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January/February 2011 Year 9 No. 1 |
Newsletter
of the Amateur Radio Christian Fellowship (N.Z.) |
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We greet all members, friends and families of ARCF at the beginning of another year, praying for you all a year walking close to our Lord, and learning ever more of His ways and His will for our lives. It is an encouragement to hear so many coming on to nets, especially in the holiday period. Thank you for your faithfulness and encouragement.
At the start of our letter this month, we would like to report on the following news regarding
JAMES ZL3IJ (Christchurch) – Although we have not received confirmation from family, we believe James is very ill in Christchurch Hospital, and at this stage ask for your prayers on his behalf. We are very sad to hear this, and pray he will be very aware of our Lord’s presence, and that God in His mercy will touch James with His hand of power and healing. Any wishing to be kept in touch are welcome to contact us, when hopefully we may know more of his situation.
OTHER NEWS CONCERNING MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE
FELLOWSHIP
ADAM ZL1VI AND TAMI ZL2SXY (Omakau) – Attended Christmas Eve Vigil in the historic Catholic Church next to their home – but were planning to attend the Salvation Army in Alexandra next day (Sunday). TAMI mentioned how much she loves Christmas, and all it involves. Adam recently saved the life of a neighbour’s sheep, which he saw “cast” in the paddock next door. After several unsuccessful attempts to get the sheep onto its feet, he went over with bike and trailer, and brought it onto his own property. After some good drinks of water, it revived. Well done. The neighbour would be grateful for saving those chops. We think of you all, Adam, Tami and Hayley, with another busy year ahead in your accommodation business, work, and home schooling.
ALAN ZL2AEB (Tokoroa) – Good to hear Alan on Boxing Day following a long absence. He and Barbara had spent Christmas Day in Hastings. On the first anniversary of their wedding, they were in Brisbane to visit family. Alan will be continuing with school bus driving at least into the new year, beginning in February. Alan encouraged those on the net to pray for Israel – as indeed we should.
ALAN ZL2TAG (Gore) – Averil was welcomed home on 19 December following her latest mission trip to Thailand. Daughters, husbands and families from both Sudan and Auckland then arrived in time for Christmas, ensuring a wonderful family reunion, along with the busy-ness of Christmas at Calvin Presbyterian Church which included a Christmas lunch with nearly 100 present. Family trips included Curio Bay, Queenstown, and Pounawea, where Alan, Averil and their family shared experiences of Thailand and the Sudan. May God’s blessing and protection rest upon those family members serving in Sudan, and daughter Kristina as she awaits the birth of her baby in Auckland – also Alan and Averil in their ministry at Calvin Presbyterian.
BARRY ZL2FV (Palmerston North) – Always good to hear Barry when he can come on. Has done some travelling during holidays – to Wellington 15th January, and then to Poronga to see family.
CECIL ZL1BXT (Hamilton) – May God’s blessing be upon Cecil, who celebrated his 95th BIRTHDAY on 12 January. Cecil is keeping reasonably good health, with his only medication being iron pills! He is grateful for his scooter, on which he can ride around park. We appreciate hearing Cecil on nets when he is able.
DAVID ZL1UTS (Auckland) - Work hours have been temporarily increased, though this should change in February. We remember David and the desirability for more appropriate workload and hours – as well as other things like health, and xyl Lyn as she cares for family, that she will be given strength. “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” – what a comfort in times like this. David asks for prayer, and we know it will be offered.
ERIC ZL1ASI (Whangarei) – A wonderful reception from Eric when he comes on 40m, and good to hear him on nets again. Has built an extension to garage at home and is getting workshop sorted out so he will be able to proceed with some projects. Has tried aerial (inverted V) on several configurations – although the area has underground mains, there is a lot of “white” noise. Thinks would be better with a beam, but no space for this, so has wire aerials. One sacrifice of their recent move was that Eric had to sell vintage Model T, which they had had since 1969. Eric hopes to get on 80m by end February, when reception may be better.
GARY ZL3SV (Motueka) – Has been clearing bush at his and Christine’s Motueka home to plant grapevines and passionfruit. A recent fan failure in the building housing technical equipment meant many trips to Nelson, and a major wiring job. A recent visit to CIRRUS ZL2CVJ in Golden Bay revealed that all was well there, with a great “antenna farm” which Cirrus has worked hard to build up. A Saturday evening trip to Nelson on 29/1 to check on a problem with the Christian TV channel highlights the unpredictable demand upon time and attention in the world of media. Thanks Gary for coming on mobile en route.
JAMES ZL3FV (Hokitika) – James phoned us three weeks ago to advise of the passing of his Father. We pray that James and Sarah will be aware of the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father through coming days. James has only a short way to go before completing his qualification in Community Health, and we wish him every success.
JOHN
ZL3TR – (ChCh) – We remember John in our prayers
with ongoing health challenges – also xyl Rose who, although now home, requires
considerable support with her limited mobility and ongoing pain. We appreciate the effort made by John when
he visits JAMES ZL3IJ to join us on nets.
KEITH ZL3AHL (ChCh) – Had recently attended a ZL3 “Buildathon”, with 25 youngsters making up an AM radio. Their work was tested, and they did a good job. Keith took his amateur TV transmitter and played a DVD of one of his news broadcasts. Radio NZ also went along and conducted interviews. On 23rd January Keith started up again for year the Canterbury VHF Net, which went off well.
KELVIN ZL1LY (Tokoroa) – Kept busy with producing local Diabetic and Grey Power magazines, and supporting others in community. Thank you Kelvin for continued faithfulness on 40m net, and we pray for you in the health challenges you face.
LINDSAY ZL2LKS (Palmerston North) – Wonderful to receive True Light FM Trust December 2010 Prayer Letter. You are encouraged to visit www.truelightfm.co.nz for news, links, and to listen online to inspirational music if you live outside Palmerston North. The letter noted that “the enemy seems to have been active in so many ways, but we give thanks that our Heavenly Father is in control. What does this tell us though? I believe that time is running out, and we must work while we have the opportunity, for the time is soon approaching when we shall meet our Saviour.” May God richly bless this radio ministry, and give strength and good health to Lindsay and Errol as they labour for His Kingdom.
LOU ZL1USN (Nelson) – Attended Midnight Mass (full Church), and attended the Mayor’s Christmas Dinnerr (100 present) finishing 3 p.m. Lou’s friend Karen is usually with him during the nets, and it has been lovely to hear her give a greeting on radio. We have met Karen here, and remember her in prayer as she has not been well recently. Lou has been looking into 3D on his computer, with the use of special glasses – especially looking at insects, plants and animals. Thank you Lou for your most faithful participation in our Fellowship each week. Has recently had a contact with ZL2OR
MARK ZL4WT (Lower Hutt) – Mark and Philippa’s daughter has had her American fiancé staying, and around 15th January his parents were due to arrive for a visit. They were planning a holiday in the Coromandel during their stay. A miraculous escape from harm occurred recently when Philippa noticed as she was cooking in kitchen, sparking coming from the hallway. An electrician friend came to reveal a fault in the mains cable due to water leakage. This could have occurred while family were out, or away, so all were thankful for the timing of this event. We wish God’s blessing as they all spend time together, and safety in travel.
PAUL ZL2BEQ (Palmerston North) - and Jennifer returned recently from a month in Sydney with their daughter. We are thankful for their safe return and, as usual, grateful for Paul’s monthly help with Nets.
PETER ZL3AQN (Lyttelton) – On 2nd January the Lyttelton tug went out on its first cruise for season. Peter attended the Christmas Service at his Church (All Saints) where 200 were in attendance; then the Christmas lunch to follow, attended by around 20.
RAY ZL2TDO (Upper Hutt) – Is presently painting his house, with all the preparation work involved. A big task. Had a busy day on Sunday 16th, when had responsibility for evening service, and the conducting of a Rest Home service in afternoon (this every 5th Sunday). God bless you Ray in this ministry. On 30th January Ray and wife were leaving for a 2wk trip north to visit daughters in Shannon and Auckland, then on further north. We pray for journeying mercies.
STAN ZL4OW (Oamaru) – Although Stan has formally advised that he can no longer come on nets, we know many of you will always be interested to see his name, and know how he is. Thank you Stan for your card at Christmas, and kind comments. You wrote “I am so blessed for an 88 year old, and thank God for all the lovely folk I have around me.” May God bless you.
SYD ZL1BRS (Dunedin) – In a card from Syd and Matiria, Syd advised his rig, ICOM701 was out of action, so cannot join nets. We would of course be glad to hear Syd again, provided someone can carry out the necessary repair. Thank you for keeping in touch.
TREVOR ZL2TN (Palmerston North) – Trevor has been involved with bowls during holidays, though sometimes helping with marking, rather than playing. Thank you, Trevor, for your continued faithfulness in leading our nets. May God bless you and Ruth in your Church and related activities, and keep you in His care.
VK CHRISTIAN HAMS – For those who still receive this letter, and perhaps hear us on air, we do trust recent floods and storms have not touched you or your loved ones adversely. Our thoughts are with you over there.
WARREN ZL3WPS (Hamilton) – Warren continues to visit his Mother daily in Home, also attending services there with her. She spent some time in hospital in January. On Sunday 30th Warren was planning a trip with Mother to Raglan for day. Warren’s Mother, aged 88, is apparently the last of a family of 13. Warren has been able to have a break, travelling to Taupo and the Coromandel. He is planning on travelling to Christchurch for 3 days in February, and we wish safe travel on his journey.
There seems to be
a lot of news and comments, but this gives opportunity for those who are
interested to catch up on the lives of
others since last we wrote. Others also came onto nets, but not mentioned above
(BOB ZL1BMA; ALAN ZL4TJE (visiting); PETER ZL1CDF, GRAHAM ZL3NZ, MARY
ZL3MD). More general items will appear
in next letter, including opportunity to renew membership and bring our records
up to date.
LOOKING AHEAD
“But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 3:13,14). The month of January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings. He was symbolized as a man with two faces, one looking back and the other looking ahead. How many times we find difficulty in looking ahead in hope, because of memories of the past which persist in hindering us on our journey. No man has ever lived without making a mistake, and having some regrets for wrong decisions made and wrong directions taken. But no matter what we may have done, where we may have gone, redemption is available through the shed blood of Jesus Christ – this is the promise of Scripture (1 John 1:9). In the light of such freedom, we can turn our faces forward, with the greatest of hope.
May our Heavenly Father richly bless you all, as you journey onwards.
Graham ZL3NZ and Mary ZL3MD