news r e s c u e Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission

A Ministry of Rescue & Recovery

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

independence day
The Birthday of America
GOD has shed His Grace on Thee!

On July 4th we celebrate the birthday of our Nation—there

was a time when we took pride in our country and the things
it represented—now for some it is just another day and the
significance has passed away. I can understand why some
think this way—it is because of moral decay, corruption in
high places, no regard for God or man. A country that once
depended of God is now denying that there is a God or trying
to do away with anything that relates to Him! In Ephesians
6:12 we read, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but
GOD BLESS
against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of AMERICA
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high
places.”

David M. Williams Now, I do not intend to change any ones views politically, but we do need to keep someone
Program Director in the leadership of our country that is a Christian and not ashamed to confess it before
men. Even if you do not agree on every issue with the person that is our leader, you can
Larry Aldrich still pray for God’s leadership in their life and for the decisions that are made.
Operations Manager
To continue with the thought of why our country has turned away from God we are told in
Randy Hess II Timothy 3:1-7 that this thing would come to past. “This know also, that in the last days
Maintenance Supervisor
perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affections,
Larry O’Connor
trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors,
Greg Mann
heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness
Neil Givens
but denying the power thereof; from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep
Roger Klein
into houses, and lead captives silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever
Client Supervisors
learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
David McKnight Praise the Lord—Jesus is coming!
Van Driver
However, knowing all of this, I had rather be here with
Shane Day GOD than any other place on this earth.
Maintenance
ly

7
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k Before we left the safety of the San
s
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am
lia
gr il
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W The importance of a calibrated
vi
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Calibrating Our
Spiritual Gyroscope
One of the requirements for the men
who are enrolled in our “NewLife”
Recovery Program is: to set aside
one hour each morning to spend
time with God. It is our hope the
men will develop a habit that will
serve them well for a life time.
Although there are days when I am
unable to spend my hour with the
Lord, usually because I have slept
late, they are rare. I can certainly
tell the difference between the
day’s when I miss my quiet time
and those when I don’t, it literally
defines my day.
At 17 I joined the United States
Coast Guard. Like most young men
I was anxious to get away from
home and see the world. My first
duty station was on a 378 ft. high
endurance Cutter out of Alameda
2
California called the Midgett.
Our main responsibilities were
fishery patrols in the Bering Sea.
Francisco Bay for the open ocean
s we had to make absolutely sure the
m
ships gyroscope were calibrated.
gyroscope cannot be overstated.
One degree off at your current
position is not that big of a deal.
However, that one degree 1,500
nautical mile later can translate
into the ship being miles off
course. You have to know exactly
where you are or the charts you’re
following are useless.
The Midgett’s crew accomplished
the calibration process by circling
Alcatraz Island for as long as it took
to get gyroscope tuned perfectly.
Only when we were fully calibrated
did we dare leave the safety of the
San Francisco Bay.
The same principles holds true for
my morning quiet time. What I’m
www.anchoragerescue.org
We invite you to visit us on the web or
drop us an E-mail with your comments
and suggestions
doing is calibrating my spiritual
gyroscope so I know exactly
where I stand with the Lord. I’m
not facing a new day with all the
garbage from the previous day
in my path. When I walk away
from my time with the Lord; I’m
refocused, ready to take on all the
challenges of the day, knowing the
Lord is right there with.
Bringing ourselves into alignment
with the Lord cannot be overly
exaggerated. It literally defines
who we are as followers of Christ.
13
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for
wide is the gate, and broad is the
way, that leadeth to destruction,
and many there be which go in
thereat:
14
Because strait is the gate, and
narrow is the way, which leadeth
unto life, and few there be that find
it.
Matthew 7:13-14
We must be careful not to become
complacent in our walk with the
Lord. To compromise our daily
time with the God can only result
in our being dangerously off
course. Most of my life has been
spent on the wide path Jesus speaks
about. I feel so much more secure
when my spiritual gyroscope is in
perfect alignment with the one who
protects wayward souls like mine.
 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
Lloyd N. Hermansen
by His Family
In Memory of
Alvin Syren
by Claris Syren
In Memory of
Heddy Thomas
by Sieglinde Thomas
Freda W. Gallant
In Honor of
David A. Griffith III
by David and Carol Griffith
* * * * * * *
Faith & Purpose
However dark the day may seem...
Or steep the path I plod...
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 that 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 God”…. Hebrews 11:6
A Disciple Perspective
“Daddy, are we there yet?”
At the end of the month (June) and the first part of next month
(July), there will be a number of us graduating the “New Life”
Discipleship program. Having seen more than a few men get close
to graduating and actually graduating, I also have seen some of
the pitfalls that arise. The thought pattern that seems to be most
common is this; “I’ve finally made it. I’m there now. Thank you
Lord, I’ll take it from here and oh by the way would you give me a
hand from time to time when the going gets a little rough?”
Having gotten close to graduating myself, and actually graduating
other programs in the past, I have fallen prey to this kind of
thinking, Even now, I am within weeks of graduating and it seems
as though God has saved the toughest lessons for last. I find myself
asking; “why Lord?” Things should be easier now and they are
not, why not? If indeed the hardest lessons of this program are
being presented now at the very end then it would be reasonable
to assume that there awaits many more, far harder lessons after
graduation. Several biblical principles come to mind at this point
and I shall share them with you as they surely apply to all those
who follow our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. God will not be trifled with.
Gal. 6:7 “Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man
reaps what he sows.”
2. Jesus didn’t die on a cross so that we could live a comfortable
life.
Matt. 16:24-26 “…If anyone would come after me, he must
deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
3. We don’t get to live for ourselves.
I Cor. 6:19&20 “…You are not your own; you were bought
at a price. …”
4. There will be some hard lessons along the way.
Heb. 12:7 “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating
you as sons.”
5. The lessons will benefit us.
Heb. 12:11 “…Later on, however, it (discipline) produces a
harvest of righteousness…”
Rm. 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the
good of those who love him…”
6. We are to become like Jesus.
Rm. 8:29 “…to be conformed to the likeness of his Son …”
7. It will be worth it in the end.
Matt. 25:21 “…Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Jesus never said living for him would be easy, but he did say it
would be worth it. So, in conclusion; we are never ‘there yet’ and
we will not “have arrived” until our Father in Heaven takes us
home to be with him forever. The things we accomplish in this life
are but mileposts along ‘the Way’.
3
Written by John Lofquist

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te
The Long
Road Home
I was born on the 16th of
November 1950 in Elizabeth
City, North Carolina. My father
was in the Coast Guard where
he was the Mechanic in the
crew of 5 on PBY flying boats.
Their aircraft performed coastal
watches during the Second
World War. My mother was
a hard working housewife a
guardian of two small boys. I’m
told that we were a hand full.
When my dad was discharged
from the Coast Guard we moved
to Folly Island, South Carolina
No less than 200 feet from the
beach. This was the best time of
my life. My mom was great but
my dad was my hero. I was not
aware of the emotional storms
looming in my immediate
future.
The devil had taken hold of my
dads life and as he became
more and more angry with the
circumstance of his life. He also
began to get louder and louder
with mom until one day he
began to hit her. His violence
4
put her in the hospital with a I began to rebel and drink
broken jaw. more and more, smoking 2 to
3 packs of cigarettes a day.
My brother and I no longer had I am surprised that I ever
a hero living among us. We graduated from high school
now had someone we learned but I did. I lost contact with
to fear day and night. When God the Father and just did
my grandfather died we had what I did every day to get by.
to leave the island home we
loved so much and move to By the time the Vietnam War
Charleston. was peeking and the draft
would be calling my number I
The next few years are better decided to enlist in the United
forgotten. States Navy. I did this not
Three more children were
brought into this world. Next
came three children who were
not wanted and who my father
could not support. I somehow
took the place of bread winner
being the oldest of now 5 kids.
I started a morning paper route
where I delivered over 150 news
papers and after school cooking
hamburgers at Hardee’s to make
some money. I just wanted to
keep the electricity on.
The Orthodox Church was
giving us food every month. I
started drinking just like my dad
and mother. Dad would steal the
money I saved to drink cheap
wine and beer. I also started to
smoke tobacco. By the time I because I wanted to fight for
was 16 I was working more than my country. I did it just to get
I was going to school. Someone away from the hell I felt cursed
had to support my siblings it to be in at home.
may as well of been me.
There was no love between
Over the years my brothers our parents and us kids. My
and sister were abused through mother put my brothers and
neglect. More and more the sister in an orphanage. What
responsibility for the kids fell on hurt the most was the lack
my shoulders. of thanks from my mom for
helping over the years. I had
become an angry man and
thought it was better to go off
to war than to stay around and
be used.
The Navy trained me to be a
salvage diver/UDT. After my
first two years was up I re-
upped for another two years
and transferred to the river
boats where I manned a 50
cal. Machine gun on the bow
of a fast boat…I became more
and more angry and enjoyed
the killing part not taking into
thought that I could get killed
myself nor did I care. I was
offered a battlefield commission
and promoted to LTJG. Gung-
Ho was what I had become.
After 3 stints in the nave I was
discharged honorably. Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder hit
me real hard. Guess I saw too
much and did for too much and
now my life was in ruins. After
two failed marriages, the loss of
my two children I found myself
lonely and looking for attention,
the attention that was neglected
me as a child.
I broke the law ended up in an
Arizona prison for 8 ½ years.
God was looking out for me
even after all the terrible things
I did. In the long run prison most
likely saved my life.
You see I found Christ and
Christ never did leave me. Yes,
I knew all about Christ and that
He is the Son of God but I did
not know Jesus as my Lord and
Savior. Jesus really loves me,
yes even me.
Upon my release from prison
on the 14th of April, 2006 I was
flown back to Anchorage. The
State of Alaska no longer gives
gate money so I was flat broke
wearing Worn out tennis shoes
and a prison sweat suite on
my back. My first thought was
going to the Brother Francis
Shelter. I remembered the area
and something told me NO.
I set out to find the Rescue
Mission but it was no longer at
7th and F. Street. I can’t tell you
what a sinking feeling that was.
Anchorage had changed so
much over the years. I trusted
in God to show me where to go
from there.
I reported to my Parole Officer
after sleeping in the street
for 3 days and he put me in a
halfway house for a short time
but I did not meet their criteria
so I found myself on the street
again, but Jesus had his hedge-
of-protection around me.
It was by talking to the people
on the street that I found the
Rescue Mission on Tudor
Road. I was fed hot meals and
offered an opportunity to attend
an evening church service. All
this and a safe place to sleep!
I couldn’t believe my good
fortune.
I was given a pair of shoes that
fit and clothes to change into.
I finally felt as though I was on
the right track. I knew I was on
the right track.
I felt the temptation to drink
again but through the grace
of God was strong enough
to avoid that problem. I was
rescued by the Mission when
they accepted me as a member
of their “NewLife” Recover
program. I am still here today
and have become a part of
this great family. The best part
is I can help others through
the power of Jesus Christ. My
mission is the Mission.
At the Rescue Mission I found
kindness, brotherly love and
a purpose to follow our Lord.
I am as we like to be called a
disciple. Jesus Christ is my
Lord and Savior. I know that I
will be going to heaven. Praise
be to God.
May the beauty of heaven
consume you.
William Wurthmann
5

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Willing or Not
I truly believe God loves us too much to leave us where
we are. Being confident of this very thing, that he which
hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the
day of Jesus Christ: Phil 1:6 (KJV) He doesn’t want us to
grow stagnate. Complacency is the enemy of growth.
Since He is the One who knit us together in our mother’s
womb For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast
covered me in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 (KJV),
He is also the One who knows what it takes for us to
grow. He will never give us more than we can handle
But we will not boast of things without our measure,
but according to the measure of the rule which God
hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto
you. 1 Cor 10:13 (KJV)
When life throws us it’s curve balls they never come as
a surprise to God, on the contrary it is His way to teach
us to grow.
Recently, I came back from a 10 day vacation to
discover a new responsibility had been assigned to me.
Surprise! Surprise!
Since I am Operation Manager I should be able to
delegate any responsibility I want. However, this was
not an option in this case. I was to step down into the
trenches and take care of things personally. My mind
was going a hundred miles an hour. Trying to excuse
and rationalize that I really don’t know how to take care
of this new responsibility. I am not qualified. I have too
many things on my plate already. Then another thought
pierced my mind and heart.
6
What is God trying to teach me in this? Is this His way
of growing me? Am I only willing to serve Him when I
see tangible results? Was I getting too sassy by being in
a superior position?
As I pondered these questions God put into my heart
I stopped trying to dodge the curve ball and started to
seek for the pearl that Abba Father wants to give me.
The beauty is that God knows when and how to stretch
us so we can grow. However, He has given us a free
will and it is always our choice to humble ourselves and
be obedient to His call.
When trials and curve balls surprise us maybe the
question God is asking is:
“Are you Willing or Not?”
God’s Promises are Real!
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive.
Matthew 21:22 (KJV)
THIS
COMPUTER STATION FOR THE
“NEWLIFE” RECOVERY PROGRAM
Is In Loving Memory
Of
Lloyd Hermansen
Once again God has proven true to his word. In
our June newsletter the Mission published an
article entitled, Stepping Out in Faith, explaining
how we had purchased two new computers for
our Learning Center. The Hermansen family,
in loving memory of Lloyd Hermansen, has
graciously donated the cost of one of the
computers. The above plaque will be displayed
on the computer station, so the men in our
“NewLife” Recovery program will know their
recovery efforts are supported by the community
they so desperately desire to be a productive
member of.
 financial and in-kind donations that allow us to meet
the physical needs of the people that come to us for
help. I and We, know that it is God that impresses your
k heart when you donate to the Mission. God is good.
s
de This is a SPECIAL INVITATION for you. Visitors
’s is
t or
Bett are always welcomed at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue
Mission and this is your special invitation to come by
c
re on and see what God allows us to do here at the Mission.
di D
e v. We really do love to have visitors. This gives us an
opportunity to share with you the many ways your
R
financial and in-kind donations are used to help people
in need. And, perhaps while you are here you may find
God is Good! some way you would like to volunteer some of your
time to help us and serve the Lord at the same time.
We will give you a tour of our facilities, show you what
“The Lord God, He is Good….” Psalms 136:1 we do and how the Lord provides the things we need
to shelter, feed and clothe people 365 days a year. You
will even have the opportunity to talk to some of the
Looking around the Mission, this has become a faithful people in our Recovery Program. Ask them whatever
quotation among the staff and those in the “NewLife” you like, find out why they are here and let them share
Recovery Program. We are constantly amazed at how their testimony with you.
God continually provides for the needs here. Please
Perhaps you would like to bring a group from your
note that I said needs and not wants. There are many
church or organization or maybe some young people to
things that I want for the Mission. I know in God’s
see first hand how homeless people live. This would be
time He will provide the means and the way He wants
a good experience for them.
us to continue to meet the needs of the poor, needy and
homeless people that come to us for help. The attitude Whatever the occasion, just come on by. We will be
of those around the Mission is just to pray and believe looking for you. No appointment is necessary. We are
and God will send someone by with just the things open every day.
we need at the time we need them. Again, it is just
amazing!

It is our goal to try to meet a person’s physical need

and by doing so, it opens the door for us to meet their
spiritual need to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and
Savior. It is the friends of the Mission that make

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 July
u e Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
e s c 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
r Is to
God’s
Place
Abbot Loop
Community
Anchorage
Pilgrim
First
Anchorage
Anchorage
Vineyard
First
Presbyterian
Calvary
Baptist
Church Nazarene Gospel Fellowship Church Church
The least
The last 8
God’s
9
Church
10
First
11
Birchwood
12
Alliance
13
Calvary
14
Wasilla
The lost Place of God of Assembly of Community Bible Church Assembly
Prophecy God Church Church of God
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
“URGENT” Grace Sherbahn Anchorage Christian Sherbahn Sherbahn Lighthouse

Our supplies of these Victory

Fellowship
Evangelistic
Team
Native
Assembly
Evangelical
Church
Evangelistic
Team
Evangelistic
Team
Christian
Fellowship
items is constantly in 22 23 24 25 26 272 28
need of replenishing New Light
Community
Calvary
Baptist
Attorney
Greg Grebe
Calvary
Baptist
Evangelical
Covenant
In His Name
Sandy
Southside
Church
† Prayer Church Church Church Church McCollum of God

† Paper Towels 29 30
Trinity
31
Grace
† 45 Gallon Trash Bags God’s Place Presbyterian Brethren
Church Eagel River
† Fresh Meat
† Coffee Nightly Services 7:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
† Bathroom Tissue
† Laundry Soap STATEMENT OF FAITH
† Disposable Shavers 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 Way
Agency. Your financial support and In-Kind donations make it possible for us to provide
† Dinner Napkins for the poor, needy and homeless people in our community. Also, your donations allow us
† Shampoo to provide a Drug and Alcohol Recovery program. All Donations are fully tax deductible.
“URGENT” We will give you a receipt for your donation.

Anchorage Gospel D
Rescue Mission Anchorage Non-Profit Org.
P
ue
U.S. Postal

Board of Trustees Gospel c PAID

s Anchorage, AK
re Permit # 290 L
Ed Shelton, President Mission GOD BLESS AMERICA O

Bob Collins, Vice President A Ministry of info@anchoragerescue.org R

(And acting treasure) Rescue & Recovery www.anchoragerescue.org M
Enoch Adams, Secretary Visit us at:
ue
Mark Soquet
Brad Young

Emeritus:
r es
news
c

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

2823 E. Tudor Rd.
Anchorage, AK 99507
L
G
N
R
Cliff Hodgins
Rev. Willard leisy RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED C

Advisory Board: D
Paul Kelly
V

Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir. S

Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir.
M

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