Anchorage has not been immune to our country's declining economic condition.  In October,  we began experiencing a tremendous increase in requests, coinciding with an increase in our local unemployment rate.  Rising unemployment - along with high gas prices, high food costs, and increasing utility/housing expenses have all painfully impacted families already living in poverty and have helped to cause more people to be in need. Many of the social service organizations in our community have had to cut or reduce their services because donations are down.  More people are in need, while available options are declining.  As the needs increase, we as the Body of Christ have an opportunity to make a greater difference in lives and bring help and hope to the hurting - in Jesus' name, caring Christians working together to answer cries for help.