The Frequency
	October 2008 Year 7 No. 9		Newsletter of the Amateur Radio Christian Fellowship (N.Z.)

Greetings to every member and their families, and friends of the Amateur Radio Christian Fellowship. We are living in uncertain days, not only on a national but on a global level as well, especially in terms of the economy. While hardship for many is becoming more of a reality, we are still “rich” when compared with the homeless of many countries on our earth. We can still have at least one meal a day – which is one more than many have. May we look to our Heavenly Father for His wisdom as we prepare ourselves for whatever may come, realizing that “My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4) – especially as we see and help meet the needs of others.

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

Adam ZL1VI – A recent visit to Australia to visit Father included attendance at “one of the best Church services for a long time”. So glad you had this time away, Adam.

Bob ZL1BMA – On 27/9/2008 Graham ZL3NZ made his very first Echolink communication with Bob – though still not quite sure how he did it, and with much work yet to be done. Thank you Bob for making contact.

David ZL1DGK – We warmly congratulate David on his recent engagement, and wish both he and his future wife God’s richest blessing.

David ZL1UTS – We trust that a small break away with Lyn was a time of rest, reflection and refreshment.

Fred ZL3FS – From Woolston, Christchurch, Fred (94) checked in to net on 7 September.

Graeme ZL2BHD – On holiday in Hamilton from Hawera, Graeme checked in to net first on 7 September. We look forward to future contacts.

Keith ZL3AHL – Has a newly-installed High-Q mobile antenna on roof, which we trust will prove satisfactory for his needs – and with not too many excursions onto the roof. Keith and Grace had a recent holiday in Hamilton, but since that time both had a lengthy recuperation from influenza. Keith recently celebrated his 74^th birthday, and he and Grace their 49^th wedding anniversary. God’s blessings be on them both. It has been good to hear Keith come up on Echolink on 80m with Gary ZL3SV’s help.

Ross ZL4AZI – Ross had come on to nets several years ago, and it was good to hear him again on 6 September, expressing thanks for prayers on his behalf following a long recovery from major surgery. We do indeed pray for continued improvement in health. God’s blessing, Ross.

After long absence – It was encouraging to hear Syd ZL1BRS come up on 40m 12/10/08, and also Terry ZL1TNO, whom we had not heard for a long time.

Birthday Milestones –

Blessings on the following who have recently celebrated “major” birthdays: James ZL3FV (50 on 11/8/08); David ZL1UTS (50 on 30/9/08); Murray ZL1CN (60 on 5/8/08). Bob ZL1BMA (75 on 2/10/08). Greetings for other “major” birthdays whose dates unknown.

We Remember in Prayer –

ADAM ZL1VI (recovery for sister-in-law following surgery); ALAN ZL2TAG & Averil, Thailand (daily strength, health, protection); BOB ZL1BMA (ongoing healing and improved mobility); DAVID ZL1UTS (provision of caregivers, especially at w/ends; also that caring fellowship may be received at local church for Lyn); KELVIN ZL1LY (daily strength and healing); Eril, xyl of LINDSAY ZL2LKS (ongoing prayer); JAMES ZL3IJ (continued healing and strength following recent surgery); JOHN ZL3TR (daily strength and health; also daughter unwell); HANS ZL1JA (thanksgiving to God that Pastor-son in Australia can now carry out up to 90% of pastoral ministry. Doctors are amazed. We will continue to remember this family in prayer, remembering always that “our times are in His hands”.) PETER ZL1CDF (daily strength and health for Peter and Estelle); ROBERT VK2VRD (has listed “prayer points” as seeking God’s leading as he adjusts to retirement, and that he will remain faithful under any adversity …); STAN ZL4OW (daily strength and health; for travelling safety; for Jennifer).

We ask that all those in our Fellowship who genuinely believe that God answers prayer, please spend time in praying for those mentioned above, and for this Fellowship as a whole – that all we do and say will be for the glory of God. We think of those whom we have not heard on air for some time, and remember you by name.

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27: 13,14).

Calling Bowls Players – John ZL3TR has a Henselite bowling measure he no longer needs. Anyone interested, contact John at Pacific Haven, 365 Marine Pde, Sth Brighton, Christchurch, Phone 03-388 5983.

NEW MEMBER – Robert VK2VRD – We warmly welcome Robert to our Fellowship, and trust that band conditions will allow us to make frequent radio contact in the future. Robert is very interested in the establishment of an active and effective Christian Amateur Radio group in Australia, whether it be through affiliation with existing overseas groups or by the establishment of a new group. For those of our Australian members who would like to contact Robert, his email address is: Robert@vk2vrd.info His postal address is: 76 Windsor Park Road, Daruka, NSW 2340. Some of Robert’s personal profile follows:

Robert and Karen have 3 grown children, one of whom is a son in business in NZ. Robert has been retired from 30 years’ secondary teaching since August 2007. A past interest has been square dancing, and is a volunteer bush firefighter. He took up amateur radio in retirement, enjoying the contact with others – would like to use this as an avenue for fellowship with other Christians. His radio equipment includes transceivers for 2m and 70cm using local repeater network. Has also obtained a HF transceiver which allows him to work the Australian bands from 160m to 6m. Current licence only allows him to work 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m and 6m. Is using an OCF dipole antenna that is oriented North-South – this allows Robert to make NZ contacts when conditions favourable. Robert is affiliated with Tamworth Community Presbyterian Church, having served on the Management Committee for 8 years, and on the Pastoral Care Committee for 3 years. He is also webmaster for the Church’s website.

Robert has found contact with our group difficult due to poor conditions, but he will try to join our net whenever possible. We wish God’s richest blessing on Robert and Karen, and we sincerely thank him for sharing the above information which we know will be of interest to our members over here and across the Tasman.

Quotable Quote –

Archbishop William Temple once described the task of the church as ‘disturbing the comfortable, and comforting the disturbed’. How does our Church fulfil this task?

IN CONCLUSION

“My sheep listen to my voice: I know them, and they follow me”. (John 10:27)

Charles Spurgeon wrote the following immortal words concerning us and our Shepherd -

“We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their shepherd, for He has a right to lead us wherever He pleases. We are not our own; we are bought with a price. Let us recognize the rights of His redeeming blood.

The soldier follows his captain, the servant his master. Much more must we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are a purchased possession.

We are not true to our profession of being Christians if we question the bidding of our Leader and Commander. Submission is our duty: making excuses is not. Wherever the Lord Jesus Christ may lead us, He goes before us. If we do not know where we go, at least we know with Whom we go. With such a Companion, who will dread the perils of the road?”

73, and God’s richest blessing on 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 7.050 MHz

Website www.arcf.co.nz