June 2017

I want to apologize for the drop off in updates for the past couple months. My husband and I have been traveling and itinerating quite a bit lately; therefore, our schedule has been unpredictable. Thank you for your patient understanding.

The family has been diversified in location this month. Julie, Jalisa, and Joy came down the end of May to enjoy a trip with Joseph to the New England States. This was a big highlight for them since they now only have 1 more state, Hawaii, to have visited all 50 States! After their trip, Julie flew back to Alaska for work and Jalisa and Joy stayed for Bristow Campmeeting and Sunset Hills Youth Camp. Jordan was also able to come down for Youth Camp. God met with Jalisa, Jordan, and Joy at youth camp in a very special way.

Bro. Martin also came down in June for a little over a week and was able to attend a few days of Bristow Campmeeting as well as get some needed preparations done for the sale of the Texas home.

On Father’s Day afternoon, Bro. Martin held his first Memorial Service there in Anchorage. A lady who had been a regular guest at the Downtown Soup Kitchen and Women’s Shelter passed away. She had come several times to church, and we sure hope that she was ready for her appointment!

This past Sunday, Bro. Martin preached on a “Miracle of Mercy” from the story of Blind Bartimaeus. The presence of the Lord accomplished much in the service and around 10 came forward for prayer.

Jamin and Allison (along with Allison’s parents, the Dixons) arrived in Alaska Monday night and Tuesday morning. They will be staying for about 10 days. Jamin went with Bro. Martin yesterday to take Jim*, a former pastor in one of the remote villages, to the hospital for an appointment. Jim* remembered Jamin from when he would come with Bro. Martin to their village and couldn’t believe how he had grown up.

*Name changed protect privacy

One day at the Downtown Soup Kitchen, Bro. Martin noticed a couple of the volunteers trying to calm down a young girl that was thrashing around. Bro. Martin was informed that she had just taken a hit of spice. Spice is a drug they make from various chemicals as an artificial marijuana. It produces erratic and unpredictable behavior and sometimes death. As Bro. Martin and another volunteer began to pray for this young lady, she settled right down. Praise God: we serve the Prince of Peace!!

On Sunday, May 21st, Bro. Martin took a chance during the service at Hope Church to talk to the people about giving and honoring God with every part of their lives including their finances.
One lady came up after church and said to Bro. Martin, “I’ve been praying why there was a holdup in my life. I haven’t been tithing! The Lord spoke to me today to start tithing and trust God to make the rest stretch to meet my needs.” Praise God for making His Word clear to this sincere lady. Bro Martin preached about the rewards of yielding ourselves to God. The presence of God was felt in such a special way! Two precious souls came forward for salvation and several other desired special prayer.

Julie, Jalisa and Joy returned to the Lower 48 for a trip with Joseph to the New England states. Julie already had to get back to her job, but Jalisa and Joy will be able to stay and visit some family as well as attend Bristow Campmeeting and Sunset Hills Youth Camp.

We would love to hear from you, dear friends! Please email at joanna@hopeforthehome.net or leave a comment on the website!

God bless you!