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Joanna Rich

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11/7/16

Alaskan Update – November 8, 2016

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Bro Martin, Jordan and Joy made their arrival to Dallas, Texas around 5:30 yesterday morning. We praise the Lord for safe travels! This week will be full of activity with warm welcome wishes along with getting things ready for Jamin & Allison’s wedding this weekend!

 

There was a great influx of attendance yesterday morning at Hope Church. As we have mentioned before, many times the attendance goes down at the beginning of the month, yet that wasn’t the case this month. Bro Martin preached on “A Recipe for Hope” using an acrostic for the word HOPE. There was a tremendous response to the Word of God!

 

Bro Martin shares a powerful story of God’s intervention in a life:

 

 “A nurse requested that I visit her patient, Billy Wells*. He had been a youth pastor, but had turned his back on that. So I entered the room where he was alone, curled up on his bed.  When I knocked, he opened his eyes and moved. So I stepped in and introduced myself. I told him I was concerned about his spiritual needs. He responded, “That’s certainly where my needs lie.”  He told me that he had been a youth pastor, but had turned away to alcohol, drugs, and such.  He opened up to many evil spirits which had begun to torment him and control him. He is the head chief of a gang of over 1,000 native men. He said very recently the demons so “had” him that they raised him up into the air off of his bed. His girlfriend and cousin tried to push him back down onto the bed.  I began to plead the blood of Jesus and quote Scriptures about the superior power of Jesus. When I quoted Jn 10:10, he spoke in a different voice “I give life too!” Then he seemed in a trance, and his body began to tense, stiffen, and started to lift up. His girlfriend and nephew told him to just relax and don’t stress. I rebuked the lying spirit, and bound Satan’s power over this man. I told him to begin to call on Jesus, which he did! He began to cough and gag like he was expelling something. He started to pray, repenting of his sins of rebellion and renouncing every opening of himself to evil spirits. Then I prayed for his physical healing.” We ask you to please pray for a complete work of salvation in this man’s life.

 

Bro Martin also shares, 
“Gary, who got saved 2 weeks ago, got a good haircut. When he mentioned it, I told him, “Well, its the same you that I love.” He replied, “No, I’m not the same old man. I’m a new man in Jesus!””

 

We would appreciate you praying for the Holy Ghost anointing to rest upon the ministers that are caring for the church while Bro Martin and the children are away.
May God bless you!
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5 Things To Do in Uncertain Situations

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I felt impressed to share some thoughts from a message that I’ve heard my dad preach. Even though the story that we draw these insights from is in the Old Testament, I believe it is relevant for today.

 

What to do when you don’t know what to do:

 

1. Recall God’s Faithfulness in the Past 
  • 2 Chronicles 20:3, 5-6  And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jersualem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court. And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rules not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? (Emphasis added)

2. Renew your focus upon the Lord

  • 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. (Emphasis added)

3. Rely on the Spirit’s Leading

  • 2 Chronicles 20:14-15 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah,…  came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, (Emphasis added)

4. Restrain your natural Inclinations or responses

  • 2 Chronicles 20:15- 17  Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of ZIz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. (Emphasis added)

5. Rejoice in anticipation of the Victory

  • 2 Chronicles 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. (Emphasis added)

 

I encourage you to practice these steps when you are facing something uncertain and seemingly impossible. Our response to the trouble and uncertainty around – whether political, relational, or personal – should be to lift our eyes unto the ONE whom our help cometh from! (Ps. 121:1-2)
May God bless you!
Hope Church

Update from Anchorage, AK – 10/31/16

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It is always a joy to share how God is working in Anchorage, Alaska. We appreciate you taking these updates to heart and praying for the needs we share about.

 

It’s been awhile since we have shared anything about Anchorage Native Medical Center. Bro Martin is still a chaplain there and makes visits several times a week. He had a special incident happen this week. One of the nurses in CCU called to tell him that there was a man by the name of Jerry* who could not speak but wanted to see a preacher. Bro Martin shares the following experience: “I went and found the same Jerry* that I had talked with several weeks before, with little seeming headway. This time he showed me a paper on which he had written, “I scared to go to sleep. I died twice in a couple days ago. What if the devel wants me.” To this I replied by opening my Bible to read Scripture to him. I read John 6:37-40; I Jn 1:9; Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9,10; then finished up with Heb. 2:14-18. He wrote again, “NEVER slept in 2 days. They took out my TUMOR in my throat.” (He had a total laryngectomy) As we prayed, he really gripped my hand firmly, and when I quit he was noticeably moving his lips in prayer. Then he wrote, “You made feel better”. As I walked out of the room, took off my mask, and slid the glass door shut behind me, I looked back in at him. He was sitting up in his bed, waving to me with a huge smile on his face. Thank God for His peace! The next day, Jerry* was very happy to see me. Great big smile. He put his hands together, then leaned his head over on them to illustrate that he had gotten sleep! What a miracle!” We ask you to please pray for Jerry*.

 

Hope Church had a wonderful crowd yesterday and most of all, a great move of God’s presence in the midst. Bro Martin preached on a “Haunted House or Holy Temple?” With Halloween being on most minds, this was a very fitting message. Bro Martin dealt with sin clearly and the false idea that the deeds done in the body is separate from what the condition of the soul is. Several came up to Bro Martin afterward and shared how they needed that message.

Jordan and Joy jumped right in to serve the people a delicious noon meal of Taco Soup, Nachos, and ice-cream for dessert. The people enjoyed it very much!

A week from today, Bro Martin, Jordan and Joy will be making their arrival back to Texas. There is mixed emotions with wanting to see family and friends down here, but not wanting to leave the people they have come to love so deeply there. No doubt the 3 weeks will fly by (too fast for us!!!) and they will be back again.

We pray all of you are experiencing the joy of living a life full of service to the Lord! There’s truly no greater life to live.

God bless!

*Name changed to protect privacy

Rejoice in the Mundane

3 Ways to Rejoice in the Mundane

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Deut. 12:18 … Thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.  
When I read this scripture, God dealt with my heart about the way in which I perform my daily tasks. Do I perform my responsibilities out of drudgery or joyful gratitude? This hits home to us because our jobs can become just something we are expected to do instead of a way in which we can bless God and others. I remember hearing my mom speak about being grateful in the mundane things of life – “While washing the dishes, thank God that we have hands to wash them, food to eat, and dishes to eat off of.” Oh, the examples could go on and on! But what I want to encourage you to do is look for what you can rejoice about in each situation.

 

  Choosing joy in all we do will be a result of a grateful heart.
(It’s not too far away from Thanksgiving to start being grateful!!)

 

Col. 3:23 And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Notice the words used in the  scripture – whatsoever you do. It doesn’t just say the things you enjoy doing, but everything you do. Furthermore, it speaks of how we should do it – heartily – which means “spirit” (Strong’s Concordance). When we say someone is spirited about something, I think of a passionate, all-in attitude. I’m put to conviction when I ask myself, “Could these words characterize my attitude in fulfilling my mundane tasks?”
What gives our tasks purpose is who we are doing them for. This scripture admonishes to do every task as unto the Lord. If we truly live like this, we won’t become flustered if what we do is unnoticed by others. For if we did our best as unto the Lord, we can be assured that He took notice.

 

How can I Rejoice in ALL I do?
    1. Look for reasons to be grateful.
      • I Thess. 5:18 In every thing give thanks:
    2. Do every task as unto the Lord.
      • Col. 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
    3. Seek God’s strength every day.
      • Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
      • Nehemiah 8:10 …For the joy of the Lord is your strength.
I pray this truth inspires you as it has me!
God bless you!
Joanna Rich
The Martin family in Alaska

Martins and Ministry Update – 10/25/16

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The Snow has come!! On Thursday evening, about 4 1/2 inches of snow fell in Anchorage, Alaska. The family has been enjoying the beauty and the delicious snow ice-cream! (On a side note: If you’ve never had snow icecream, you are missing a lot! )
Anchorage, AK Snowfall
Julie and Jalisa made it safe and sound to good ‘ole Texas Monday morning! Thank you for your prayers for them. No doubt Daddy, Jordan & Joy will miss their presence there in Alaska, but not for long. Bro Martin, Jordan and Joy will be returning home the 7th of November in time for Jamin and Allison’s Wedding.
We are excited for how God is continuing to work in the hearts that have been attending Hope Church. This Sunday, Bro Martin preached from 2 Corinthians 5 and titled it “God is not mad at us!” The reality of God’s desire to bring reconciliation arrested their attention. Five precious individuals answered the invitation to pray around the front for salvation. Several more raised their hands for special prayer. We praise God for each one that was present and the seeds that were planted in their hearts. We know that God’s Word will not return void! (Isa. 55:11)
Eating after Hope Church
A disabled man whom we shared about a couple months back (Click here), George*, took the hour and 45 minute walk through the ice and snow to get to church Sunday morning. His determination is amazing! He had a procedure done on his eyes yesterday, so Bro Martin gave him a ride and stayed with him until they completed the procedure. Please pray for George*.
We pray God will bless all of you, our fellow laborers and friends!!
Hope Church feeding

October 16, 2016 – Alaskan Update

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About 70 people were in attendance at Hope Church this Sunday. One of the reasons for the increase in attendance was the fact that Bro. Martin felt led to change the service time to 11am instead of 10am. The people are very thankful for this change because they are able to get in on the feeding program for breakfast before they come to church.

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We have a special request for prayer:

There was a minor disruption to the service that caused somewhat of a challenge. A mentally handicapped man under the influence of alcohol came into the service and stood at the front as a distraction. We praise the Lord that there was no physical harm done to anyone. Yet, we would appreciate you agreeing with us in prayer that God will restrict any distraction from His will being performed in each service. We sense the urgency in each service of souls coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus and “We are not ignorant of his (Satan’s) devices.” (2 Cor. 2:11). Thank you for joining us in prayer.

The family also had the opportunity of ministering at the Pentecostal church in town during the afternoon. God blessed them with a special time in His presence.

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Wedding bells are ringing in the Martin family once again! Jamin & Allison will be married on November 11th! We are excitedly anticipating this special occasion. Therefore, preparations are being made for the family to return from Alaska within the next couple weeks.

The suitcases have made their reappearance this week as Julie and Jalisa are preparing to come back to the Lower 48 for a couple weeks prior to Bro Martin, Jordan & Joy’s return. The Women’s Shelter ladies have given Julie a hard time saying they haven’t given her the permission to leave. No doubt she will be missed, but she and Jalisa are looking forward to spending time with family and having a much needed time of rest.

Thank you for your interest and prayers! May God bless you!

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The Word of God

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Abraham is familiar figure to most of us. God called Abraham beyond his comfort zone. I don’t know that he had ever heard of someone else going to Canaan. The bible doesn’t tell us. Neither do we know if God spoke to his dad, Terah. But we do know Abraham after his dad’s death, heard a word from the Lord. God’s Word was enough for him to point his family’s destiny in a different direction.

Gen. 12:1 –  “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

Hebrews 11:8  – By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”

We see through the life of Abraham that his faith in the Word of the Lord was stronger than the uncertain circumstances. When he received the word from the Lord, he wasn’t afraid to load up and leave.

Following God will always be worth it! 

As a 9 year old child, I remember hearing Daddy and Momma talk about what God had been dealing with them concerning the direction of our lives in ministry. We were comfortable in our pastorate at Lake Chapel House of Prayer in Mt. Vernon, TX, but Mom and Dad had heard a word from the Lord to “GO!” I was excited about the adventure, yet uncertain as to what it would look like. To many, it looked like Daddy and Momma had lost their mind in going on the missionary evangelist field with 8 children and the 9th one on the way. Yet, I never remember a time that they regretted their decision to follow God.

In the good and challenging times, God’s will is always the best place to be. 

I encourage you, dear friend, don’t ever let the circumstances shadow your faith in what has God called you to do. Trust God completely!

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”
2 Samuel 22:31
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10/09/16 – Alaskan Update

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Bro Martin, Julie, Jordan and Joy had a very busy Sunday. Jalisa has been in Delta Junction helping Sis Vicki Myrick with her newborn twins while Bro Jared is away for a little over a week. Jalisa will be returning to the family this evening via airplane. Please pray for her safety.

 

They had around 60 people at Hope Church on Sunday morning. Bro Martin preached a message about “Jesus, the Savior” with the points 1) The reality of sin 2) The ruin by sin 3) The rescue from sin. Bro Martin took his text from Matthew 1:21 “Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” and preached one of the most direct warnings about sin that he had preached there. A number of people raised their hands, and one lady came forward. After praying she asked for a cd of the message to hear it “over and over all week.”

 

Regina*, whom we shared about in last week’s update, came back this Sunday and shared with Bro Martin, “It’s worked all week. I’ve been trying to forgive my mother for 4 years, and couldn’t do it. But remember last Sunday I did. It’s been good all week.” We praise God for the work He has done in Regina’s* heart!

 

Bro. Martin is filling in on Sunday afternoons at a neighboring Pentecostal church while the Pastor is away on vacation. Bro. Martin shared a message on “The Fiery Trial of Faith” and several said it was just what they needed. They had a really good service and time around the altars.

 

Bro. Martin has been looking for a bus for easier transportation of the people to and from church. They found a reasonably priced one in the area. Before they can proceed further, Bro Martin needs to get his CDL license. He is planning to take the written test today. Please pray for God’s will to be done in this situation.

 

Thank you for your faithful prayers for Hope for the Home Ministries.
May God continue to bless and keep you, our dear friends!

 

 

 

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Love Defeats Fear

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As I write this post, I realize there is no way for me to exhaust this subject in one post. But I do want to share some aspects of this topic that has been on my heart.

 

Derek and I were talking to a couple teenagers last night after church. They were sharing the fears they are experiencing with some threats that have been made toward their schools. It made me upset with devil who is influencing individuals to intimidate and entrap these kids with fear.

Let’s look at what will defeat the epidemic of fear in our world today.

I John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgement: because as he is, so are we in this world. 

 

The very first word of this verse points back to the previous verse where it states “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” Now leading into this verse, John says, Herein, which means “fixed in position” (Strong’s) is our love made perfect.

The knowledge of who God is – LOVE – and the living or dwelling in Him, brings about a perfection of our love toward God and others.

Furthermore, God’s love gives us boldness which means according to Strong’s Concordance, “all out spokenness, confidence.”

We see that the opposite of boldness is fear. If God’s love produces boldness, than what produces fear?

We see in Genesis 3:10 after Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they were afraid. So we see that disobedience and sin produces fear. But we also see from the disciples on the storm-tossed sea in Matthew 8 that a human response to unpleasant circumstances is fear. Jesus said unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? This takes it a step further, because Jesus brought it out that they had little faith. Galatians 5:6 says, “faith which worketh by love.” So, faith is made active by dwelling in love.

Verse 18 of I John 4 is a very familiar verse to many. Where it says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:” There is no room for fear in a life full of God’s love.

How do I receive this love? You receive love when you receive God, for He is Love. A focus on God’s love and a dwelling in His love will force fear to leave your life.

The last part of the verse we started out with is a challenging statement, “As He is, so are we in this world.” I think of the saying, “You are the only Jesus some will ever see or the Bible some will ever read.” We need that holy boldness and confidence to be a bright and shining light to all those around us. This truth is convicting to me!

Oh, that we would be so full of God’s love in our minds and hearts that fear would find NO place in our lives and that we would influence others to live the same way.

 

Bean's Cafe

October 2, 2016 – Anchorage Update

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I’ll start out with a couple corrections to last week’s posts:

  • The lady that shared with the family of them feeling like her own family was actually the lady with the arthritis instead of the lady whose aunt had just died.
  • The quote I had made mention of in the beginning of last post, Conflict or Combat? was actually stated by the late Gary Smalley’s son, Greg Smalley.

Thank you for accepting my corrections.

We come to you today with a very special report from Anchorage, Alaska.

Bro Martin will share some details of what took place this weekend with Hope Church and the precious lives they had a chance to reach out to.

At Bean’s Cafe, I asked Edna* to announce Hope Church, and offer rides. While I was standing there, Grace* (middle age native) walked up. Edna* quickly told her, “You’ve got to go out now! You’ve been drinking.” Grace* then turned to me. I walked her outside. There we stood as I told her of God’s power to deliver her. She tearfully told me her story of past belief in God and diligent devotions, complete with notebooks of thoughts. “I know John & Romans.” But she “gave up on God”, and turned to drink. She said, “I know God would never forgive me for all I’ve done. I could never deserve Him to forgive me. No, never. I’m not homeless, but I come down here to sin and to drink.” She refused to come to church with me. As I drove out of the parking lot toward Hope Church, she was sitting on the curb with tears still running down her face. My prayer was, Oh Lord Jesus, please give her repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, that she may recover herself out of the snare of the devil!

We had a smaller attendance at church than normal due to it being the first of the month when many getting paid and also the receiving of oil dividends. I preached on  “FREEDOM THROUGH FORGIVENESS”.

Two special testimonies were shared as a result of what God did in service.

  • Regina* was radiant! She said, “God helped me to forgive my mom! Other times I’ve followed prayers by others who told me I HAD to do it. But this time is different! I CHOOSE to forgive her, and release her into God’s hands.”
  • A young lady was noticeably affected. She came for the first time last Sunday. Her countenance was expressionless. But today she responded to the invitation, conscious of her need for God’s forgiveness, and willing to forgive others. After the service, she rode on the van back to Bean’s. I looked at her in the rear view mirror as she said with deep conviction, “Wow! You really talked to me today. That’s just what I needed to hear!”

We want to thank you for the part you have in these souls hearing about Christ. May God richly bless you!

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