The Frequency
	May / June 2010 Year 8 No. 3		Newsletter of the Amateur Radio Christian Fellowship (N.Z.)

We greet all members of ARCF, up and down New Zealand, in the name of Jesus Christ. This newsletter is now being sent out bi-monthly, but we still hope you may find interest in the news presented. We repeat our oft-given invitation to send us articles or comments for this letter, and most important, a testimony of your own, with photo, which never fails to be a blessing to others.

News from and of our Members

ADAM ZL1VI and TAMI ZL2SXY (Ophir) – On Easter Sunday Adam, Tami and Hayley crossed the Strait en route from Hawera to Ophir, Central Otago, where they have now set up home. Tami is continuing home-schooling for Hayley, but is also looking forward to some dairy farm work come spring. Adam has already had a period of employment in the vineyards, with more (pruning) yet to follow. Has even tried his hand at gold-panning, but not rushing to bank anything yet! Adam will be at the Auckland Sky Tower on 22 May in connection with a Fire Brigade exercise in aid of lukeumia research. Adam and Tami have had an excellent signal on 80m.

ALAN ZL2TAG and Averil – Upon leaving Lumsden on 28 February, Alan and Averil left Auckland the following week to spend time in Thailand finalizing details following 40 years of service in that land. Since leaving Bangkok, have spent a week in Holland before going on to Britain. We look forward to their return in early June, following some time in America with son. We pray for journeying mercies.

BRUCE ZL4BEP (Oamaru) – Wonderful for us all to hear Bruce on air again 15/5, and to know that he has sustained, with the comfort and presence of our Heavenly Father, the sad loss of his Mother on 19 March. God bless you Bruce, and give you strength in the days ahead.

DAVID ZL1UTS (Auckland) – With Lyn and family are now well settled in new home, and on 10 April it was good to hear David again on air. They have enjoyed attending a home group for past two weeks, where they are studying the E100 Bible course. We pray God’s blessing and peace on them all in their new home, (where we understand another Christian ham lives next door) and in the challenges of their daily walk.

ERIC ZL1ASI and Rowan (Whangarei) – On recent travels during March to Papamoa, Tauranga, New Plymouth and Palmerston North, they called in to visit Trevor ZL2TN. An enjoyable meeting indeed.

GARY ZL3SV (Motueka) – While a part of his ½ kilometre antenna had been near the ground for some time, Gary reports that all is now up in air, and highest its ever been. In June Gary and Christine will be visiting Christchurch for an Aunt’s 90^th, and we pray for safety in travel.

JOHN ZL3TR (Christchurch) – John’s xyl Rose, an ordained Anglican Priest at St Matthews Church in St Albans, Christchurch, recently officiated at a wedding, and brought photos which John enjoyed. John has a bowls “measure” available, should anyone be interested. So good to hear you on net, John, when you are able. We appreciate that extra effort involved, and remember you in prayer.

KEITH ZL3AHL (Christchurch) – A wonderful signal now from Keith with his linear all working. A reminder that Keith remains busy with videotaping and editing sermons at his home Church, St Margarets, and if anyone is interested to know more, go to stmargaretschurch.org.nz/a/sermons

KELVIN ZL1LY (Tokoroa) – Kelvin’s home Church (Vision Church, previously Apostolic) holds periodic garage sales in support of an Indian project, the last in April raising $3,100. A wonderful effort, in which Kelvin’s involvement includes checking electrical goods prior to sale. A new Pastor (from South Africa) was inducted on 2 May.

LOU ZL1USN (Nelson) – Lou now has a new 2m band radio with SWR meter to come. We appreciate Lou’s faithfulness and readings he shares. Good to hear that his sick cat is making a good recovery.

PETER ZL1CDF (Huntly) – We are always encouraged by Peter’s faithful participation on nets, despite health challenges. We pray for improved health and strength for Peter and Estelle.

PETER ZL3AQN (Lyttelton) – Had an aerial fall down in April – too much strain at balun’s point of attachment. But all well. Charters for the Lyttelton Steam Tug would be continuing well into May.

STAN ZL4OW (Weston, Oamaru) – We received a lovely letter from Stan one week ago, to let us know that he does not anticipate being able to participate in future radio nets, an uppermost reason being his committed involvement with the activities of his Church on a Saturday evening preparatory to Sunday services (Stan has oversight of the sound system) – and also a continued involvement with an ever-growing Sunday School. He commented on the “secondary interest” amateur radio has taken in his life, and his need to now withdraw from the ARCF nets and have a free involvement in the Church “which is my greater interest right now.” Stan also wrote, “I have met some lovely people over the years that I have been in the fellowship.” Our reply to Stan included gratefulness for his fellowship and support. We will indeed miss Stan, and pray for him God’s richest blessing as he serves Him so faithfully. He will always remain in our hearts a member of this Fellowship.

PAUL ZL2BEQ (Palmerston North) – Paul and Jennifer recently travelled to South Africa to attend a family wedding in Durban, away from 3 April – midnight 2 May. They enjoyed visiting many places of interest, including Capetown; a game reserve; Cape of Good Hope; a river cruise to view birds, crocs, hippos; a cultural concert; Drakensberg. On some tours they were the only participants, one reason being bookings cancelled due to volcanic ash [in northern hemisphere]. A particular joy was meeting up with family and friends for the wedding, and even involvement in preparations. Thank you both for sharing your trip with us, which we now share with all the others! We give thanks to God that you have arrived home safely.

RAY ZL2TDO (Lower Hutt) – Ray, who has recently joined our nets, has greatly encouraged us by his faithful participation. His local Church involvement includes planning for music and worship, visitation, and ministry.

TREVOR ZL2TN (Palmerston North) – We are so thankful that Trevor has been able to take leadership of every 80m net since Adam and Paul have been absent for 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays. We hope that soon some relief will again be available. Trevor told an interesting anecdote from the recent Anzac Commemorations. Tribute was paid to the Brunswick (Melbourne) Salvation Army Band which in WWII was re-commissioned as a regimental band, [enabling them to double as medical aides and musicians] only to lose their lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. A little-known story of tragedy and sacrifice.

WARREN ZL3WPS (Hamilton) – Is now enjoying an interest in model trains, with rails recently being laid. Is also playing bowls. Warren has recently obtained a QRP 1-5w radio. He also recently sustained a fall from ladder while cutting a branch touching an aerial. Thankfully no bad injury.

In addition to the above, the following also checked in to nets since the printing of our last newsletter: CECIL ZL1BXT, BARRY ZL2FV, BOB ZL1BMA, ALAN ZL2AEB, DAVID ZL2DEK, JAMES ZL3IJ, PETER ZL2APJ, SYD ZL1BRS, GRAHAM ZL3NZ, MARY ZL3MD. May God’s blessing rest on each one. Your participation and support are an encouragement. We remember those other Christian hams who for various reasons cannot join us, but remain in Spiritual fellowship.

VISITORS TO NETS: GARY ZL2GLM (Hawera); PETER ZL1PFB (Taupiri – recently moved there); NORM VKANB/ZL1 – an Australian retired minister working in temporary pastoral position in Hamilton, who came on nets several times. He had received some wonderful assistance from BRIAN ZL1HN, recommended to him by GARY ZL3SV.

WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER: There are many in our Fellowship with ongoing challenges who would appreciate to know they are remembered in prayer. These include our Netmasters Trevor and Kelvin – but from the nets we know of others, and ask that our praying members will include them before the throne of our Father in Heaven.

IN CONCLUSION: “Encouragement”. “How good is a timely word”. (Prov.15:23)

Many people around us are dying for lack of encouragement. It is delightful to receive a timely word. It can bring emotional healing, restore hope, make a day more bearable. Do we know someone who needs encouragement? A prisoner in a hostile environment? A breadwinner who’s out of work? Someone in need of companionship? A servant of God working in a difficult ministry? William Barclay wrote: “One of the highest human duties is the duty of encouragement … it is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage … Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet.” [Word for Today]

The Lord bless you all, and keep you and those you love safe in His care.

Graham ZL3NZ and Mary ZL3MD Email: arcf@xtra.co.nz