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Sunrise to Sunset
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From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3
![Anchorage Sunset Anchorage Sunset](https://hopeforthehome.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Facebook-8.png)
Sunrise. Sunset. May you day be the best.
Saturday night we had a wonderful service ministering at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission. We minister there the first Saturday of each month.
Sunday morning we ministered at the Native church here in Anchorage. We left there and went to Hope Church for our 2 PM service.
We dashed home for a dash of dinner, then back to the Native church to minister in the 6 PM service.
Sunrise. Sunset. May your day be the best.
~Tricia Hight Martin~
Snow, snow and more snow
Winter Update
Some news reporters called this winter a “Pandemic of Snow” as Anchorage sat a record for the earliest arrival of 100 inches of snow. By January 30th, this record was reached making it possible to break its all-time record of 134.5 inches of snow this winter. Shoveling driveways, scraping off cars, and bundling up in warm gear has been normal protocol since Bro. James & Sis. Tricia’s arrival back in Alaska on February 2nd. Last week there was a “winter advisory” of -20F to -30F degree temperatures. Alaskans welcome the snow as it usually “warms” up a bit.
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![Hope Church service in the winter Hope Church service in the winter](https://hopeforthehome.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Facebook-5.png)
It has been a blessing and also a challenge to continue ministering to these precious homeless people on a daily basis. Bro. Martin has begun bringing the Hope Mobile (bus) for the people to have somewhere to warm up as well as coffee. He strives to always be ‘there’ to share a devotion, to pray, have tracts & bibles available and to visit with the people during this lunch hour.
![Enjoying the warmth of the Hope-Mobile Enjoying the warmth of the Hope-Mobile](https://hopeforthehome.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-07-at-5.41.26 PM.jpeg)
Hope Church still meets on Sunday afternoon at 2pm in this upstairs classroom of the Downtown Hope Center.
![Homeless ministry Homeless ministry](https://hopeforthehome.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-12.05.54 PM.jpeg)
We are very thankful for all that have given so that we have been able to have extra supplies on hand. The count has reached 25 ‘unhoused’ people that have perished this winter. Our hearts are broken by this fact and continue to pray to be God’s hand extended with love and compassion. Please pray with us!
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Summer Project
Before
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After
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“Termination Dust”
“Termination Dust” on the mountains indicates that winter is coming soon. We are hoping to stay outside under the canopies for the next few weeks, but definitely seeing our end in sight. Bittersweet it is: as seasons change, there are both challenges and opportunities. We do miss some sweet faces, as some don’t come to church inside making our crowds much smaller.
In March of 2023, Tricia Hight Martin shared a “peek” into a Hope Church Sunday on Facebook before they were scheduled to leave to fulfill some obligations in the Lower 48. I thought it would be good to share it here for you that wonder what it’s like.
“Sunday morning we left the house at 12:30 PM for Hope church, after James packed the Yukon with around 3 totes, several bags and our church sign.”
“Arriving at Hope church, which is on the second floor of Hope Center in downtown Anchorage, James set out our church sign and unloaded all the totes.”
“Inside, we loaded everything on the elevator, then wheeled it into a classroom, which is our Sunday church sanctuary.”
“We take down the classroom’s tables and set up around 40 chairs, of which I place a wrapped Lifesaver mint in each chair. Just a little “welcome treat” on their seats when they come in.”
“Then, set up the keyboard and podium.”
“James sets up a podium for his laptop and Bible.
For the past month, he has been putting the songs, his sermon scriptures, and easy-to-follow notes on his laptop, then “jumping them” to the classroom monitor so everyone can follow along. They loveeee this!! However, that’s way too much hi tech for Tricia to translate properly – so … jumping along here.”
“James goes to the kitchen on the 1st floor, gets the lunch bags and brings them upstairs. He then puts them on a cart with the bottled water and ice cream sandwiches.”
“Tricia sets up the COFFEE bar!!
And I certainly know how to do that in fine fashion. Plentyyyyy of creamer and sugar. Coffee cups and stirrers. Hand sanitizer and paper towel.”
“Typically we use a 100 pot coffee urn, but due to us flying out immediately after the service, we used 3 pump pots of coffee, which hardly lasted until service started.”
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“When Pastor James was ready to start service at 2PM, I went to the keyboard at the front. After singing, I went to the back of the congregation to stand, so I would be ready to pass out lunch.”
“This Sunday we had at least 30 in attendance. Pastor James preached outstanding from the book of Ephesians. Several raised their hands for salvation, healing and personal prayer.”
~Tricia Hight Martin
Thank you for your continued prayers for Hope Church and the ministry to the Homeless community of Anchorage, Alaska.
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Hope Church Under Canopy
While we were setting up our canopy tents (9), one of the guys helping me said, “Wow! This makes me think of Moses.” Later, Sis. Vicki Myrick led us in worship with the songs “Our God Reigns” and “How Great is Our God”.
The thought of Moses setting up a tent of worship made me strongly desire that the glory of God would fill these tents. I challenged the people to worship and welcome the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Then Bro. Jared Myrick preached an anointed and powerful message about Zacchaeus’ wonderful transformation.
I want to express the deep gratefulness I have in my heart for the Myrick’s faithfulness to the Lord and usefulness to His work in Anchorage. Praise God for their dedicated and fruitful lives!
The Lord affirmed His pleasure and blessing upon them today with at least 15 souls who stood in prayer, affirming their desire to trust Jesus for a full transformation like Zacchaeus.
I shouted and rejoiced, and many others rejoiced with us as well. (We expect to have a celebration every Sunday — that’s why we bring the ice cream!)
We gave at least 12 Bibles to those hungry for the Word!
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![The Hope Mobile The Hope Mobile](https://hopeforthehome.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_0118-preview-1024x768-1160x665.jpg)
The Hope-Mobile
One day while driving up to the Downtown Hope Center, a man approached Bro Martin’s vehicle and asked if he could just sit in the vehicle and warm up a little. To which Bro Martin responded positively. This along with another man’s comment, “I’m not welcome anywhere in Anchorage!” birthed an idea to use the Hope Church bus as a place for the homeless community to escape the elements, as well as to receive free coffee, hot chocolate, snacks and the Hope of JESUS!
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Bro. Martin plans to do this weekly. He stayed out from about 3-7:30pm the first time this past week. Please keep this new avenue of ministry in your prayers.
![Downtown Soup Kitchen Ministry Downtown Soup Kitchen Ministry](https://hopeforthehome.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_3323-1024x768-1160x665.jpg)
A New Way Forward
By Rev. James Martin.
A wise and committed person once said, “I’ll go anywhere, so long as it’s forward!” Our current worldwide health and economic crisis is presenting challenges that are unprecedented. We are navigating uncharted waters; at least they’re off our charts. Where do we turn in such times as these?
Our normal is disrupted. What will be the new normal? I was reading Joshua 3 yesterday morning. How pertinent these timeless truths are for us today!
Our political and healthcare officials are echoing the words of Joshua’s officers, “ye have not passed this way heretofore” (v4). Let me say that I sincerely appreciate the diligent deliberations and difficult decisions that our leaders are tasked to execute.
So, how did God prepare, position, propel and perpetuate a new way forward for His people?
They were not being presumptuous to move forward at a time when the Jordan was flooded. It was God’s time to move. “…Remove from your place, and go after it (the ark). Yet there shall be a space between you and it.” (v3-4). Spatial distancing is not new. God instructed Israel to follow the priests bearing the ark of the covenant — about a half mile away so everyone could see the mighty acts of God. “…Ye may know the way by which ye must go” (v4). The sight of the ark assured them of God’s leadership and proper course of action. Apart from God’s direction, they were clueless and helpless. But confidence is birthed in divine revelation. “Sanctify yourselves” (v5). The purification of our hearts, hands, and habits is essential. How much do we desire to move forward with God? It is evident by the intensity of our willingness to clean up our lives! “…tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (v6). The promised wonders follow the sanctified life. Adventure awaits those who amend their actions and attitudes.
The people watched as the priests had to “get their feet wet” before the Jordan began to stand up.
It was a faith-building time. This miraculous action assured them that the God who is able to do this will surely overcome the powerful heathen nations who occupied the Promised Land. “Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan” (4:9). Build a pillar of memorial in the middle of your trial.
“.p..Take…twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place” (4:3). Then carry some memories with you to ensure a legacy of faith for generations to come! God will see us through!
It’s a new way, and always forward!
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A Great Prayer Request
A Great Prayer Request:
Greetings to our dear Family and Friends!
We greatly appreciate your continued prayers on our behalf and on the behalf of the ministry here in Anchorage, Alaska. We have a specific prayer request for you to agree with us about. We need HELP! We have suffered some changes at Hope Church with several helpers moving on to other ministries and responsibilities. We feel the heart of our Father when he asked, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest. that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:38)
Bro Martin and Jordan will be coming down this weekend for a few weeks of itinerating and also to minister at OBI Convocation and a Missions meeting in Ohio. It is a challenge with the responsibility of Hope Church for Bro Martin to be away for this length of time. However, he sees the need to be able to tell our supporting churches and individuals “Thank you!” We are not asking for sympathy, but simply prayer. We know the same ONE that called us is able to speak to the hearts of other individuals to come alongside and help.
Thank you for your investment into our lives and the ministry here.
May God bless you!
Joanna Rich, Ministry Assistant
![Lisa* and Carl* at Tent Revival Lisa* and Carl* at Tent Revival](https://hopeforthehome.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_0003-1160x665.jpg)
How God worked in the Tent Revival
“Some want to live within the sound of Church or Chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop, within a yard of hell.” C.T. Studd
First of all, we want to say “Thank you” for your prayers for us and the Tent Revival here in Anchorage, Alaska. The quote above was on my heart as we were preparing for the Tent Revival in this location. We recognize and appreciate the partnership we have with you in the people God allowed us to touch during the week. We are so excited to share some stories of how God worked in hearts.
We had a great turnout the first night despite the rainy weather. It actually may have worked in our favor because people were seeking shelter. We did find out that there were some misconceptions as to what a tent revival consisted of. Some thought we were giving away tents and were upset that this wasn’t the case. However there were others that expressed their appreciation for us having such a meeting in that it reminded them of meetings from their younger years.
Linda* came in the first day with a hardened expression on her face. As we talked, she began to share of how she was raised in a Christian Children’s home and that she would go to church camps, “Like this” but they would also have cabins for them to stay overnight. She smiled as she reminisced on those memories. She was very attentive during the service and she was obviously touched as we prayed for her in the altar service. At the end of the service, she was smiling and asked to give a hug before she left.
Lisa* and her boyfriend, Carl* came to church on Tuesday afternoon. Bro Derek preached that evening from the story of Jonah about the importance of true repentance and taking personal responsibility. When Derek gave the altar call, this couple responded quickly with tears in their eyes. After we prayed with them for a while they said “the truth hit us in the face! He was talking about us!” Lisa* then expressed that she had turned to alcohol to try to cope with the pain she was experiencing, but had been scared because she knew she wasn’t ready. After prayer she said, “I feel lighter! I’m crying happy tears.” What she said next was so encouraging, “I’ve never been to a service like this before!” We saw this couple at the Downtown Soup Kitchen before we left to come back to Oklahoma and they said that they have been sober, and they knew it must’ve been prayer that helped them.
A young lady, Carrie*, came forward on the last day as the altar call was given. She was very sincere and expressed her desire to receive Jesus. We prayed with her and she showed great excitement to receive a Bible at the close of the service.
A young hispanic man, Roberto* also came forward on the last night. He was very broken, tearful, and repentant. The Spirit’s work of conviction was evident. He prayed, and prayed, and prayed. He wanted a Bible, and promised to come to Hope Church on Sunday, which he did. I’ve seen him several times since then, and he is encouraged in his new walk with Jesus.
There are other stories we could share but one of the encouraging things was that there were quick responses to each altar call. There was no prolonged pleading and pulling. The Word was preached, and when the invitation was extended, the response was spontaneous. We believe that God touched hearts in a special way and we pray the seeds sown will bring forth a mighty harvest for the Kingdom of God.
Thank you for being a part of this work here in Anchorage, Alaska.
To God be ALL the glory!
God bless!!