The Frequency
	January/February 2010 Year 8 No. 1		Newsletter of the Amateur Radio Christian Fellowship (N.Z.)

We send warmest greetings to all members, families and friends of the Amateur Radio Christian Fellowship (NZ). We trust that you have been refreshed and rested over past weeks, and that the remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ was a blessing and inspiration to you. With this letter come our wishes for a wonderful year ahead. This newsletter covers the period 13 December 2009 to 31 January 2010, and we briefly report below any news which has come to our attention, and which may be of interest to you all.

News of Members

ADAM ZL1VI and TAMI ZL2SXY (Hawera) – Have recently spent an enjoyable time walking the Milford Track and McKinnon Pass. They then, with daughter Hayley, visited USA and Disneyland, Universal Studios, the streets of Hollywood, Las Vegas, then the Grand Canyon by helicopter. We thank God for their safe return following such an enjoyable holiday. On 25/1 Hayley began her Home-schooling programme with Tami, and we wish them a successful and happy year.

ALAN ZL2AEB (Tokoroa) – Alan is about to commence work on a bus run, while still seeking other more full-time/permanent employment. Younger daughter Martha has come to join family from Masterton, and we pray that this will be a good year for Alan, Barbara, Rachael and Martha.

ALAN ZL2TAG (Lumsden) – In spite of having a ministry charge over recent months, with all the visitation and other work this entails, we appreciate very much that Alan has joined our nets on both 80m and 40m whenever able – a real encouragement to us. On 25/1, Averil returned from her mission trip to Thailand. May God richly bless this couple in their ministry together in Lumsden, and make plain for them the way they should go once this time is completed.

BOB ZL1BMA (Hamilton) – We were sorry to hear that several weeks ago Bob had another fall – in street – but fortunately no broken bones. The Lord bless you Bob, in all your Christian service.

CECIL ZL1BXT (Hamilton) – Cecil is apparently managing well. He was recently visited by BRIAN ZL1HN, who was able to render some aid (as he so often does). We warmly congratulate Cecil on his 94^th birthday on 12/1.

CIRRUS ZL2CVJ (Nelson) – Cirrus finally gained internet access on her property at Golden Bay. Much “pioneer” work has been undertaken to make her new home comfortable. Keep in touch, Cirrus – always good to hear from you.

DAVID ZL1UTS (Auckland) – David and family moved house on 30/1. A very stressful event at the best of times! We will remember this family in our prayers as they make the necessary adjustments.

FRED ZL3FS (Christchurch) Silent Key – We were sad when word came of Fred’s passing on 22 December 2009. His presence on our nets, and his love for the Lord, were always an inspiration. Fred’s family responded with appreciation to our message of sympathy, and we think of them in these days of loss and adjustment. A profile follows later in this newsletter.

JAMES ZL3FV (Hokitika) – We remember in prayer James and Sarah, as James seeks appropriate employment and begins a Polytechnic course in Community Support Services.

JOHN ZL3TR (Christchurch) – We are always glad to hear John on net, and are especially grateful that he is able to visit QTH of JAMES ZL3IJ for these sessions. This involves quite a walk for John, then a return home by bus at around 8.15pm. Thanks to you both for your regular contacts.

KEITH ZL3AHL (Christchurch) – The best ever reception from Keith last Saturday with his recently-procured linear amplifier, which had not been used for 20 years but is now in full working order. Keith was grateful for advice received from BRIAN ZL1HN during is trip up north.

RAY ZL2TDO (Lower Hutt) – Joined net first time 24/1 on 40m, saying it was good to hear a “Christian voice” on the air. We are hopeful for many future contacts.

RON ZL2OY (Karori) – Good to have a chat with Ron on phone the other day, and to learn that he is reasonably well. Ron doesn’t find living alone easy, and we know that many of you will understand so well what this means. Ron, may you (and others to whom this applies) know the peace and friendship of Jesus, who will “never leave you nor forsake you”.

STAN ZL4OW (Oamaru) – Recent days have been busy for Stan, including the celebrating of his 88^th birthday, travelling to Ashburton for the funeral of an old friend, and supporting his sister (99) with her hearing challenges. May God continue to provide Stan with daily strength and improved health.

TOM ZL2TF (Pahiatua) – Has recently had a successful hip replacement, and we hope things are still going well. It was good to hear Tom on net 19/12/09, and hopefully we will again soon.

WARREN ZL3WPS (Hamilton) – Is planning a trip to Nelson with his Mother in March. We trust that plans will continue to run smoothly, and our thoughts and prayers will be with you both.

NETS, NETMASTERS, AND ARCF GENERALLY

We are blest indeed to have again, at the start of another year, KELVIN ZL1LY and TREVOR ZL2TN taking the 40m and 80m nets respectively, with ADAM ZL1VI and PAUL ZL2BEQ (and sometimes others) providing relief twice per month. We are also blest to have our website hosted and managed by GARY ZL3SV, who has also provided Echolink services when needed. This help is not taken for granted, and we know is appreciated by all. We appreciate the many who continue to join us on 80m and 40m, despite sometimes discouraging conditions. For the faithfulness of so many, we give thanks to God. He alone is our reason for being.

CONGRATULATIONS – MAY GOD BLESS YOU

Birthdays in January were: Cecil ZL1BXT (12^th- 94 years); Laurice ZL1LG (14^th); Ross VK2ER (17^th); Gary ZL3SV (23^rd); Royce ZL4RXD (25^th); Alan ZL2TAG (26^th); Stan ZL4OW (29^th- 88 years). Birthdays in February: Eric ZL1ASI (2^nd); Kelvin ZL1LY (8^th); James ZL3IJ (15^th); David ZL1DGK (16^th); Barry ZL2FV (19^th); Brian ZL3BCR (26^th).

PLEASE PRAY – The following face health challenges, and we know would appreciate prayer:

Peter ZL1CDF, Ron ZL2OY, David ZL1UTS, Stan ZL4OW, Trevor ZL2TN, Kelvin ZL1LY, James ZL3FV, Graham ZL3NZ, Hans ZL1JA. There may be others, and we seek covering over them, too.

PROFILE: Fred ‘Angus’ Small ZL3FS – NZ’s oldest “active” amateur: SK at 95.

[Gary ZL3SV provided this from a USA Ham News site, which may be seen updated daily on his own website – thanks Gary].

“Angus was always keen on radio going back to the days of crystal sets and monster masts that dotted the landscape around the Lyttelton Harbour Bays near Christchurch where he grew up and gained interest during the 1920s as a wee lad. He always looked upon radio amateurs with the most esteemed respect, but for fear of failure, he could never foster the courage to become a ham, saying once to me, “Back in the 1960s the local radio club trainer was too technical for me” – which I found ironic considering the intelligence of the man and his position with Shell Oil. But never mind.

In the 1980s, he got involved with CB Radio which was the beginning of great enjoyment for him and after his lovely XYL Joan passed away with cancer in the early 1990s radio was is pillar of strength during the dark days that followed. Although numerous local ZL3 amateurs attempted to help him obtain a ham license he allowed that mental block to curse him time and time again.

It was not until 2003 that a very close and dear friend of his from the CB days who became an amateur, Ray Fabian ZL2AT (82 years old and now an SK) got hold of him and nearly threatened him with an offer he couldn’t refuse. It was with Ray’s insight and patience he taught Angus the ropes and prepared him for the exam. In October of 2004 Angus passed the amateur exam with flying colours, at the age of 90 finally fulfilling his life long childhood dream of becoming a licensed amateur radio operator.

Angus was quite a CW man and remembered it well, considering the last time he used it was in the jungles of the Solomons and other South Pacific Islands during WW2 as a Signals Operator with the Royal New Zealand Army. Morse was his passion and what amateur radio was about. He enjoyed for the most part just having daily CW sessions with his mates around Christchurch and New Zealand, although he did dabble with DX at times. His most exciting DX contacts were with the 3YOX and ZL7T Dxpeditions.

Time has now caught up with him, like it will the rest of us, but for this man he had a chance to live his dream and enjoy it, defining the words that age holds no barrier to success. At 95 he would have been, I believe New Zealand’s oldest “active” radio amateur.

Rest in peace, Old Timer.”

A Final Thought: “Is my Life built on the Right Foundation?”

In 1 Corinthians 3:11 we read, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”. No other foundation, no other doctrine, than this. Jesus Himself told a parable (Luke 6:47-48): “Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them, …He is like a man which built a house, and dug deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock”.

Jesus then described the demise of a similar house, faced with an identical storm, but built by a foolish man on the sand.

Derek Prince tells the story in “Foundation for Faith” of how he once lived in a house in Jerusalem which had been built by an Assyrian man. This man had gained permission from the municipal authorities to build a house of two storeys, and so the foundation was laid. The man, thinking he could obtain more rental income, decided to add one further storey (without permission). While the Princes were living there, the house began to subside in one corner, and eventually went right out of perpendicular. The reason? The foundation was not strong enough to support the house which the man tried to build upon it. Similarly in the Christian life, many professing Christians set out to build an impressive edifice of Christian service, which ends as a ruined heap of vows and good intentions – because the Foundation was not in place. Let this be our resolution for 2010: that Jesus Christ will truly be the Foundation of our lives. The storms will come – they always do – but the chances of survival are sure.

How is this foundation laid? Return to Luke 6:47 – “Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them …”

73s, and may God bless you all.

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