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Alaska & Family Update

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We received another wonderful report from Hope Church this week! We greatly appreciate the burden with which Rev. Steve has taken care of the services the past three weekends. He shared with Bro Martin last night that there was around 50 in attendance Sunday. Devin* testified during the service how God had delivered him from drugs and alcohol. Praise God, We serve the Deliverer!!

 

We trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving week. We sure did! It was a joy to be together again, reminiscing and sharing special events and memories. Since Bro Martin, Julie, Jalisa, Jordan, and Joy will be leaving on December 1st, we celebrated Christmas while many were shopping for Christmas gifts! It was a very special time!

 

Bro Martin, Julie, Jalisa, Jordan and Joy ministered Sunday in Stuttgart and Russellville, Arkansas . They had great services at both churches and enjoyed being with dear friends.

 

Bro Martin and the children are working steadily to finish some projects at the home place before they fly back to Alaska on Thursday. It is hard for them to leave family and friends, but they are excited about getting back into their normal routine, being reunited with the family dog, Jingles, and ministering hope to hungry souls.

 

Thank you for your continued prayers!
God bless you!
*Name changed to protect privacy
Pastor Douglas Meadow and family

Martin Family Update

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      We had a very blessed week. Bro. Martin and the four children were able to get some much needed projects done around the house there in Texas as well as spend time with some of the family.  On Saturday around noon, we had a Martin side family reunion/Christmas gathering. It was good to be with some of the family that we rarely get to see except for special occasions such as this.

 

       Bro. Martin ministered at Chelsea, OK on Sunday morning and in Bristow, OK in the evening service. It was a treat to have the family stay with Derek and I and we were privileged to be with them in service on Sunday night. The Presence of God was so real as Bro. Martin shared many of the stories we have communicated here on the website in our weekly updates. We praise the Lord for the tremendous response in the altars.

 

        Bro. Martin received a text message on Sunday evening from the minister that has taken care of Hope Church for the past two Sundays. He said, “Hello Pastor James, We had another good meeting today – 50+ folks. Praise and worship led by Will*. A team led by Ben* fed the meal again today. I believe we’re keeping the fire of the Holy Spirit burning until you return. Look forward to talking to you this week.”  We are so thankful to hear how the Lord is working in these precious hearts. We know one thing for sure – Jesus loves them!

 

We trust you have a wonderful week leading up to Thanksgiving Day. Happy Thanksgiving!

*Name changed to protect privacy

Martin family Update

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This was an exciting weekend in the Martin Family as Jamin and Allison were united in Holy Matrimony. Oh, it was precious to see the seriousness with which they made each vow, and the happiness that was evident upon their countenances. We are so excited to see what God has in store for this precious couple.
We heard a tremendous report from Bro Steve who ministered at Hope Church yesterday morning. He shared that there was around 50 in attendance and 2 precious souls came up for salvation. We praise the Lord for how he is working in these hearts. We are so thankful for Heart of the City Church who offered to prepare the meal after the service.
Bro Martin, Julie, Jalisa, Jordan, and Joy ministered at Faith Tabernacle in Ft. Worth, TX this past Sunday morning and Faith Tabernacle in Denton, Texas in the evening. Both Bro Martin and Julie shared that God met with them in a special way in both services shown by the tremendous response in the altars.
Thank you for keeping us in your prayers as we endeavor to follow God’s purposes each step of the way.
God bless!
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!
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

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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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!

 

 

 

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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Alaskan Update – 9/25/16

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We are coming today with a more lengthy update. Thank you for taking these needs upon your heart.

 

Julie sent me a picture yesterday of a lady that I had shared about in our last Newsletter of how God’s love had transformed her life. Before I had left in March, she had a place to live and was very excited about it. She came back to the shelter Sunday night because the bills became too much where she could no longer afford her own place to live. I had the opportunity to talk to her over the phone. What she shared was most heartbreaking. She told me that her youngest son died three weeks ago in jail. He was a heroin addict and was also suicidal. The jail was told to put him on lockdown and watch over him very closely. For some reason, those instructions were not followed. The officials will not disclose the information as to whether he died from drying out too fast from the heroin or from suicide. As you could imagine, this precious mother is heartbroken. She kept telling me, “I just don’t know what to do!” Please pray for Mary*.

 

There was 52 attendance for church and 60 for lunch this Sunday. Bro Martin preached a message aboutThomas who was “Won Over by Jesus’ Wounds”. Bro Martin used the image of the Question Mark (?) to illustrate the twisted, distorted, and doubtful thinking that prevails when our focus is earthly and downward; whereas if we will direct our hearts to God & look up to Him, He will straighten out our thinking and we will be characterized by the Exclamation Mark (!)

 

Bro Martin shares, “Many responded to the invitation: I asked all those who purposed to look to God for their answers to lift both hands up to Him and cry out to Him. What a sight! Many (about 20) were standing, with hands lifted, crying out to God! Of those, three came forward for special prayer: One was having extreme pain from arthritis (She told me in the van when I was taking them back to shelter that almost all pain was gone! Praise the Lord!) There was also a young native mother who has lost rights to her two children and tearfully asked for prayer for them. Furthermore, there was Native lady whose aunt had just died that day in one of the remote villages and was grieving deeply. It was so refreshing to see God touch these hearts.

 

The long hours of daylight is dwindling. Bro. Martin has been working hard to get some projects finished up around the house before winter settles in. Julie shared with me how they are expecting a “GOOD” winter, which in Alaskan terminology means frigid temps with much snow and ice. The family has shared that many of their neighbors have been working hard to finish projects on their homes too. I’m reminded of the words of Jesus “Work while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work.” The end is upon us; therefore, we must view every soul through the lens of eternity and be motivated to do ALL WE CAN WHILE WE CAN!

 

May God bless you!

 

*Name changed to protect privacy

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