Hope Church in Anchorage, Alaska
You are cordially invited to attend the launching of Hope Church in Anchorage, Alaska. The initial service will be conducted on Sunday, July 24 at 10 a.m. We will meet at the Downtown Soup Kitchen (DSK) / Hope Center located at 240 East 3rd Ave., Anchorage, Alaska 99501.
On March 24, the Executive Director of the Downtown Soup Kitchen (DSK) / Hope Center, Ms. Sherrie Laurie, was talking with me about the expanding ministry she oversees. They feed 300-500 people a lunch of soup, sandwich & dessert each Monday through Friday. They host 30 women every night of the week as a Women’s Shelter. They also have a highly qualified and experienced baker who is training the women in baking skills and selling their creations to help support their ministry. Then she said, “But this building is sitting unused on Sunday mornings. We need to be having church in here for these dear people. But I don’t know who would be a right fit for such a ministry.” I could hardly believe my ears! Then I eagerly replied, “Are you serious? I would definitely be willing to do that!”
The next day she came to me after we finished the music. (My girls and I did the music & Scripture exhortations once a week during the 1-1/2 hours they served lunch. Now we do it 4 days a week.) She said, “James, I’ve been thinking more yesterday and this morning about having church here. I want to offer it to you if you and your children want to do it. I will just give you a key to the building, and it is all yours for free. I don’t want to be over it. You can use the kitchen, feed the people, let them do showers — whatever you want. I sense a different spirit about you and your children.”
When I initially began to tell people of my calling to move to Anchorage, it was common for people to ask me, “Do you plan to start a church?” My reply was simply this, “I plan to reach out to the people for whom God has sent me there, and if he wants me to start a church, it will grow out of the relationships that He builds with those people.” That is exactly what He has done!
The timing seems ideal. We were “outside” (an Alaskan term to describe when you leave Alaska) from late April until July 2 to help celebrate Jamin’s graduation from OBI and Joanna’s marriage to Derek Rich, as well as minister in a number of churches. Now that we are back to our new home, it’s a good time for the DSK and for us.
Please pray for God’s continued leadership coupled with our absolute sensitivity and obedience to His way. Most of all, we need the unhindered anointing of the Holy Ghost to empower us to preach Christ and Him crucified! He said, “And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.”
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).
Thanks to each of you who so faithfully and sacrificially undergird our family and ministry with your support in prayer and finances. May God bless you with an eternal return for your investment.
Sincerely,
Bro. James D. Martin
January 12, 2018 @ 12:04 pm
I have been alive for 45 years, and in my whole time on this earth. I have been to many different churches over the years. I love this church in that it is unique, there isn’t any of the “respecters of persons” going on here at Hope Church! This place is loving and serving the Lord and one another!
Matthew 25:40-45
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
March 6, 2018 @ 1:44 am
Thank you so much, Angie, for taking the time to share here. May God bless you!
December 16, 2018 @ 2:57 am
How much would you charge me to plow the snow in my driveway, James? I live across the street from you and as I am an 80% service-disabled veteran with compressed discs in my back and neck area cannot manage to do this myself. I have tried to shovel the snow, but cannot do it. I see you use your snow blower for others and wonder how much you would charge if you were to do this for me, too?
October 16, 2023 @ 5:14 am
Hi there,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to talk to you about my late husband’s Yamaha baby grand piano. Being a fan of musical instruments myself, I’m looking to find a new home for it, preferably with someone who will love and appreciate it as much as he did.
If you’re interested in taking the piano or if you know of someone who might be, please give me a shout. I’d love to hear a bit about you and your experience with pianos.
Thanks a bunch for taking the time to read this. Take care!
Warm regards,
Nancy.