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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

“Our Battle is Not Against


Flesh & Blood”
I suppose the logical place to begin this article is to explain why we have waited so long to write
it. The truth is we had no idea the circumstances behind this situation would have taken so long
to resolve. It has been our hope from the beginning not to burden our supporters with the details
of our conflicts with the Municipality of Anchorage. We made the decision in August to write
an informational article if, and only if, the issues had not been resolved by the years end. They
have not; therefore this article is now presented to you, as a way of informing you, our loyal
supporters, of the battle the Mission finds itself immersed in.

On July 17, 2005 the Mission was ordered by the Municipality of Anchorage to close our
“NewLife” Recovery dormitory, which was located in our adjacent building, at 2815 E. Tudor
Road. The reason stated by the municipality was this; current zoning regulations prohibit this
building, or any part of this building, to be utilized as a dormitory facility. We had been operating
in this manner for the last eight years, under the assumption we were within our legal rights to
do so. As it turned out, the city was right.

Being a Christian means doing the right thing even when it hurts. Romans 13:1 instructs us:
David M. Williams
Program Director “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except
that which God has established.The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (NIV)
Larry Aldrich
Operations Manager Although we believe it is crucial as a Christian to submit to God’s word, (we did so by closing
the dorm), we also believe it is our responsibility to stand up for what is right. Although God’s
Randy Hess instruction is to submit ourselves to the governing authorities, we do not believe it is wrong to
Maintenance Supervisor
question that authority, as long as it is done in a respectful Christ-like manner. In other words,
Larry O’Connor “submit and seek changes”. The reason this closure hurt so badly is because our homeless
Greg Mann services went from 125 beds, including overflow, down to 69 beds, with no overflow allowed.
Neil Givens This is significant when you consider sleeping outside, in winter temperatures, in Alaska is a
Roger Klein life or death proposition. We adjusted the best we could, under the circumstances, in order to
Client Supervisors
continue our, now limited, services to those in desperate need of emergency shelter.

David McKnight The reason we initially felt the issue would be quickly resolved was based on the circumstance
Van Driver surrounding how we arrived at this point to begin with. When the Rescue Mission purchased the
building at 2815 E. Tudor Rd. a petition for “re-plat” was applied for, and granted by the city.
Solomona Talivaa (a re-plate basically combines two properties making them one.) This meant we could use the
Maintenance
“2815” building for a “program dorm”. The problem arose, because within the “re-plat”
Donn Baker package, submitted by the Mission’s architects, and lawyers, was a petition to erect
John Lofquist a small warehouse on the Mission’s property; which was refused. The architects, and
y
ar

Intern lawyers, assumed it was a package deal; therefore, if we didn’t get permission for the
warehouse, we didn’t want the “re-plat”. Unfortunately, the necessary follow up
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paper work for the “re-plat” was never submitted.


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While the Mission has taken the once again be approved, and we Road Corridor project, aimed at
position that; “although a new could go back to doing business upgrading the area. Of course the
warehouse would have been nice, as usual. What we did not count old, “not in my neighborhood”,
at least we were to be granted a re- on was a new city administration, syndrome has raised its ugly head,
plat.” Based on that assumption, the which is diametrically opposed to and the surrounding neighborhood
architects, and lawyers is siding with the
have moved forward on mayors office, against
the required paper work. us. So here we are two
We have moved forward and half years later, still
by re-modeling and no farther along that
re-tasking the “2815” when we started.
2823
building.
Building
We are not politicians;
The Anchorage Gospel we are labors in God’s
Rescue Mission assumes field of rescue ministry.
full responsibility for We find ourselves
this misunderstanding. painfully out matched
Although, this 2815 when it comes to the
explanation has required Building ins and outs of the
our mentioning of the city’s political machine.
role of our architects, We have, on several
and lawyers in the chain occasions, ventured
of events; it is not our into the fray, and have
intention to “point the been lead on a circular
finger” in their direction. journey; which has left
The bottom line is; we us standing where we
dropped the ball, by began, exhausted and
assuming that procedures disillusioned, with our
had been properly city’s administration,
followed. Therefore, we and its apparent lack
accept full responsibility of sympathy for those
for the situation, as it is Tudor Road forced to sleep in
now. subzero temperatures.

Seeing as how the city has The single-minded


already approved the “re-plat” once the Rescue Mission being at its battle cry of the representative’s
before, it seemed logical to believe present location. Approval of a of our city government has been,
that once we reapplied, and paid “re-plat” is out of the question. It “you don’t belong on Tudor road”.
the non-refundable fees associated seems, from where we are standing, We agreed to move; if this is what
with the process, the re-plat would that we do not fit into the Tudor it would take to resolve the issue.

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

2
We were given a map; with a list which table Jesus would be sitting Mission has recently been blessed
of properties, that we were led to at, if he were among our guests for with someone who is better
believe was available land, zoned an evening meal. He has already qualified to negotiate with the
for our purpose in the Anchorage demonstrated his love for those city. Frank Thomas-Meyers has
area. We chose a property on this who need him the most. graciously offered his services as
map which best fit our criteria, a liaison; however we feel he can
and submitted our choice to the One of the most tragic side effects use your help. If you are so inclined
city. We were then ridiculed for of this drama is the capacity of our to write a letter of support, you
choosing a property not zoned for “NewLife” recovery program has can send it by e-mail to: frank@
our needs. It has been our prayer gone from thirty-five to twenty- anchoragerescue.org, or you can
that this series of events was not five. This is, we believe, one of Fax it to: 907-563-3863, or you
intended as a ploy, to keep us the most successful recovery can mail it to:
running in circles. We do not have programs in the nation. The
the luxury of assigning a staff “NewLife” Recovery Program Letter of Support
member to research every property at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue c/o David Williams
on this map, to determine whether Mission enjoys a 30% success rate 2823 E. Tudor Rd.
or not a promising location is, in among our graduates. We measure Anchorage, AK 99507
fact, appropriately zoned. Our this by the criteria of two years
hands are full making sure the clean and sober after graduation. We will continue to keep you,
disenfranchised are properly cared We have yet to discover a secular our faithful supporters, updated
for. program with this kind of success. in a new monthly article called
We believe the reason “NewLife” “Mission Status Report”. We
The latest tactic the city is so successful is that it is not would not be able to do what we do
administration has employed is an a traditional alcohol and drug without your support, and we know
attempt to classify the Anchorage recovery program. “NewLife” does you have a heart for this Mission
Gospel Rescue Mission as not teach the science of addiction; or you would not be receiving
a Community Correctional because we believe that addiction this newsletter. Therefore, we feel
Residential Center. The reason for is a symptom of a damaged or confident we have made the right
this is; because of the fact that we severed relationship with our Lord decision in including you in this
do not discriminate against anyone, and Savior, Jesus Christ. Once the fight. Please pray for us here at the
for any reason, we serve men and relationship has been restored, the Rescue Mission and our city, as
women who are on parole, or need to fill the void with substances well as those who are in authority
probation. This would not be an is no longer necessary. When you over us.
issue if we were to turn those men walk hand in hand with Christ,
and women, who were in fact, on your behavior reflects the company More than anything we need your
probation, or parole away from our you keep. prayers.
doors. We are not going to exclude
these people, because we know The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Thank You.

To visit our new travel page go to


www.ytbtravel.com/anchoragerescue
or go to the Mission’s web page at
www.anchoragerescue.org
and click on the menu item Travel.

3
“Thanksgivin

The Kitchen Before


the volunteers got their
collective hands on it.

The Kitchen after.! The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission Se


What a great job they did. This would not have been possible witho
extend a special thank you to the men, w
their time to make this day

We’re ready to go!

4
ing Success!”

Singing praised to our Lord.

on Served 485 meals on Thanksgiving day. Pastor Don Bowery


without your support. We would like to delivers a message of
en, women, and children who volunteered thanksgiving.
s day possible. Great Job!

The pre-meal blessing.

5
Living Memorials
….touch lives as they honor the YESTERDAYS
memory of loved ones and friends.
Don’t look back to yesterday
In Memory of For yesterdays are gone.
Esperanza and Ernesto Casas Look to today with a
by Martha Cashen Peaceful heart
As each moment you carry on.
In Memory of
Take God’s hand as He leads you
Mickey Robert Dinsmore II
On this day you start anew
by John and Donna Poff
Walk with Him and talk with Him
In Memory of He wants to be with you.
Dr. John Fleming
by Paul and Chizuko Edscorn Don’t look back to yesterday
For yesterdays have past.
In Memory of Look to today with a
Chalmers Kellec Peaceful mind
by Sharon E. Kellec
With a spiritual thought to last.
In Memory of Follow God as He takes you
Andrew Ohls Through each moment one by one
by Joe and Diane M. Hayes Pray to Him and say to Him
“Lord,” let “Thy Will be done”.
In Memory of
Margaret Sullivan Used with permission
by Joe and Diane M. Hayes
As you make resolutions and plans for
In Honor of the New Year—Please remember the
Al Atkey and Billy Charles Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission.
by Susan Hoefner Especially in your Will or Estate planning.

In Honor of His Living Presence


Al Mead Ever striving to be like Him,
by Susan Mermelstein, A. U. D. I’ll do the best I can
to follow in His footsteps
In Honor of and serve my fellow man

Mara Gano Ever striving to be like Him,


Cynde Hill I’ll comfort those in need
Robin Tozer by a daily word of kindness
Caroline Rogers or by a loving deed.
Faye Woodhead
by Judy Thomson Ever striving to be like Him,
I’ll love my neighbor more and
In Honor of share His living presence with
the man who lives next door.
Rev. Floyd Titus

6
by Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Bateman
sk
de The holidays are always a blessing
’s is
t or
Bett
c
re on
di .D
Re v But Life Goes On!

T he holidays are over, the greetings and


salutations have ended – we have closed the books
clothing and a warm bed, for their immediate
needs. We meet physical needs so that we may
have the opportunity to meet spiritual needs of
on 2007. The year end activities always brings the people we serve; and we take advantage of
extra blessings and a nearness to God that only this opportunity. The staff does their best to be an
sharing and giving can bring. It was a glorious example of their faith by their life-style, personal
experience and we truly enjoyed ever minute of it. help and one on one sharing of their personal faith
in Christ. Every night we have a church service in
I do not have the words to express my heart our Chapel where the Gospel is presented and the
felt appreciation to all of you who prayed, people have the opportunity to respond and make
volunteered, gave your in-kind and financial a commitment of their life to Jesus Christ.
support to the Lord through the ministry of the
Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission this past year. Yes. Life Goes On at the Mission and we need
We could not have accomplished the things we your continued faithfulness to stand with us,
did without your help. especially with your prayers.

But, Life Goes On at the Mission. To the We meet physical needs


homeless people that use our facilities, Christmas
is just another day for them to be alone and in so that we may have the
need. Their need is food and shelter the next day opportunity to meet
and the day after that. So our responsibility is to
keep the doors open and provide good nourishing
spiritual needs.
meals, hot showers, clean

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 January
u e Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
e s c 1 2 3 4 5
r Is to
Anchorage
Pilgrim
Anchorage
Gospel
Anchorage
Vineyard
First
Presbyterian
Calvary
Baptist
Nazarene Singers Fellowship Church Church
The least 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
The last God’s
Place
Abbot Loop
Community
First
Assembly of
Change
Point
Christ
Community
Calvary
Church
Wasilla
Assembly
The lost Church God Church of God
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
God’s Church Anchorage Christian Sherbahn Sherbahn Lighthouse
“URGENT” Place of God of Native Evangelical Evangelistic Evangelistic Christian

Our supplies of these Prophecy Assembly Church Team Team Fellowship


20 21 22 23 24 25 26
items is constantly in Grace Sherbahn Attorney Calvary Evangelical In His Name Glenn
need of replenishing Victory
Fellowship
Evangelistic
Team
Greg Grebe Baptist
Church
Covenant
Church
Sandy
McCollum
Herman

† Prayer 27 28 29 30 31
† Paper Towels New Light
Community
Calvary
Baptist
Grace
Brethren
Change
Point
Shiloh
Baptist
† 45 Gallon Trash Bags Church Church Eagle River Church

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


† Coffee
† Bathroom Tissue
† Laundry Soap
† Disposable Shavers
STATEMENT OF FAITH
† Cleaning Supplies The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a Non-Profit, Non-Denominational
† Dinner Napkins 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 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 Mission GOD BLESS AMERICA O

(President) A Ministry of info@anchoragerescue.org R


Bob Collins Rescue & Recovery www.anchoragerescue.org M
( Vice President/treasure) Visit us at:
Enoch Adams ue
(Secretary)
Mark Soquet
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
Emeritus:
Cliff Hodgins RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED C

Rev. Willard leisy


Advisory Board: D
Paul Kelly V

Rev. Don Bettis, Exec. Dir. S


M
Charlotte Bettis, Asst. Dir.
D
J
MEMBER In
Association of Gospel ue
sc Missions
re
An association of Rescue Ministries

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