The Frequency

 

November 2009

Year 7   No. 10

Newsletter of the Amateur Radio Christian Fellowship (N.Z.)

 

Warmest greetings to all members and friends of this Fellowship.  As I write, I see a jet-stream high in the sky and, as always whenever this phenomenon appears, I think about the folk in that plane. What is their purpose of travel? Where are they bound? Each one will be travelling for a different reason, but all on that plane are bound for the same destination. I then think of our own personal “destination” – where are we bound? How we live, and on Whom we pin our faith, provides the answer.

 

News of Members

ADAM ZL1VI and TAMI ZL2SXY (Hawera) – We think of Adam and Tami in their loss of a cousin; also in their support of an elderly aunt who is very ill.

 

ALAN ZL2AEB (Tokoroa) – Our very best wishes and our prayers will be with Alan and Barbara as they marry in Napier on Saturday 21 November at 2pm (in the Sunken Garden). We are always encouraged by Alan’s sharing of Scripture with us on the 40m net, and we do wish him and Barbara every blessing – also Alan’s daughter Rachael, who often greets us on the net.   May God bless you all.

 

ALAN ZL2TAG (Lumsden) – Alan called on Wednesday 28 October en route to Lumsden, Southland, where he has temporarily taken up a ministerial role in the Presbyterian Church. We much appreciated his visit, and his prayer with us before leaving. It has been an encouragement to hear Alan on both 80m and 40m with only a 12ft vertical aerial, but with good reception here in North Canterbury.

We would ask you to pray for Alan in his new responsibility, and for Averil on her mission assignment in Thailand. Also for their daughter Kristina and little baby as they settle back in the Sudan as a family.

 

FRED ZL3FS (Christchurch) – At time of writing this, we are aware that Fred has been very ill in Christchurch Hospital. Latest communication was that Fred had improved a little. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and family. (Grateful thanks to Peter ZL3AQN for keeping in touch).

 

 

GARY ZL3SV (Motueka) – Gary has had successful surgery on nose, with excellent recovery. We much enjoyed a visit from Gary and Christine on Wednesday 4 November, on their way to Christchurch where Christine’s Mother celebrated her 80th birthday. Gary was able to give valuable help to Graham, advising where to put the additional “earthing” in connection with both the audio and the AC, which dropped the noise level on 80m by five “S” points.  It turned out to be the Satmax “Freeview” TV box which was creating most of the noise on 80m. There is still room for improvement audio-wise, and we will look at this again when Gary comes down early next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             [Photo: Graham,Gary,Christine,Mary - Waikuku Beach 4/11/09]

 

 

JOHN ZL3TR (Christchurch) – John has a set of 2008 “QST” magazines, and would be happy to send these out on loan should anyone wish to read. Two magazines can be sent for $1.50 postage.

 

KEITH ZL3AHL (Christchurch) – Has been scheduled for cataract surgery on 2 December. We will keep Keith and Grace in our prayers as Keith faces this and other challenges.  Keith has recently obtained a new linear.

 

LANCE ZL2LGB (New Plymouth) – On 40m on 8 November for first time.

 

STAN ZL4OW (Oamaru) – Stan’s loved daughter Jennifer passed away recently following a long illness – her funeral was on 3 November in Ashburton. We send loving thoughts and prayers, not only in his sadness, but that Stan will himself receive healing following his accident. (See previous newsletter).  But we also rejoice with Stan in his Grandson being one of only 4 receiving a Young Achiever’s Award.  Wonderful news.

 

TOM ZL2TF (Pahiatua) – An email from Tom has advised that he will be entering hospital on 15 November for hip replacement surgery on 16th, and would value prayer support. He is hoping to have his 80m rig up and running before too long.

 

TREVOR ZL2TN (Palmerston North) – Wonderful on 31 October to have Trevor leading the net again! We thank God that he has been able to again take his place, and pray for continued strength and healing. Trevor recently received a certificate recognizing 60 years in ham radio, and we know that all will congratulate him on this milestone. Happy birthday for 23 November, Trevor – may God bless you and Ruth.    

 

Netmasters

Grateful thanks to those who have willingly “taken the chair” in recent months while Trevor has been unwell. Their support is tremendously appreciated by us all, and does take the pressure off Trevor to do it every week without a break. His personal health is paramount, and we hope he will let us know whenever he needs such relief. God bless you, Trevor, in the days ahead. We need you very much. Sunday nets are having increasing numbers, and we again thank Kelvin for his faithfulness each week. God bless you too, Kelvin and Penny. 

 

Website

A video of an inspiring worship song by a Samoan assembly has been placed on the site, plus the song “Jerusalem, but some may not have the appropriate programme to access the latter. Thanks Gary for putting these on the site, and for all you do in connection.

 

Please Remember

We would ask that all members and friends remember to pray for this Fellowship, for unity and compassion amongst all. The following to our knowledge are presently facing health and other challenges, and we note their names, although there may be others unknown. David ZL1UTS, Fred ZL3FS, Hans ZL1JA, John ZL3TR, Keith ZL3AHL, Kelvin ZL1LY, Ron ZL2OY, Stan ZL4OW, Tom ZL2TF, Trevor ZL2TN.  Don’t hesitate to contact with any concerns or requests for prayer.

 

Personal Profiles

We would welcome receiving a paragraph or two briefly outlining your life journey and your experience in radio, if we have not already received this. A photo would add interest. Also, short articles pertaining to radio, radio history, or a relevant topic, would be most welcome.

 

In Conclusion

“I am the Lord, I change not”. (Malachi iii.6) Some thoughts from C.H.Spurgeon.

It is well for us that, amidst all the variableness of life, there is One whom change cannot affect; One whose heart can never alter, and on whose brow mutability can make no furrows.  All things else are changing:  the world is waxing old – the folding up of its worn-out vesture has commenced; the heavens and earth must soon pass away; they shall perish. But there is only One who has immortality, of Whose years there is no end, and in whose person there is no change.  “I am the Lord, I change not”.  

 

The stability which the anchor gives the ship when it has at last obtained a hold-fast, is like that which the Christian experiences when he fixes upon this glorious truth. Whatever He was in the past, He is now:  His power, His wisdom, His justice, His truth … He has ever been the refuge of His people, their stronghold in the day of trouble, and He is their sure helper still.  He is unchanged in His love; He has loved His people with “an everlasting love”; He loves them now as much as ever He did, and when all earthly things shall have melted in the last conflagration, His love will still wear the dew of its youth. Precious is the assurance that He changes not!  The wheel of providence revolves, but its axle is eternal love.

 

 

73s, and may we all know the reality of God’s unchanging friendship and love as we continue our journey.

 

Graham ZL3NZ and Mary ZL3MD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fellowship Motto

To do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:16)

Contact us: Graham and Mary Dacombe, 20 Allin Drive, Waikuku Beach 7402 North Canterbury

Phone: 03-312 7782                                            Fax: 03-312 7783                                        Email: arcf@xtra.co.nz

Nets: Saturdays 7.30 p.m.. on 3.650 MHz – Sundays 4 p.m. on 7.150 MHz

Website: www.arcf.co.nz