
authored by Hank Hanegraaff. Hank Hanegraaff is
commonly known as “The Bible Answer Man,” and you
can go to www.oneplace.com to hear him speak on the
radio. Hank’s book is a good one and is well researched.
This book deals effectively with the issues of twisting
the Truth for profit, and other issues along the same
lines. Many people have exposed the charlatans, but
you won’t see them very often on 24hr. Cable TV. The
one thing about that conversation that impressed me the
most was that this fellow brother in Christ never lost his
faith in God. If I ever saw Job-like faith in anybody, it
was in this man.
If there is anyone out there who reads this and
wants prayer, you can contact us here at the Mission.
Call us, email us, send us a postcard, or just stop by
and see us. We would be glad to pray for you. Our
Executive Director and his staff hold a prayer meeting
every morning before work, and it would be an honor
to remember you in prayer.
John Lofquist--Front Desk--AGRM.
Our Solicitation Policy!
The Anchorage Gospel Rescue
Mission does not solicit funds door
to door or by telephone. If someone
contacts you in this way on behalf
of the Mission, please call us (563-
5603) or the proper authorities at
once.
We do permit children and churches
to collect food or clothing door to
door. They will identify themselves,
and will have a badge or letter
on Mission letterhead stationary.
However, we never allow anyone
to collect money. We appreciate
your support and do not want
donations getting into the wrong
hands.
A Christmas Gift from the Heart
Every Year the Mission, with your help, provides a
gift for the men and women who stay with us during
the Holidays. It is common knowledge holidays are
hard on those who are alone and hurting. Research has
show the suicide rate increases dramatically during the
Christmas Season. We here at the Mission understand
how difficult it is for those we serve and this is why we
take this extra step, as small as it is, to give a Christmas
gift. Its usually very practical in that it provide socks,
gloves, hats, and other necessities but the most important
gift is not what’s in the wrapping. It’s the love that went
into the wrapping. This gift counters the belief no one
cares or the idea I’m not lovable. The gift of knowing
someone cares is powerful and can be life changing.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the
men, women, children, and groups that have supported
this Mission throughout 2008. We cannot express how
important it is for you to understand:
“WE CAN NOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU!”
We would like to wish you and yours a most wonderful
God filled Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God
protect you throughout this coming year and may He
bless you home and your heart.
5
 continued from page 2
On the other hand no matter how hard Satan tried he could not turn Joseph’s eyes away
from God. Joseph refused to be swayed. When he was betrayed by his brother he kept his
eyes on the Lord. (Genesis 37:28) When he was approached by a fallen women he refused to
sin against his God and was thrown into prison yet he never took his eyes off God. (Genesis
39:20)

The Bible is full of examples of Satan winning and loosing by just a degree. I aspire to be
a Joseph yet I find I’m Israel in my dark heart. I look to God when I need God. Yes I know
I’ve been given a whole suit of armor to protect me from Satan. The thing is even the
Knights of old practiced in their armor before marching onto the field of battle. I put mine
on when Satan shows up and take it right back off when I think he has gone. I once saw an
interview on television where the person being interviewed had finished second in the New
York marathon to the same runner from Kenya for two straight years. When asked what he
admired most about his opponent he answered, “His will to train.” Perhaps that is what I’m
lacking! The will to train in my armor so I will be ready before Satan shows up.

At this point about the only thing I have going for me is my recovery time. I become aware of
taking my eyes off God really quickly and I correct the mistake now! there was a time when
it would take months for me to realize I wasn’t looking in Gods direction.

The reason it’s so important to keep my eyes on God is that; in God is where my grace
abounds. I cannot receive grace if I’m not facing God ready to accept grace. Satan knows
this and must find great delight in the fact he doesn’t have to turn me 180 degrees when
one will do the job just fine. I need God because I have not the ability to reach him without
his loveing grace therefore I want to always be facing him ready to receive it at a moments
notice. Unfortunatley I need it moment my moment.

How do I then fight against this? By finding my joy in the Lord every minute of everyday
no matter what my external circumstance are. God loves me for me and when I make eye
contact He doesn’t see the sins in me He sees a sacrifice in sin’s place. My obedience is to
turn toward God no matter what Satan throws my way.

I’m going to start an exercise régime that involves me wearing my armor everyday so that
I will be ready before I need it. So then whats next for me? God is next! What a wonderful
prospect that is, God is next!
Merry Christmas from my family to yours,
David Williams
Program Director

“NewLife” Christmas Wish List

One of the things we need most in our “NewLife” Discipleship Training Program
are good study Bibles. As you know our Disciples in Training are required to
attend Bible studies and Biblical Life Management classes daily. We currently
have 29 men in our program how nice it would be if we were to be able to
provide a new Study Bible to each of these men for Christmas. We can with your

6
help. If this is an area you’re interested in helping in please provide a Bible on or
before December 22, 2008. Thank you and God Bless you and yours.
 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AGAIN
sk An Opportunity For You To Serve!
de s
s i
ett
’
t or B
c
re on
di .D The Greatest Gift
e v
R
The following opportunities are available again for
YOU to help YOUR Rescue Mission again to serve
What is the greatest, best and
our Christmas Dinner. mot exciting gift you have ever
received?
Our Volunteer Coordinator, Jeanne Lutz—Phone 278-
9679, needs volunteers of individuals and families You can name a lot of things. For those of you that
that can make the following commitments of time on are married, you would say your spouse (I hope),
Wednesday December 24th 2008. then your kids, after this you could go in any
direction. Your job, home, possessions. All of these
Team 1 – Prepare food and decorate facility for things are well and good.
the Christmas meal – To be served on Wednesday,
December 24th (Not Thursday Christmas Day). But can you really think of anything that can
Need a commitment of 4 consecutive hours beginning compare to the gift that God gave to mankind?
in the morning. The gift of His Son Jesus Christ, that we through
Him may have eternal life if we just accept Him as
Team 2 –Serve the refreshments, meal, dessert and our Savior. We read in the scripture, “For God so
clean up facility at the close – Wednesday December loved the world, that He gave His only begotten
24th (Not Thursday Christmas Day). Need a Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
commitment of 5 consecutive hours beginning in the perish, but have everlasting life”. John 3:16
afternoon.
Both teams require children Can you think of any gift that is better that this or
to be a minimum of 8 years of age. one that was more expensive or cost anyone more
than this one? It cost the Son of God His life. It
Jeanne will do the scheduling of the teams. You cost God His Son’s life by allowing Him to become
may reach her at her home telephone after 6 P.M. and the sacrifice, to pay the price, to buy man back to
weekends or leave an evening number and speak Himself.
the number slowly. She will give you specific details This truly was the greatest gift of all.
about team assignments and schedule your time to Bro. Don
work.
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
______ 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 December
ue Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

r esc
is to
the least 1 2 3 4 5 6
the last Abbott Loop
Community
Anchorage
Pilgrim
Anchorage
Gospel
Anchorage
Vineyard
First
Presbyterian
Calvary
Baptist
the lost Church Nazarene Singers Fellowship Church Church

“URGENT”
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
God’s Church First Anchorage Christ Calvary Wasilla
Our supplies of these Place of God of
Prophecy
Assembly of
God
Church
of Christ
Community
Church
Church Assembly
of God
items is constantly in 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
need of replenishing God’s
Place
Sherbahn
Evangelistic
Anchorage
Native
Christian
Evangelical
Sherbahn
Evangelistic
Sherbahn
Evangelistic
Lighthouse
Christian
† Prayer Team Assembly Church Team Team Fellowship

† Paper Towels 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Grace Calvary Attorney Calvary Evangelical In His Name Glenn
† 45 Gallon Trash Bags Victory Baptist Greg Grebe Baptist Covenant Sandy Herman
† Fresh Meat Fellowship Church Church Church McCollum
28 29 30 31 Special Chapel Services
† Coffee New Light Trinity Grace Change
2:00pm December 24, 2008
† Bathroom Tissue Community
Church
Presbyterian
Church
Brethren
Eagle River
Point
“Special Guest Speaker”
† Laundry Soap
† Disposable Shavers STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a Non-Profit, Non-Denominational
† Cleaning Supplies
organization. We receive NO municipal, state or federal funds. We are not a United
† Liquid Dish Detergent Way Agency. Your financial support and In-Kind donations makes it possible for us to
† Dinner Napkins provide for the poor, needy and homeless people in our community. Also, your donations
† Shampoo allow us to provide a Drug and Alcohol Recovery program. All Donations are fully tax
“URGENT” deductible. We will give you a receipt for your donation.

Anchorage Gospel L
O
Rescue Mission Anchorage Non-Profit Org.
Board of Trustees e U.S. Postal D
Gospel cu PAID P
Ed Shelton es
r Mission
Anchorage, AK
Permit # 290
R
(President) GOD BLESS AMERICA
M
Bob Collins A Ministry of
( Vice President/treasure)
Enoch Adams Rescue & Recovery info@anchoragerescue.org
L
G
(Secretary) www.anchoragerescue.org
ue

news
c R
Mark Soquet
r es D
Ralph Nobrega
J
Emeritus: C
Cliff Hodgins P.O. Box 230510•Anchorage, AK•99523-0510•(907) 563-5603
Rev. Willard leisy RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED D
Advisory Board: V
Paul Kelly
S
M
Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir.
Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir. N
L

D
K

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