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August 2016

WIlderness

In Abundance and Drought – Devotional

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I’ve been reading lately in the book of Numbers about the children of Israel’s journeyings through the wilderness. If you have read your Bible for any length of time, you most likely have read the amazing miracles God worked for them on a daily basis. In Numbers 33, it records a multitude of times they moved. Oh, can I sympathize with all those ladies packing up their belongings time after time! 🙂

As I was reading this chapter, I came down to verse 9 which says, “And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.” 

Wow! What abundance of provision – twelve fountains of water! They were living with abundance of provision here.

But then it was time to leave and it wasn’t too many verses later, verse 14 to be exact, before it is recorded, “And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.” Now we see that they are in a place of drought. No doubt they wondered, maybe even aloud, “Why here?”

But, we can ask what kept them journeying even when the circumstances around didn’t seem favourable?  Remember, they weren’t just following their feelings or the circumstantial evidence. They were being supernaturally lead by the LORD!

Exodus 13:21-22 says, “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”

In answer to the question we addressed earlier, I believe they were assured of God’s leading; therefore, they didn’t have to fear what they would face. God’s presence was with them. Their Jehovah Jirah (Provider) was leading them!

In application, we don’t have to live in fear when we experience unpleasant circumstances. Nor should we question God’s love for us during those times. Instead we should look up to our Father with childlike faith in HIs abundance, and trust His leading at ALL TIMES. As children of God, may we arise to faithfulness in our relationship to God no matter what we are going through: for we are assured of His presence.

Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

I would love to hear any comments or further insight you would like to share. Please comment here on the website or email me at joanna@hopeforthehome.net.

Hope Church

August 28, 2016 – Hope Church Update

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We’re back again sharing the faithfulness of God at Hope Church. Thank you for staying tuned in each Monday to hear how God is working through Bro Martin, Julie, Jalisa, Jordan, and Joy there in Anchorage, Alaska. The family has enjoyed having the oldest brother/son, Jason, and his oldest daughter, Laynie, there for a visit this week. Jason has been remodeling the bathrooms in their home which has kept him quite busy. In the meantime, the girls have taken Laynie to the Fair and Zoo making wonderful Alaskan memories for her.

There were around 45 people that came to service yesterday: some that had never come before. Jason and Laynie helped the girls out with the music part of the service and Bro Martin shared about God seeking those who were lost. The illustration had greater meaning as Bro Martin had taken Jingles (Our beloved poodle) outside yesterday morning. After leaving him out to do his business, Bro Martin went back out to bring him in. Upon seeing that Jingles was not out there, he realized that the gate had been left open the night before thus providing a way for him to escape. Thankfully, he hadn’t wandered too far and was quickly found. As all of you know, losing something special to you can make your heart jump up into your throat! Oh, how Jesus must feel! Three precious souls responded to the invitation to pray.

George*, a disabled man, slowly shuffles every Sunday morning to get to church. He is just so excited to be there! He has no choice but to be homeless throughout the summer due to the high tourist population creating higher living expenses. The state requires for landlords to decrease the amount of rent they charge in the winter thus making it possible for some to afford the rent. George expressed to Bro Martin his excitement for September to be here so he can have a place to live.

Each Sunday the visitors receive a card for them to write their name, number and any prayer requests they may have. Bro Martin expresses, “Its heartbreaking to read the extremity of the needs that these precious people have.” We are so thankful for the opportunity to share Jesus, the source of our hope, with these precious people.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers.

May God bless you!

Joanna Rich

*Name changed to protect privacy

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Update on Hope Church

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Yesterday marked 1 month since the first service at Hope Church. It has been very exciting to see how God has worked over this month. One of our largest crowds was on the 14th of this month with 40 homeless people in service. Bro Martin preached “Life for a Look” — as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” Six people responded with lifted hands to the invitation, two came forward for prayer. Bro Martin shares, “The wonderful presence of the Lord was evident.”

This tremendous outreach endeavor has not come without some major challenges. We are seeking to uphold the Kingdom of God, and therefore the enemy knows his kingdom is at stake. No matter the challenges, we KNOW who will always win the battle! I John 4:4 says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Please pray for the people of Alaska. There is some unrest among the homeless population at this time due to some policies and decisions made by the state officials. We ask you to please agree with us in prayer for the deliverance of the enemy’s strongholds and that the love and peace of God would fill these precious lives.  We also ask you to pray for the protection of Bro Martin, Julie, Jalisa, Jordan, and Joy as they endeavor to be Ambassadors for Christ.

Thank you for being laborers together with us in the work of God. May God bless you!

Joanna Rich

Derek and Joanna

Martin/Rich Wedding

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June 24, 2016 – The day that Derek & I, along with many others, have prepared for is HERE! Oh, what excitement filled our hearts as we got ready for this blessed occasion! I was blessed to have my 5 sisters and 1 sister-by-love (Native from Oregon) as my bridesmaids. Derek had his 1 brother along with 2 of my brothers and 3 friends, as his groomsmen. My other 4 brothers were ushers and my 7 nieces and nephews all had part in the wedding as well. It was quite an exciting wedding party!

Rich/Martin Wedding party

In planning for this special day, Derek & I chose to customize each aspect of the wedding to be specially unique to us. Our primary desire was to bring Glory to God. He is the One that put us together, and it will always be His love that keeps our love and commitment to each other strong. One very unique thing we did was that we quoted the passage of 1 Corinthians 13 together. As many of you know, my parents made memorization a daily part of our lives growing up. It was amazing when Derek and I met to find out that he had given himself to memorization throughout his school years and beyond as well. We both have a passion for the truth of God’s Word, therefore we felt it most fitting to include that in our wedding ceremony.

Derek & Joanna quoting

We both sang to each other: Derek sang, “…Only God could love you more for he gave me this love that I have for you. What a blessing to know He’s your Lord, for only God could love you more than I do…” I sang a song my sister, Joy, had written for me on the day Derek & I were engaged – “…You are my wish come true, You’re all I’ve ever prayed for, God only knew that I needed you to make me complete. You’re the best, the best thing that’s happened to me…” It was a precious time of communicating our love through song.

Both of our dads along with Pastor Gerald Hood performed the ceremony. They performed their various parts with a depth of meaning and challenge. Instead of the customary Unity Candle, we decided to do the Unity Cross symbolizing the strength of the man united with the beauty and intricate design of the woman which is held together with 3 pegs symbolizing the Unity of Father, Son & Holy Ghost. It a special piece that sits on our dresser reminding us of the unity that should be in our marriage. After we exchanged our vows, our 3 Grandfather ministers joined our dads and Bro Hood to pray over us. It was a very special time in God’s presence.

Prayer

Derek and I chose to compose our own vows to read/quote to each other. It was our desire to have vows concise enough to memorize and keep before us on a daily basis. We cherish the words with which we committed our life, love, and loyalty to each other and seek to make those words a reality each day.

The ending of the ceremony was with much significance. After we were pronounced husband and wife, Derek and I shared our first kiss. We had chose from the beginning of our relationship to save this special act of love for our wedding day. With God’s help, our commitment remained strong even during times of deep emotion. We have been so thankful that we waited.

The KISS

There was right around 350 that attended our wedding. We were thrilled for all the family and friends who put forth the effort to come and share in our joy.

The Martin/Noland family

The Rich/Hoge family

Thank you for your interest in this milestone in mine and Derek’s lives. Psalms 18:30 says, “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”  There is peace trusting God’s perfect will for your life.

The Unity Cross

 

Blessings, Joanna Rich

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June 24, 2016

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Dear Friends,

I have a correction to make to the previous post concerning the first Sunday at Hope Church. I had added a parentheses with June 24 instead of July 24. The first Sunday at Hope Church was July 24, 2016. By this mistake, You may can guess what date I’ve had on the brain… June 24, 2016 was the day that my life was forever changed for the better as I committed my life, love and loyalty to a Godly man, Derek Rich. I am posting on this subject by request of one of our faithful communicators on the website. I haven’t wanted to share all about me here, but I believe it is more about God than me. When I step back and look at what HE has done, It is truly amazing.

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God brought our paths together in the early part of 2015 while I was attending Ozark Bible Institute. Yet, it wasn’t until the summer of 2015 that we began to have further interest for each other. Our conversations from the beginning consisted of our burden, insight, and involvement in various aspects of ministry. It was amazing how much of a connection I felt as we shared with each other. I was drawn to Derek’s dedication to the Lord above all. The physical attraction definitely came, but it wasn’t what drew me to him in the first place. I never met an individual that I felt more at ease sharing with.

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After my family and I returned from Alaska in early October, we met up with the Rich family at Cheddar’s in Tulsa, OK. We enjoyed their fellowship over the meal. When we got ready to leave the restaurant, Derek and I started talking in the parking lot while our families courtesy talked in order to give us some time. At the end of that conversation, we exchanged numbers with our Dad’s blessing. From that point, we found every possible way to be together, ever seeking to get to know each other more. It wasn’t long and we both knew without a doubt that God was leading us to marriage. I’ve heard it said, “Don’t just find someone you can live with, find someone you can’t live without.” The latter was true in my heart towards Derek.

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So, on January 1, 2016, Derek got on one knee and asked me to marry him and I said, “YES!” We enjoyed reading books together and talking through things that would not just prepare us for our wedding day, but for the rest of our lives. Today marks 1 month, 2 weeks, and 4 days that we have been married, and it has been the best time of my life. I have seen more how marriage, between 1 man and 1 woman, is ordained of God for sanctification, companionship, and pleasure. Marriage is truly a gift from God!

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I will post more about the wedding this week. Thank you for sharing in our joy!

Blessings, Joanna Rich

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First Sunday at Hope Church

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Rejoice with me (x4)!!!!

Hope Church was blessed to have 30 people in attendance on this first Sunday (June 24, 2016). My girls did a wonderful job leading the worship in song. We gave out about 15 new Bibles sent to us by Bro. Larry Landress.

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I preached on “HIDE & SEEK” from Genesis 3. It is the oldest game that started out serious. Such a sweet presence of the Lord prevailed. When I gave the invitation, 4 precious souls responded by coming forward for prayer, indicating their desire to be saved. Another told me later she should have come as well, and is moving that direction. Please rejoice with me and pray for God to strengthen them daily.

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Then we served them a lunch of taco soup and nacho cheese/chips. They were very appreciative for the food. And we enjoyed sweet fellowship together around the tables.

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They are so happy to have a church that they really feel a part of! Most of them have stories of rejection and hurt in past church experiences. Please pray that God will give us grace to never cause one of these little ones to stumble.

Thank you for your interest and involvement in what God is doing in Anchorage, especially for these street people. Thanks for being our friends and holding us up in prayer. We love you!

Bro James Martin and family