The Frequency

 

May/June  2011

Year 9   No. 3

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

 

Hello to you all – members, friends and families of our Amateur Radio Christian Fellowship. Well, we approached 21st May with some interest, but not really anticipating Judgment Day, as some did. How wonderful that, for those of us reading this, the Day of Grace is still here, the path to eternal life remains open, and we may still choose to walk in this way. We are blessed indeed.  We are continuing to enjoy the fellowship on our weekly nets – on both 80m and 40m, and are encouraged that numbers remain stable.  Every one brings a blessing to all others, and we humbly thank those who, in spite of very busy lives, continue to come on air and share their lives with us all.

 

NEWS OF MEMBERS

ADAM ZL1VI (Omakau) – On weekend of 21 May, Adam, dressed in full fire-fighting gear, raced up 1,103 steps of the Auckland Sky Tower (with others) to raise funds for Leukemia and Blood Foundation. An improvement of 3m 10sec on last year’s time. Having had an uncle lost to Leukemia is a major factor in Adam’s decision to do this, and we commend him for it. He starts vineyard work again Monday, after a month’s break. On 2nd April, a total of 11 tons of grapes picked – 1.3 tons per person. (See also Tami’s entry below).

 

ALAN ZL2TAG (Gore) – Following a week in Thailand which included inspection of FM radio stations he had installed, returned home to attend with Averil Church camp at Pounawea - over 100 present. Other activities have included a recent 12-hr Day of Prayer, Easter Camp at Pukerau, leading Anzac commemoration at Waimumu, 50th Jubilee at Calvin, and a visit to East Taieiri Church, Mosgiel. Any spare time taken with repairs to radios and brother’s electronic organ.  Wonderful to hear Alan loud and clear on mobile from Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island on 4th and 5th June, where Alan led Sunday service. (A 15’ high line extended from ladder to tree, plus an SWR meter to tune). Alan had also spoken recently on Skype to ALLEN ZL2BG (Levin), whom many will remember on our nets, and who sent greetings to all. A website http://www.88fm.org.nz/ gives information on Allen’s radio involvement. May God give daily strength to Alan and Averil in their ministry at Gore.

 

BARRY ZL2FV (Palmerston North) – Keeping busy with many activities and visitation. Good friend Alison has recently spent time visiting family in Brisbane. Barry reminisced about his visit to London nearly 60 years ago when we were discussing on air the Royal wedding.

 

BOB ZL1BMA (Hamilton) – With Mary Ann has been on a most enjoyable holiday in the South Island, flying direct to Queenstown on 6th May, travelling up West Coast, then Overlander from Wellington to Hamilton.  Have now returned to their very busy lives with church and other activities, and we thank God for their safe return home.

 

CECIL ZL1BXT (Hamilton) – It was great to receive a phone call from Cecil recently. He has only a long wire at his town house for radio work, but this seems to serve him well. Cecil has a daughter turning 70 on 29 July, and we know this will be quite an occasion. He commented on the importance of encouragement, and we couldn’t agree more. Cecil is much blessed by members of his local church who visit him regularly for fellowship.

 

DAVID ZL1UTS (Auckland) – Is looking at building himself a QRT SSB rig. Awaiting some equipment for PSK. Has recently been enjoying his hobby of glider-flying. David works for a boat-building firm, and is enjoying his work in the control and engine rooms – has waited several years to work in this area, so is grateful. May God give David and Lyn strength and grace in their daily walk, and blessings on their family.

 

ERIC ZL1ASI (Whangarei) – Helped recently at local rest home to install tv channels for new video system. Recent visits from son from Kaikohe, and Rowan’s sister and husband. Will be involved with picking of kiwifruit when notified. (Fortunately not the disease that other areas have had). Enjoyed a recent drive around coast on Rowan’s birthday.

 

GARY ZL3SV (Motueka) – In Christchurch for weekend in April to attend wedding, there experiencing one of the many aftershocks. He and Christine found damage in the city “unbelievable”. Has purchased some Mitsubishi heat pumps for use in business and at home – also a TS2000 radio.   Has had business trips to Auckland, and has several projects under way. Lots of preparatory work for digital TV. Good to hear Gary when he is able.

                                                      

GRAHAM ZL3NZ (Waikuku Beach) – Graham’s brother Laurie, now in his mid-80s and who lives with his daughter in Cambridge, has quite suddenly lost most of his sight and, with other health issues, is passing through difficult days. Laurie has had several senior pastoral roles in the Brethren Assembly. We pray that the Lord’s grace “will be sufficient”.

God bless you, Graham as you celebrate 79th birthday on 13 July.[Added by Mary]

 

JAMES ZL3FV (Hokitika) – James phoned at end of April when he had one month left of his Polytechnic Community Care Certificate course. We need to remember James and Sarah in our prayers, as James completes his studies and seeks employment with his new qualification. We wish him every success, and God’s blessing on them both.

 

JOHN ZL3TR (New Brighton, ChCh) – John’s xyl Rose is scheduled for surgery on foot on 7 June, and we would ask prayer that this will enable her to walk again. John has not been well recently, but now is improved. He doesn’t presently have an effective microphone for his rig, but hopes to return to the air when this is remedied. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and Rose.  He passes on his good wishes to all.

 

KEITH ZL3AHL (Christchurch) – We are glad Keith is back on air with his repaired rig.  Keith is still occupied with the recording of sermons at his local church, so these can be seen and heard on internet.  Also continues radio involvement.

 

KELVIN ZL1LY (Tokoroa) – Is taking a break from a few long-standing activities such as Greypower newsletter, visiting rest homes. But still helping others as needs arise. Younger son Chris has just arrived back in NZ with a friend and will be spending time with Kelvin. Also enjoyed a talk yesterday via Skype with son Patrick and family in India. We are so grateful for Kelvin’s leadership on 40m net – may God richly bless you Kelvin.

 

KEN ZL3OZ (Timaru) – Good to hear Ken on 1st May on 40m after long absence.

 

LOU ZL1USN (Nelson) – Enjoyed with Karen a short break away to Lake Ratoiti, but floods meant coming the long way home!  Managed to make some contacts on 40m while away.

A hedge and aerial were blown down in recent winds. Lou celebrated his birthday on 29 April – may our Heavenly Father bless you, Lou – also Karen, who encourages with her contribution on nets, and tells of participation in her church ladies’ Bible Study group.

 

MARK ZL4WT (Upper Hutt) – Operating a G5RV – 25 watts, with good reception. Is encouraged by happenings in their church, in terms of a “Godly refining”, and a desire to seek Him, with an emphasis on prayer, unity, and reaching out into community. Mark also has involvement with a prison ministry.  Mark commented that it is “lovely to know I have brothers and sisters in the Lord all around the country”, and we echo those sentiments. Came on 40m for first time on 8th May, using an inverted ‘V’.

 

PAUL ZL2BEQ (Palmerston North) – We thank Paul again for his participation as netmaster each month, and rejoice with him and Jennifer in the birth of a new Grandchild.

 

PETER ZL3AQN (Lyttelton) – Final trip this year for tug (charter for Motorhome Assn) was on 24th April. Care taken with harbour bottom 1m higher since ‘quake. The Anglican, Catholic and Union Churches in Lyttelton will be demolished, while congregations meet in the newer, undamaged Methodist Church.

 

PETER ZL1CDF (Huntly) – Peter will celebrate his birthday on 18th June, and we wish God’s blessing on him and Estelle.

 

RAY ZL2TDO (Lower Hutt) – Has completed the big job of painting house. Very busy with local Church activities – newsletters, visitation. To Levin for an Aunt’s 88th birthday.  Enjoyed having Grandchildren over Easter, with wife’s birthday celebrated. We give thanks with Ray for his brother’s recovery from recent open heart surgery. 

 

RON ZL2OY (Wellington) – Ron celebrated a birthday on 3 June. May God bless you Ron, and we trust all is well with you and Sharon. We miss you on air, but don’t forget you.

       

SYDNEY ZL1BRS (Green Island, Dunedin) –  So good to hear Syd again on 15th May.

Now has radio equipment in good working order, and we look forward to many future contacts. Syd and Matiria worship at the historic East Taieri Presbyterian Church in Mosgiel.

 

TAMI ZL2SXY (Omakau) – Tami and Adam’s life now includes little Grandson Alex. We trust that Tami will obtain the work she is needing, though seems hopeful may be able to return to farm in September. Home schooling for Hayley, and church keep life busy for this family.

 

TREVOR ZL2TN (Palmerston North) – In late April xyl Ruth lost an Aunt in Palmerston North, followed 4 hours later by an Uncle in Tauranga. A sad time for family. A recent service at Central Baptist emphasized the unity of the Church despite the many diverse backgrounds represented in the congregation. We continue to be thankful for Trevor’s leadership of our 80m nets, and pray God’s blessing on Trevor and Ruth.

 

WARREN ZL3WPS (Hamilton) – Taking Mother out regularly, maintaining property, studying internet for technical information (presently is building up a radio), attending radio meetings all keep Warren busy. Visiting Auckland this weekend to catch up with cousin just returned from England and Ukraine. We remember Warren just now as his Mother prepares for a possible move to another Home where care more appropriate to needs can be given.

Also may God bless you Warren as you celebrate your birthday on 15th June.

 

Please continue to pray for this Fellowship – this is the greatest thing you can do for us all who meet on the air, and for those who can’t, yet remain one of us. Some have ongoing health and family challenges, and we remember you all in our prayers. May all we say and do, bring glory to our Heavenly Father.  Also please remember, contributions in the form of testimonies, radio news, or appropriate articles for this Newsletter are always sought.

 

Where Can I Find Happiness?

People seek “happiness” in so many places:  in money, parties, self-improvement programmes, flash cars, luxurious homes, or even in promoting a favourite cause. For those who believe in and follow the Lord Jesus (Yahushua), deep and lasting happiness is found only in Him, and in being right with our Heavenly Father. In the fifth chapter of Matthew, we read how we are blessed, or happy, when we are:

-         Poor in spirit – recognizing our need for God.

-         Mourning – recognizing the seriousness of sin, and being genuinely sorry for it.

-         Meek – demonstrating self-control, even when we feel mistreated.

-         Hungry and thirsty for righteousness – longing to be holy and pure.

-         Merciful – showing mercy to others, just as we are shown mercy by our Father.

-         Pure in heart – being singleminded and sincere in our devotion to Jesus Christ.

-         Peacemakers – sharing the peace Jesus offers, and promoting this with one another

-         Persecuted – being willing to suffer for Jesus’ sake.      

This is the source of all happiness.        [Our Daily Bread]

 

Happy are they- they who love God,

Whose hearts have Christ confessed,

Who by His cross have found their life,

Beneath His yoke their rest.     (Bridges)

 

Until we meet again, 73’s to you all, and wishing you all much Happiness.  

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