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New Hope-mobile

Funds Provided! Bus Bought!

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Last Saturday we came to you on behalf of this tremendous need as well as the opportunity to buy a bus for a discounted price. The owner had bought the bus 2 years ago for $40,000, put 5,000 miles on it and decided to sell, agreeing to a $25,000 sale price to Hope for the Home. 

By Tuesday of last week, the funding goal was reached even exceeding the purchase price by $200 to pay for tags! To God be the Glory! The timing of the provision is of essence as we quickly approach winter conditions once again!! The Hope-mobile will be a wonderful tool in our ministry here in Anchorage, Alaska! 

Thanks to Brian for delivering the bus to us from Valdez (a 6 hr drive). Yes, it needs a good washing on the outside, but the inside is pristine! We look forward to replacing the signage/lettering very soon. 

Whether you prayed or gave, thank you for your part in this need being met!

Funds raised!
Anchorage Sunset

Sunrise to Sunset

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Anchorage Sunrise

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

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

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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.

Snowy tree
Hope Church service in the winter

 

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

 

Hope Church still meets on Sunday afternoon at 2pm in this upstairs classroom of the Downtown Hope Center. 

Homeless ministry

 

 

 

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

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During a typical Alaskan summer, you will see many people outdoors all hours of the day & night (which still remains light) utilizing the daylight to get projects done. A few weeks ago, Bro Martin tackled a job that had been needing to be done for some time – new deck flooring. The increase in daylight helped to give him ample time to get much accomplished. He did try to be mindful of the neighbors when using loud equipment.

Before

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After

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This reminds me of the words of Jesus when he said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) Jesus foresaw that his time on this earth was short. He goes on to say, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” In another place, Jesus told his disciples (which applies to us today), “Ye are the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14) We have been called to be a LIGHT in this dark world and to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which in heaven.” (Matt 5:16) May we take advantage of the time we have been given to shine the LIGHT of Jesus into the dark world in which we live. We have been given a project to accomplish – until ALL have heard. (Matt. 24:14) God help us to do all we can, while we can!
Downtown Soup Kitchen Ministry

A New Way Forward

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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!

Christmas in Anchorage

Christmas in Anchorage, Alaska

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Bro Martin shares:

“Hello from Alaska! I hope y’all had a Merry Christmas, and anticipate a Hope-filled New Year. God is helping us– we are staying really busy in the Lord’s work. Sunday was great! We had about 80 for church, and a number of people responded good to the message. Then we fed about 140 a traditional Christmas dinner with turkey, dressing, ham, and lots of good stuff to go with it, It’s such a privilege to be on the “giving end” this Christmas. It is truly ‘more blessed to give than to receive!'”

We want to say thank you to all of you who pray for the ministry of Hope for the Home on a consistent basis. Our desire is to be more fruitful for the kingdom of God in 2017!

May God bless all of you!!