The Frequency
	November/ December 2010 Year 8 No. 6		Newsletter of the Amateur Radio Christian Fellowship (N.Z.)

Greetings to all members and friends of the Fellowship, in the name of Jesus (Yahushua) our Lord and Saviour. Since we last met, our beautiful country has witnessed the tragedy of the Pike River Mine, and without reiterating any of these events with which all will be familiar, we remember in our thoughts and prayers the families who are grieving, and those in authority who have now to deal with the inquiries and consequences, as well as our Government and Prime Minister, that all will be given wisdom and strength in all these challenges. We would also pray that, out of the chaos and the darkness, something beautiful may emerge – which is always possible with our Heavenly Father.

GENERAL NEWS

When sharing on the nets, it becomes evident that so many of you are fully involved in the life of your Churches. We are humbled by what we hear. Some have participation or leadership in services, conduct Rest Home services, lead small groups, attend seminars, and willingly give up time to help others. Some not personally involved in Church life are studying the Scriptures, and so growing in their faith. Also on the nets, the wisdom shared, plus sometimes an acknowledgement of personal failure, or sharing a need for prayer – all this enriches our lives. No one is without a battle, especially when we seek to follow Jesus Christ, and to hear of these things in another’s life, can only be an encouragement to the hearer, and a challenge to pray. Thank you to all who share on radio – our Heavenly Father hears too, and He is surely in our midst. (Matt.18:20).

Since our last newsletter, the following have checked in to nets: Adam ZL1VI, Alan ZL2TAG, Barry ZL2FV, Bob ZL1BMA, Cecil ZL1BXT, David ZL1UTS, Eric ZL1ASI, Gary ZL3SV, Graham ZL3NZ, James ZL3IJ, John ZL3TR, Keith ZL3AHL, Kelvin ZL1LY, Lou ZL1USN, Mark ZL4WT, Mary ZL3MD, Neil ZL1NAL, Paul ZL2BEQ, Peter ZL2APJ, Peter ZL3AQN, Peter ZL1CDF, Ray ZL2TDO, Stan ZL4OW, Tami ZL2SXY, Trevor ZL2TN, and Warren ZL3WPS.

Several of you have been on the move, and those we know of include: Barry ZL2FV to Wellington for a day on 18/10, and also for a week in Hawkes Bay; Kelvin to Auckland (see below); Keith and xyl Grace to Dunedin – Keith to access Knox College archives, Grace to visit sister-in-law; Trevor’s xyl Ruth to Rotorua for Aunt’s 99^th; Lou to Lake Rotoiti; others as mentioned below.

SPECIFIC NEWS ABOUT MEMBERS

ADAM ZL1VI and TAMI ZL2SXY (Omakau) – Enjoying their “new” home in Omakau, which is run as a trailriders’ B & B. So far some interesting guests, and busy with painting, renovations etc. Their home is next door to an historic Catholic Church, and was in fact once the Presbytery. Adam recently spent an enjoyable weekend at Southern Ministry Mens’ Camp. Tami, busy with work on dairy farm, home schooling, and studies, has recently been awarded a Certificate in Health Sciences – well done, Tami. Both have just returned from a short holiday in Hawera.

ALAN ZL2TAG (Gore) – Settled in to Calvin Presbyterian Church in Gore, while Averil has been on a further mission trip to Thailand, and due to return 19^th December. Despite being constantly busy with taking services, pastoral work, and sharing in the lives of parishioners (e.g. helping with things like lamb tailing), Alan has remained faithful in his participation and encouragement on nets, for which we are grateful. We pray for Averil’s safe return, and strength for them both in their ministry.

BOB ZL1BMA (Hamilton) – Bob and Mary Ann have recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. Warmest congratulations, and God’s blessing be upon you both.

DAVID ZL1UTS (Auckland) – We continue to think of and pray for David as he seeks work more appropriate to needs and ability, and for his family. Thank you David for sharing with us.

ERIC ZL1ASI (Whangarei) – So good to hear Eric on net after a 5 month absence following their shift. Has an inverted ‘V’ in operation, which is not particularly well sited due to a smaller section than before. Has difficulty with 80m, so Eric will come only onto 40m in meantime.

GARY ZL3SV (Motueka) – We much enjoyed a visit from Gary and Christine late October, when they made a special trip out during a visit to Christchurch. Thank you both for coming – always a blessing to see you.

GRAHAM ZL3NZ (Waikuku Beach) – We are thankful for the thoughts and prayers of so many as we approached Graham’s admission to hospital for what turned out to be insertion of 7

stents – making a grand total of 8. We are grateful to our Heavenly Father – He is faithful.

JOHN ZL3TR (Christchurch) – It has been good to hear John on net when he is able. He has spent an anxious time while xyl Rose has been recovering from a foot injury. She is now home, and our prayer is for continued successful healing for Rose, and for improved health for John.

KEITH ZL3AHL (Christchurch) – Enjoyed attending recent Presbyterian General Assembly, meeting up with friends – also creating video of induction of new Moderator.

KELVIN ZL1LY (Tokoroa) – Has recently farewelled son Patrick who left with his wife to spend a year in India; but was pleased one week later to welcome home another son from India, who had spent time there with an Elim Church mission. We thank Kelvin for his ongoing faithfulness as netmaster on 40m. Sometimes conditions are discouraging, but we all persist, and are blessed.

PETER ZL3AQN (Christchurch) - The Lyttelton tug is again on the water, with charters until Christmas, then Sunday afternoon cruises around Harbour. A recent visit from STAN ZL4OW and his son was much enjoyed.

RAY ZL2TDO (Lower Hutt) – Ray and his wife have celebrated their 49^th anniversary, and we send also to them warmest congratulations and pray God’s blessing.

TOM ZL2TF (Pahiatua) – So good to receive a note from Tom recently, where he let us know his rig has been out of order for some time, but he may get back on air after Christmas. Tom is extremely busy with his involvement in Church, Bible-in-Schools, local R.S.A., Tararua Television Trust, Pahiatua Bush Charitable Trust, Health shuttles between Pahiatua and Palmerston North – and these are positions of responsibility. God bless you Tom, and give you strength for these tasks.

TREVOR ZL2TN (Palmerston North) – Recently been awarded driving licence for another two years following a satisfactory medical report. We give thanks for Trevor’s continued good health, and his ability to still participate in the activities he enjoys, such as outdoor bowls, which recommenced in October. Congratulations on successful completion of his Bible Study Course. Trevor has found this study very beneficial. Many thanks Trevor for your continued leadership on our nets, and thanks also to PAUL ZL2BEQ for his willingness to give you a monthly night off.

WARREN ZL3WPS (Hamilton) – Our thoughts and prayers have been with Warren in recent weeks since we knew of his Mother suffering a stroke and now residing in a Rest Home. Warren has been visiting her each morning at 10 a.m., and accompanies her to the services which she attends in the Home. It is good to know that Warrren continues with his interests and hobbies, i.e. model trains, home maintenance, garden, and of course amateur radio.

BIRTHDAYS IN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER (of which we are aware)

Bill ZL2AYZ (7/11); Trevor ZL2TN (23/11); Trace ZL2BS (30/11); Glenda ZL2GEM (5/12);

Warren ZL3WPS (6/12); Noel ZL1AIB (11/12); Bill ZL4AE (19/12). May God bless you through the coming year.

DO WE REJOICE? “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy”. Matthew 2:10

We do not know how many “wise men” there were – no number is given in Scripture. Some scholars believe they were part of a huge camel train, bearing gold, frankincense and myrrh in far greater quantities than we have traditionally believed. This valuable gift would have supported Joseph and his family during their long sojourn in Egypt: our Heavenly Father had planned for their every need. Neither do we know the nature of the star: it is believed this could have been an alignment of numerous stars together, and that a similar “sign” will be again visible at the end of this age, when the Messiah comes back. But the important point here is that these men REJOICED when they saw “His star”. They had studied for many years the stars and the eternal story they revealed in the heavens – and so they knew the child who had been born was worthy of their worship.

Jesus’ birth evoked a mixed reaction. The wise men welcomed and worshipped Him. King Herod was troubled, and set out to destroy Him. Those ignorant of the Scriptures were unaware that anything significant had happened. In these modern days, the glitter, decorations and carols we see and hear could give the impression that everybody is glad that Jesus came to this planet. But this is not true – and never was. Many do rejoice that Jesus came to this earth to be their Saviour. But many don’t even hold an opinion about Him, completely indifferent – and many despise Him absolutely.

Are you among the “indifferent”? To ignore Him and His claims is to reject Him. The actual date of the Incarnation is insignificant, but the fact that He came at all is vitally significant, and demands that every person make a decision about Jesus Christ, Yahushua, our Messiah. To accept, believe and trust Him with every aspect of our lives – or reject Him. The choice is yours. May we ALL rejoice today, like those wise men of old.

Wishing each and every one of you a blessed commemoration of our Saviour’s birth – until we meet again.

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