Alaskan Update
Everything is going well with the Martins in Anchorage. There has been quite a lot of adjustments to their lives with an increasing amount of snow build-up. They have over 2 foot of snow with a continual downfall and the weather predicts to be snowing all week. Some have told them that this is the worst winter in 5 years! Bro. Martin and Jordan have been getting quite a workout with shoveling the driveway on a daily basis. Upon Jordan’s request, they began looking for a snowblower to help they’re job out a bit. They were able to find one for a good deal! What a blessing!
Bro. Martin has begun picking up the ladies for the Women’s Shelter each evening. He is thrilled to have this opportunity to speak the truth of God’s Word into their lives daily. As he walks through Brother Francis Shelter to gather the ladies, many greet him with “Pastor, Pastor!”
Bro Martin walked into a room in the “Flex” Unit at the hospital last Friday. He was met with a disturbed lady, struggling with the possibility of a long recovery from her illness. Bro Martin felt impressed to share a scripture that he and the children had been memorizing in family devotions, Colossians 1:11 “Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness;” He shared how God’s strength isn’t evident only when circumstances are going well, but it is His strength that helps us to have patience, long-suffering and joy in the midst of unpleasant circumstances. This Word in season brought deep comfort to her heart.
On Friday as well, Bro Martin was asked by the nurses to visit a young lady who’s baby had died in the womb. He walked in to find her along with her mother in deep sorrow. The young lady expressed how she had been advised to have a medical performed abortion, but had refused to do so. Bro. Martin prayed with her. With tears in her eyes, she thanked him and said, “The Lord knew just what I needed today. I feel so much better!”
We had 90 in attendance at Hope Church on Sunday with 11 coming forward for salvation. They really cried as they prayed and sought the Lord. Jesus came to bring hope and deliverance! Bro Martin preached “A Wonderful Transformation” from Mark 5:1-20.
I do apologize for the absence of an Alaskan update last week. My husband and I were in Panama from the 13th to the 21st. We ministered in a youth camp there with Derek’s grandparents, Don & Shirley Rich as well as his dad, Leon Rich. The Holy Ghost worked in hearts in a tremendous way bringing salvation, the infilling of the Holy Ghost, and powerful deliverance. I hope to share more of that in the near future.
May God bless you!!
Joanna Rich, Ministry Assistant
