AFCU Event News and Photos

 

Ladies Weekend, 3rd - 5th February 2012

'Seize the Day'

As with the British cup of tea, there are a few ingredients, so it is with an AFCU ladies’ weekend, spiritual, physical and emotional elements all need to go into the melting pot. We had another wonderful weekend at Amport, in mid February hosted by Liesel who also did most of the teaching, the scaffolding had at last gone, all 37 ladies got there safely and had great fellowship, new teaching, good food, time for prayer and uplifting worship and just enough snow for the keen photographers on Sunday morning but not enough to disrupt the journeys home.

If you missed it, there will be another ladies weekend 12-14 October at Amport again. Do try and come, you will be hugely blessed.

We were encouraged to “Seize the day” Luke 9:62 and to give you a flavour of the weekend I will share a couple of nuggets I came away thinking about. Of course if you asked each lady who was there to write a short report, you’d get 37 very different views of the same weekend! And I really can’t begin to do it justice.

God alone knows how long each of us has on this earth and He has a plan for each of us. When we stand at the Pearly gates and meet St Peter what will our response be to his questions “What did you do with your life? How did you spend the precious time given you?”

In this busy world where we have information and media overload, it is all the more important to draw aside and spend time with our Lord. We were encouraged to plan more time out, to rest, relax and just be in a quiet place. After all in Exodus 20 to rest one day a week is actually one of the commandments! Also it is important to seize the opportunities the Lord gives us, He delights in using us as channels for His love to reach those around us.

There were so many pearls of wisdom and thought provoking statements during the weekend but alas we are out of space. Let me end with a quote from Mother Teresa and a final thought. Mother Teresa said ‘Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come, we only have today. Let us begin.’

A final thought from me .... do we live for the present? Are we grateful for each day? Each one is a gift from our Heavenly Father to His children whom He loves so much. Don’t forget we are ‘Daughters of the King’ so let us go out and seize the day.

Amanda New

Read more about the Laides' Weekends on the Twenty4 web page

 

Christian Vision For Men and New Wine, 12th November 2011

'Iron Sharpens Iron'

This was billed as 'a day for men who want to make a difference'; the event took place at Soul Survivor in Watford. The day was hosted by Mark Melluish of New Wine and Carl Beech who runs Christian Vision For Men (CVM). Anthony Delaney, an ex-policeman who runs 'Ivy Manchester', and Patrick Dixon, a business consultant who founded the Aids charity ACET, also spoke. Several hundred men gathered for a day of worship, teaching and prayer. And to be challenged by the emerging vision to reach a million men in UK with God’s good news. It was really encouraging to hear hundreds of men singing at the tops of their voices; to hear top drawer speakers addressing the issues facing men in Britain today; and to witness scores of men surging to the front to receive prayer ministry.

I know that there are Christian servicemen out there who 'want to make a difference'. For example about 20 of us got together one evening at New Wine in August to share reality with each other and then to pray for each other. We want to get a band of brothers together who are going to rise to the sort of challenge that CVM and New Wine have dared to speak out.

Finally, please make a note in your diaries for the CVM Gathering next summer called 'Life in Full' – a men's camp on Lynt Farm near Swindon (SN6 7QZ) from 29th June to 1st July.

 

Annual Gathering - Hothorpe Hall, 7th – 9th October 2011

This year is the 160th anniversary of the Armed Forces Christian Union which began as a prayer union and has continued to be faithful in prayer amidst many changes.

For those of you who could not join us at this weekend you missed a wonderful weekend of prayer, fellowship, teaching, ministry, worship and some necessary admin such as the AGM.

I felt humbled to be praying alongside such stalwart spiritual giants as the members of the AFCU. Friday evening was spent praying for our broken world and country, our Queen and leaders, the police and teachers, parents, the nation’s youth, the nation’s armed forces and the church. Cathie Weldon had compiled a slide show of images which focused our thoughts and words into prayer. Time went far too quickly. Afterwards, we cut and enjoyed the special AFCU birthday cake, complete with candles and made by Val Hall.

Stephen Gaukroger joined us on the Saturday and spoke about ‘Good leaders’ with Daniel, Elijah, Samson, Deborah and Demas as his examples. They were not all good examples but still much to learn from the failures of others. Ultimately God can use each and every one of us despite our failures or in spite of them!

From Daniel we learn that good leaders need both wisdom and courage. Elijah demonstrated the need for confrontation and the need for decompression following such periods. For physical and spiritual health it is important to sleep, to eat well and to stay close to God so that you can hear the still small voice of God through the clamour and superficiality of the 21st century. Samson was not a good role model and did not have the godly qualities that the Bible encourages elders and leaders to have. Ultimately Samson denied that God was his source of strength and attributed his strength to his long hair instead. The warning here is to avoid the morals of Samson and to constantly seek the infilling of the Spirit of God in order to fight against the many enemies that face us. Poor Demas is only mentioned three times in the Bible. Initially he showed the leadership skill of persistence and perseverance. The next time he is mentioned he appears to be added as an after - thought. Stephen points out that we need to guard our souls from a competitive spirit and to see ourselves and each other as God sees us. Jealousy can be deeply destructive in leadership. Paul claims that Demas loved the world and deserted him. The process of backsliding, with small compromises leading to full blown sin happens over a period of time and so we are to be alert and to resist the consumerism and materialism of today’s world.

Reverend Jonathan Chaffey led a beautiful communion service in a very clever way that satisfied both those who like to be served the communion and those who like to serve themselves and their families.

In addition to the fellowship there was opportunity to give and receive ministry. Major General Roddy Porter and his team led the worship and the music with a beautiful balance of inspiring hymns and songs.

The children had their own meetings and received teaching about leaders too. So keep an eye on these youngsters and see them develop their own talents, skills and ministries.

As with any organisation there was the important business of the AGM to be done. Mark Leakey updated the serving members and associates on the latest developments within AFCU and Liesel Parkinson informed us about the ladies work. None of the above would have been so blessed without your prayers so please accept our thanks and continue to pray.

 

Ladies Weekend, 16th - 18th September 2011

'Fit For Purpose'

The preparation for this weekend seemed to come across one obstacle after another and it seemed for a while as if it was never going to happen – but God clearly had other plans. Through the hard work of Liesel and her team, and the kind offer of a sponsor at the Defence Academy, we met at Shrivenham, rather than the normal venue of Amport. The impressive group of 9 Shrivenham-based ladies were bolstered by over 20 more to give a large gathering.

The theme for the weekend was Fit for Purpose, and whilst it used analogies of physical fitness, focussed on our need to be in training for spiritual fitness, and how we grow to spiritual maturity and to be ready for the individual job that God has for each of us to do on this earth. The in-depth teaching led us through an assessment of our spiritual fitness, identifying areas of gifting, the ways and equipment to help us grow spiritually, reasons why we might not be thriving spiritually and how to deal with these issues.

Throughout there was a reminder of the work that Jesus has already done, so that we who have accepted His salvation can be assured of our future and need not fear failure, but also the motivation for us to keep growing spiritually, with the help of God in all three persons as our personal role model and coach, in order to further His work and to encourage others.

The teaching was accompanied by great worship, prayer, practical exercises and fellowship. This was interspersed with great value food (and bar in the evenings!) and time to catch up with old friends (and make new ones). On the Saturday afternoon there were some organised activities, including power-walking on the Ridgeway, a dance workshop and a trip to a local swimming pool and steam room; or for the less physically-inclined, time to rest and ponder the teaching.

With such a fantastic programme and fellowship, no wonder that there was so much resistance to the weekend going ahead!

 

New Wine, July 2011

'Two years ago we were up to our knees in mud!' We weren't put off. Surely it would be fine this year; we had bought a new tent, and were going to New Wine with a team of seasoned New Winers from the AFCU, all of whom said how good the event was. The greatest challenge was persuading our teenage daughter that a second week of camping, with limited facilities and certainly nowhere to charge your mobile phone and use your hair straighteners, would be an acceptable part of our summer holiday.

On arrival we were directed to our camping area which AFCU members were sharing with another church group who had the responsibility of planning where each tent should be (not the usually precise military planning that we have when we plan it muttered some!) Our pitch was just big enough for our new tent, 50 yards from the mobile toilet block and 100 yards from the mobile shower block and only a short walk from the central conference venues - all very handy but with the inevitable passing traffic.

A typical day began with 0715 worship and Bible study on the book of Romans led by Simon Ponsonby (St Aldates, Oxford) - a real highlight of the week. After an hour for breakfast the main morning event (a choice of 2) led up to coffee time. The main evening event was similar with speakers including Mark Bailey (Trinity, Cheltenham), Rob Parsons (Care for the Family) and Mike Pilavachi (Soul Survivor). In between these events was an extensive programme of seminars on everything from marriage to Jesus' manifesto, and Narnia to a seminar on Christians in the Armed Forces led by the AFCU President, Maj Gen Roddy Porter. The AFCU was further represented on a Military Christian Organisations stand in 'The Marketplace' where we made contact with many who were interested in praying for Christians in the military and their children who wanted to wear the camouflage cream that we were offering.

A particular highlight was the opportunity to meet AFCU friends and to encourage one another. Shared meals, evening drinks, cups of tea and our own communion service, were enjoyed by many. The children loved it; with their own programme and enthusiastic leaders they were very well catered for and many in our group moved forward in their faith. We had a super week - not least because of the lack of rain and mud! Oh, and by the way - you can charge your mobile phone and with a bit of investigation, you will find somewhere to plug in your hair straighteners!

 

MCO stand at the Armed Forces Day, Edinburgh, 25th - 26th June 2011

It was a great privilege to represent the Military Christian Organisations (MCO) of our services at The Armed Forces Day (AFD) for 2011, this year hosted by the city of Edinburgh, with events in Leith, on the Royal Mile and Holyrood Park. It was graced by the presence of the Duke and the Duchess of Rothsay, The Prime Minister, the First Minister of Scotland and the Minister of Defence. On Saturday 2500 Servicemen, Cadets and Veterans marched down the Royal Mile to a Drum Head Service commemorating those killed in conflict where Rev. Scott Brown, the Chaplin of the Fleet spoke from Micah 6:8 '.... and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God'; and on Sunday massed pipe bands marched down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park. Mark Leakey and Mick Howlin of AFCU, Chris West of Military Ministries International, Steve & Helen Martin of Naval Christian Fellowship and Gary and Jan Alpin of the Royal Sailors' Rest represented the MCO.

During a very busy Saturday with thousands passing through the tents, the Duke and Duchess of Rothsay visited each stand speaking briefly with each exhibitor. The First Minister during his walkabout spent some time with each group.

With good weather on Saturday, Holyrood Park was packed with enthusiastic supporters of the armed forces and the atmosphere was very happy and positive - large numbers staying to the Saturday evening finale of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Sunday was much quieter not helped by the weather becoming wet and cold.

We had opportunities to speak with several - serving and retired - who had not heard about the work of the MCO. Being placed between 'Combat Stress' and British Limbless Ex Service Men's Association (BLESMA) -both very practical and tangible high profile services, meant most passed our stand and saw evidence of the Christian concern and support for our forces through the provision of fellowship opportunities, literature, moral and spiritual encouragement. A good quantity of literature was taken and interestingly the Camouflage Bibles and literature of the Naval, Military and Air Force Bible Society went quickly, such that we had to keep some Bibles hidden so that we had examples to show. One person expressed the value of the New Testament he had received when he joined the army. Other young Christians with the TA from Canada studying in this country asked about similar organisations in their home country.

This event provided a unique opportunity to showcase the breadth of Christian work amongst our armed forces. The 2012 AFD will be hosted by Plymouth on 30th June.

 

Day of Prayer for the Armed Forces, 23rd June 2011

The 6th Day of Prayer for the Armed Forces was held at St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, in the Strand London, on 23 June 11, organised jointly by the Armed Forces Chaplaincies and the Military Christian Organisations.

The day was centred on the theme of 'Hope' and concentrated on the following areas of concern within today's Armed Forces: uncertainty, change and fear and post SDSR; those deployed with a focus on operations; dependants and families; Leaders in Government and the MOD, decision makers in UK and Worldwide and the Defence Academy

About 350 people attended different parts of the day, and many told us how greatly encouraged and blessed they were by the day. Prayer was not restricted to just St Clement Danes as some churches and groups around the country and in garrisons here and in Germany joined us in prayer and followed the Order of Service along with us.

We have been greatly encouraged by the support received and hope that this event will be taken into the hearts of many more people so that it will eventually be recognised as a vital annual Day of Prayer for the Armed Forces.

 

AFCU Families Weekend, 17th - 19th June 2011

'Mission: Impossible? The 21st Century Challenge.'

With this title in mind, we weren't sure what to expect from the weekend ahead. We knew with certainty, however, that that we'd be together in the fine company of good friends and family and we relished the thought of spending quality time with God.

Jo and Paul Eaton were our hosts for the weekend and they warmly welcomed us as we arrived on the Friday evening. A delicious supper set the 'food marathon', that is part of the Church house experience, into motion, and the excellent quality and quantity of food prepared for us, just kept on coming.

It was wonderful to see both new and familiar faces at the dinner table and the abundance of children joining us, kept the noise levels high. After supper, with the children enjoying a movie, Paul Eaton explained the format of weekend ahead and then introduced to us our speaker, Matt King and his lovely wife, Clare, who was to lead us in worship. They had flown out to be with us from St Mary's Longfleet, in Poole, Dorset, leaving behind in the care of others, their young son, George.

And lead us in worship Clare certainly did. As Clare blessed us all with her musical talents and beautiful voice, she led us, firstly that evening, and then again and again over the course of the weekend, straight into the presence of our Lord. As we felt the Holy Spirit's palpable touch upon us, God spoke in His unique and intimately personal way to each and every one of us and ministered according to our needs. What an amazing Father we have - so personal, so loving, so devoted.

Matt then set the scene for our 'mission' over the weekend, leaving us in little doubt that we would all be challenged and blessed in turn. That evening, however, we took the time to set ourselves right with God, as we prepared for His teaching ahead.

Saturday dawned and with it, a parallel children's programme was put into action. Pete and Kathy Bramhall took on the roll of the children's work, and with their theme, 'Mission: Possible!' they quickly caught the children's attention and led them through an action packed programme based upon Joshua and the fall of Jericho. Meanwhile, Jo Eaton and her son Ed ran the crèche for the littlies and with the adults now child-free and extremely thankful to those looking after our children, we too, began our day.

Matt is indeed a passionate Christian communicator. His teaching makes a huge impact upon all those that hear him and his ability to bring the bible to life and apply it to our lives today was quite simply, enlightening. Over the course of the day and into Sunday, Matt challenged us to stand out in our roles as Christians in this, the 21st century.

We looked at the threat of new atheism and our need to be prepared and aware of the battle around us. Ignorance is too easy an excuse. The importance for us to be bold, to answer questions on our faith in a direct, yet gentle way. How many opportunities to give hope to others through Jesus, are just out there, waiting, at the end of a question?

1 Peter 3:15: " ..In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have..."

We looked at the value and nature of Christian community and the need for unity, whatever our denomination, status or race. And how we as individuals can make a difference, if we step out in faith, with our minds informed and prepared and the Holy Spirit as our strength. As the children learned and filed to memory, this weekend:

Mark 10:27: " ..all things are possible with God."

The weather was wet and stormy over the course of the weekend, but as we had a few hours of leisure time on Saturday afternoon, God gave us the sunshine, and walkers and sports enthusiasts could get outside, along with several wild and noisy children.

Following our afternoon break, we joined together once again and Val Hall took this time to update us on the work of the AFCU and all that it offers for service personnel and their families. As a group, we then updated each other on our different garrison Christian communities and in turn, we lifted each community in prayer.

After our final session on Saturday evening, we enjoyed some social time, as the now exhausted children slept. It was good to feel relaxed and happy together as a family, sharing with and encouraging each other as we talked. A perfect end to the day.

On Sunday, Jo Eaton celebrated her birthday and following our morning session, we all consumed an incredibly huge cream cake that Church House provided for the occasion. How we kept fitting all this food in, I just don't know!

Our weekend came to an end all too soon and we enjoyed a service of communion together and a final lunch, before going our separate ways.

It really was a weekend to remember. For us, as a family, it has strengthened, re-focussed and greatly encouraged us. We now face the challenges of the world again with renewed vigour and understanding. Thank you AFCU.

 

Link-Up Weekend, 10th - 12th June 2011

The joy of meeting other Christians in fellowship can never be underestimated and what wonderful joy we experienced at the Link-Up weekend. This was held at Sunningdale Park (10-12 June) which is a beautiful location and comfortable complex.

The theme was 'Supporting the Supporters' with a chance to Link-up with each other, Link up with our links & Link-up with God. We are still rejoicing in the spiritual nourishment we received and still reminiscing about the immense enjoyment of catching up with 'old' friends and making new friends. To be able to pick up relationships after a couple of years, as if it were only yesterday, says a great deal about the welcoming, friendly atmosphere, which Sue Skippage and her team create at this event. We had the added thrill of meeting, for the first time, one of the links we pray for in our Associate Prayer Group. Receiving photographs from links are always a bonus in praying for them, but to be able to meet them in person is a great pleasure and privilege.

We were treated to some superb teaching from Revd John Durant and he led a truly uplifting service on the Sunday morning. This service was very special as the closeness of being together and sharing experiences during the weekend enriched our worship and God's presence felt a mere inward breath. We were very blessed with the choice of speakers who spoke with such emotion, honesty and humour of their experiences of Pre-deployment, During-deployment and Post-deployment. Even though so many of us have had experiences of being detached from loved ones, we came away with lots of information to share with our Prayer Group and to assist them in their general knowledge and prayers. It was a good lesson to be reminded that everyone's situation is unique and that we cannot assume that their reactions and coping-capacity to deployment will be similar. We shall endeavour to be even more sensitive in our communication with our links.

Looking forward to seeing 'old' and new faces next year!

 

Re-Org Weekend, 10th - 12th June 2011

The AFCU's 'Re-Org!' event took place at Marrick Priory in Swaledale, North Yorkshire recently. The Priory was founded in the 12th century and its aim is 'to provide a positive and enriching experience of countryside and community in a Christian environment that will be remembered for a lifetime'. That aim was certainly met, although numbers were fewer than we'd hoped! The weekend consisted of sharing our stories around a big log fire, some worship and plenty of outdoor activities. Walking on the moors, caving, canoeing, wall-climbing, zip wires - it was great fun and enjoyed by all (even the aptly named 'leap of faith'!). A communion service was held in the ancient chapel at the Priory on Sunday and all of us enjoyed a sense of refreshment. A couple of comments from those who were there:

"The AFCU weekend away was amazing and full of fantastic fellowship"

"I found the whole experience such a blessing. It was great fun too, a spiritual refreshment, and so lovely to get away and spend some time with some great Christians."

We want to hold a similar event next year - and we hope you'll be there too!

 

Gorsley Activities Weekend, 27th to 30th May 2011

Despite almost having had my fill of combat camping in the Brecons in the February snow, I threw an old cheap tent and my big fat softie sleeping bag into the back of my car and headed off to Gorsley for the bank holiday weekend. The strong Royal Air Force representation was clear from the gucci caravans parked up in the field on my arrival, and I set-to erecting my stealthily small tent. The well-established camping activity weekend had been very well administered and organised; Pete and Helen Daulby, the organizers, emerged from an Eden Project-like tent structure to greet me warmly, before we set off for some biking in the nearby Forest of Dean, which I found myself falling head over (w)heels for. Others went on local rides and walks along the stunning Wye River. The kids were entertained either outdoors or inside the fantastic facilities of Gorsley Chapel, with inflatables, and a great space for teens to hang out. The evening was marked by a BBQ upon which enough meat was cooked to feed us all into the next day - at least! Those not content to fall off 2 wheels had the option of trying a unicycle, or juggling and other circus tricks.

We enjoyed several worship sessions together and benefitted hugely from Gorsley Chapel's organised events; a Men's Breakfast, and two great Sunday services with kids' programmes and a highly acclaimed and stimulating preacher. This really was a fantastic spiritual up-lifting.

On bank holiday Monday God gave us the chance to test and approve our camping gear and strength of morale in the form of rain. But we were absorbed with kayaking on the river anyway, or wandering around Ross-on-Wye.

There was a great mix of ages and stages, with something and space for everyone and the fantastic facilities at the chapel make the camping experience feel less rough. I found the weekend full of fun and fellowship blessings. Ace!

 

A Breath of Fresh Prayer in Cyprus, 19th - 23rd May 2011

AFCU Ladies Liesel Parkinson, Jan Ransom, Carole Backhouse, Jo Eaton, Julie Knox, Beanie Farrimond and Carrie Priestnall made up the team for a three-day conference for women from across British Forces Cyprus.

It's not been long since two of RAF Akrotiri's congregations merged: St Andrew's (Church of Scotland & Free Churches) and St Paul's (C of E). This has undoubtedly required adjustment and effort, so the diverse group of ladies who're now part of the same fellowship revealed they were blessed by the chance not to have to 'do', but to have things run for them. With selfless help from our amazing hosts, delicious refreshments were always available. Children were looked after, so the delegates were freed up to simply 'receive' and enjoy deeper fellowship with each other and with God. The conference sessions taught about engaging in focussed prayer, privately and with others, and prayerful worship of our Lord.

Although the Chaplaincy Centre at Akrotiri was the venue, we were delighted that a number of women journeyed from the Eastern Sovereign Base Area on the other side of the island to learn about various types, aspects, and results of prayer.

It was a blessing to have use of the well-equipped centre with its great space for Carrie's and Beanie's kids' club, which taught stories, songs, and impressive puppet-making and craft. There was great space to set up several stations for a 'prayer fayre', suggesting different, thought-provoking ways to meditate on and meet with our heavenly Father, as well as a workshop on communicating with God through the Holy Spirit's gift of tongues.

In the Mediterranean, naturally, the great outdoors is most inviting! Many women joined in a contemplative prayer walk, where each shared how they use nature to reflect on God's creation, provision and promises; and were encouraged to look for further ways to connect with Him through everyday dialogue and duties.

Several of the ladies shared personal breakthroughs in their spiritual lives during the weekend - and the team felt this was manifest literally, with what had previously been stormy weather lifting a little bit more each day; until the haze dispersed, revealing the clearest day when it was time to leave!

It was a privilege to introduce more people to the work of the AFCU at the Sunday morning church service, which Liesel Parkinson took. As a result, several new members have joined up and are now carrying forward their own plans for Associates' prayer groups on the island.

In a place where it is easy to feel far away from Britain and the broader military, we were promised that we wouldn't be strangers, and God willing, another team would like to return to Cyprus for further mission work.

To find out more about the AFCU ladies, visit the Twenty4 page.

 

Easter Camp, April 2011

It was a vintage year at the AFCU Easter Camp, partly because we celebrated 25 years of ministry from Rev Steve Potter (can you believe it?) and partly because it was a week of great teaching, warm fellowship and changed hearts.

This year's theme was 'Identity in Christ' based on Paul's letter to the Philippians. It seems that so many teenagers are struggling with their identity; who they are and what they should become. Many try to find their identity in popular culture, imitating celebrity figures or following the latest trends. Some are attracted to radical causes; others rebel against the establishment or simply withdraw into a cyber world of fantasy and unreality.

We looked at a letter written to a small group of First Century Christians who had found their identity in the person of Jesus Christ. Building on the morning Bible Studies, Steve Potter focussed on the first few verses of Chapter 1 to draw out the great themes of what it means to be 'in Christ', how to obtain righteousness and experience the grace, peace and joy that comes from knowing Him. What could be more amazing than that? Here is some of the feedback from campers:

"EC has completely re-established my faith"

"A chance to catch up with friends and learn about Christ Jesus"

"EC is probably the best bit of my year. I absolutely love it and it encourages me spiritually so much as well."

"EC has been AMAZING, I have learnt so much and I really feel like I have come closer to God and found my true identity in Christ."

"A time of peace, worship and awesome fun in the year when I can escape from the struggles of life and get closer to God. And when I get back, the struggles aren't so hard any more because God's hand is with me."

"I went to EC last year, my life was changed when I became a Christian. This year has been just as good; I used to worry so much but now it's different."

"It has changed me forever."

And of course, camp contained the usual mixture of wide games, competitions and crazy activities with several very odd characters being asked to 'move on' from The Lanes shopping area in Brighton during the annual 'Hunt the Officer' competition. One highlight this year was our own version of the Krypton Factor, organised by Capt (The Don) Botterill and hotly contested by all eight teams, especially during the final indoor assault course.

In the end we had 96 leaders and campers at camp this year. It was notable for a wonderful spirit of unity in the Gospel, an openness of heart and great fun.

 

AFCU Ladies' Weekend, 1st - 3rd April 2011

Ladies' weekends are always a great opportunity to encounter God in so many ways. This weekend at Amport House was no execption. Whilst enjoying great fellowship there were creative oportunites as well as the ministry too. Here are some comments:

"An exploration of new ways to worship God and what suits our individual styles and character. We have all left feeling very relaxed, refreshed and with new creative skills, new friendships and a renewed energy to serve."

"In amongst the chaos of life it was a time of rest. Fun, pampering and a place to be with our God. I come away refreshed with much to reflect on and many new skills budding."

"Fab weekend; learnt a lot about myself and my relationship with Him! Had a couple of revelations in the Sensory Room; time to move forward! Wasn't quite prepared for the passion at the very expressive worship - initial shock replaced by the warm embrace of togetherness; thank you."

"Once more the AFCU 'family' covered me with love and compassion, and I felt the Lord Jesus healing the sorrow and hurt of losing my best friend and sweetheart and soul mate. So thank you so, so much for the joy of worship, dance, card making and love."

 

AFCU Spring Weekend, 4th - 6th March 2011

As perennial as the spring that heralds it, the AFCU Spring Weekend is held every year in early March in the serene grounds of Sunbury Court, well located between the Thames and the M3, fortunately with more evidence of the former than the latter! This year was no exception to the pattern of great teaching, fellowship, prayer and getting to know other Christian officers and their families. We were all superbly hosted by Col Robbie and Helen Hall and a team who beavered away behind the scenes to make everyone at home and, most importantly, in the right state to hear God's Word explained.

This year's speaker was the Rev'd William Taylor of St Helen's Bishopgate, speaking on the title of A Faith that Endures. The talks drew strongly from Hebrews, notably chapter 11, a wonderful passage full of illuminating examples from the scriptures. William is a veteran of these weekends from his time as an officer in the RGJ, and it showed in how well pitched his challenging, honest teaching was. We are immensely grateful for his time both in preparation and at the weekend.

Another person whose time we were privileged with was Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali. Born in Pakistan and formerly Bishop of Rochester, Bishop Michael now devotes his time widely, and spoke of his work, particularly in the Middle East. It was fascinating to hear him talk of the situation in his only, particularly after the tragic assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti.

In the year of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, it was entirely appropriate to hear Brigadier Ian Dobbie's masterful telling of the story of William Tyndale, who, against the odds and considerable persecution, produced the first English Bible, the major source for the King James Version.

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend away from it all to focus on hearing and learning from God's Word. A great way to spring into spring!

Capt Rob Hoey RE

 

Ladies' Weekend Lubbecke, 4th - 6th March 2011
A Faith to Die For

As we met in the upper room (as I now mentally call it), there was a sense of expectancy in the air. The numbers were few in this safe room but we were aware that anything could happen.

Then Katja Samuel led us into our theme "A Faith to Die For".

We were gently shown the details of our Quest. The Call lifted us into a bird's eye view of the battlefield in a manner that few would have previously envisaged. The view of the vast opposing enemy advancing steadily - the masses of fully armoured prisoners already captured and blinded by deception in holding cells.

Then our eyes turned to the Armies of the Lord. Fewer in number but no less willing. There were areas where our lines are weak, and we need to be better trained, Companies which do not acknowledge that there is a war as "God is Love and Peace", and Regiments who were half dressed and in incomplete armour unaware that the battle was upon us. Encouragingly there were also mountains, where - if we are willing to climb - we will get into a tactical position for a better shot at taking out the Commanders of the advancing sections.

We could choose to climb up to a level where we are out of reach of the long arrows and wait out comfortably - some units chose this option - or we could climb higher and take on an active role to be reckoned with - an eliminator.

We were then, over the course of the weekend, taken along the path to help us climb the mountain. The Core Lies of the Enemy must be replaced by God's Truth in "The Truth and Promises of God" and deception is shown that The Cross is a place of joy and freedom not condemnation. Ps 18:19. We were encouraged to not allow our "rubbish" to come between us and our relationship with our Lord in Dying to Self. "How much of our identity is caught up in what you do rather than who you are?" had to be considered. This led us into "How Far". Do I actually have a faith that I am prepared to die for? What does my Heart Attitude tell me? If I did die, would I go down quietly or will I do no/some/maximum damage in the enemy's camp in the Lord's name?

Near the end of the weekend we had time to soak and to dream. It was a time to rest our heads and allow the Holy Spirit to commune with ours, to start and seal into our heart and spirits the Word and the Call. We could dare to dream of walking in His fullness or we could act on our dreams - give it our all - and actually do it.

We came away full physically and spiritually, and we continue to affirm the work that God has started in us.

 

Skiing Retreat: Seetaler Alpe, Judenburg, Austria, 24th - 30th January 2011
A Cross-Cultural Ski Fellowship

This January three of us from the UK, previously unknown to each-other, set off for a week's ski retreat in Austria, arranged by Military Ministries International (www.m-m-i.org.uk). The aim of the week was to meet Christians from across Europe who are involved with their armed forces, to ski, to enjoy fellowship together, and to grow towards God.

We began our time together in true military style; with an unanticipated and easily avoidable physical test: to sprint across Stansted airport, ski jackets straggling and bulging bags in tow. The last call had gone out whilst us ladies had stopped for yet another toilet break, but we arrived just in time to board our spacious low-cost airframe: no toes were left untrodden, no shoulders left unbrushed.

After some generous, warm and homely hospitality along the way, we arrived a day later at the Austrian Army's alpine training area and settled into our rooms. That night was the first of many with our faultlessly generous hosts and decidedly dedicated socialisers: the Austrians. Our fellow participants had travelled from Poland, Moldova, Germany and the rest of Austria, and included serving members of all 3 arms, civil servants, and partners of those in the forces.

The format of our day began with an optional morning prayer session, then off to the slopes for a morning's skiing or boarding. The Austrian Army provided some excellent instructors, and many participants benefitted from their patient coaching. This catered for the careful and cautious as well as those with a more fast-jet approach to sliding uncontrollably down the fall-line. For others, the morning provided opportunity to walk through pine forests; branches heavy with fresh snow, whilst others relaxed in the slope-side restaurant, soaking up the scenery.

After a typically large lunch, came the first of 2 sessions involving worship, talks, and group discussions. Speakers came from a variety of countries, and topics included 'A Christian Commander': what makes him/her different from a non Christian? We also discussed 'Submission in the context of marriage'- and what that really means for him and for her? It was really interesting to hear the opinions of those from a range of European backgrounds, and we all greatly benefitted from some humble and honest sharing of life experiences. We had some inspirational guidance on leadership within the armed forces, and the ethics of being a Christian in the Forces. This is something I have always struggled with, but hadn't heard addressed so openly and helpfully before.

After a light evening meal, a shorter worship and discussion session sealed the day's formal activities, but then the real cross cultural experiences began with fervour! Highlights included sampling the locally produced pine tree liqueur- Zirben, threading a spoon on a long string down fellow participants' clothing, a traditional Austrian farmers dance and with accordion playing, and some highly amusing, if not impressively imaginative, charade-like acting skills! Barriers were bridged, comfort-zones stretched, and sides split. I found my cultural awareness and understanding was broadened, and many friendships forged.

We all had a fantastic week so I am looking forward to the next opportunity to engage with my European counterparts, and to learn from their stories, in the pursuit of experiencing God from a wider viewpoint. I can thoroughly recommend it!

Captain Kerry Watt RAMC