Staff Worker Grapevine April 2010
Welcome to the April edition of GRAPEVINE, the newsletter for Military Christian Fellowship.
A special welcome this month to new MCF groups. This month's edition of Grapevine is early as I (Ann Lock, Staff Worker) commence 3 weeks leave from next week. My husband, PCHAP Garry Lock, and I will be travelling to Gallipoli to participate in the ANZAC Day services. My absence means the MCF office is unattended from 9th April until 7th May. If you have an urgent matter in that time please contact LTCOL James van Heel (MCF Chairman) here or 02 6265 5228.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He (Simon Peter) said to him, "Yes, Lord: you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs," John 21.15 Christ asks if we love him? If we say yes, he says; “Then care for one another.” This is our opportunity to make a difference, to live lovingly on the frontiers of his bright new world. We cannot promise to do it perfectly, but we can give it a go, relying on his abundant wisdom to take our small love, and fit it into a larger pattern of good for all creation.
May God bless the world in which you move,and bless your home and bless your friends.
May God bless the eyes with which you see, and bless the ears with which you listen.
May God bless the way you use your hands, bless the way you employ your tongues.
Praying Together
Many of us will have heard of the recent plane crash at Smolensk, Poland which killed many of the country's leaders, including the President. Amongst those killed were 4 Chaplains and several military personnel. Please pray for their families, work colleagues and the whole of Poland as they come to grips with this tragedy. Bishop Gen. Tadeusz PLOSKI: Catholic Chief chaplain of the Polish Army; Archbishop Gen. Miron CHODAKOWSKI: Head Orthodox Church Chaplain of the Polish ArmyPastor (Colonel) Adam PILCH: Evangelical (Protestant) field chaplain and the acting Protestant Chief Chaplain (Adam was also at Warsaw AMCF conf 2002). Father (Lieutenant-Colonel) Jan OSINSKI: Field Chaplain of the Polish Army.
From the MCF Prayer Calendar:
18 Apr
For those in authority in the ADF to lead well.
CAPT Katie Chapman, the Evangelism Coordinator – help her work to assist others to spread the gospel clearly and faithfully.
Pray for those on course, that they would listen well and study hard. Pray for those who share the gospel at training establishments.
A Moment to Reflect: 3rd Sunday after Easter
25 Apr
Thank God for the sacrifice of those who have gone before us. Ask for many to see the sacrifice that Jesus has made for them – and trust in him.
Praise God for the new Crossfire magazine editor, David Coleman. Ask for wisdom for him as he undertakes to compile the magazine.
Pray for the Secretary of Defence, Mr Ian Watt. Ask God to help him to make wise decisions and that his staff would advise him well.
2 May
Pray for perseverance at work; that we serve as if serving the Lord, and so glorify his name.
Thank the Lord for the Chaplaincy within Defence. Ask him to help Christians to encourage them in their work of making Christ known. Navigators.
Pray for Dave West in Bandiana as he reaches out to our military, for strong connections, for the opportunity to speak the gospel and for ongoing support.
9 May
The Chiefs of the Army, Navy & Air Force. That they receive godly counsel and lead by example.
MCF staff worker Ann Lock. Pray that God would use her to be an encouragement to many as she serves in this role.
Fighting Words. Pray for preparation for the midyear camp. Ask for a fun time, and in particular clear gospel teaching.
16 May
Pray for those who have moved to find new churches at which to fellowship. Help them to not only be helped to know God better there, but that they would use their own gifts to build up the body of Christ.
Pray for helpful articles and a smooth process for preparing the next Crossfire magazine, due to be distributed 30 Jun 10.
Everyman’s Ministry. For opportunities to spread the gospel and strength in any struggles.
23 May
Pray for wisdom for those working to continue / update conditions of service. May they represent the various cases fairly and clearly.
Thank God for the opportunity to extend the hours of the staff-worker. Pray for additional funds to continue this long term.
Solid Rock Ministries. Pray for Solid Rock Ministries in the work with military wives and partners that it would shine as a light in the world, glorifying God.
Call for Crossfire articles by 30 April
Twice a year MCF produces the Crossfire magazine which is widely distributed throughout the ADF. We are preparing now for the 2010 June edition with the theme of 'Grief'. You can contribute to the magazine by sharing your experience of Grief, particularly as an ADF member or family. Articles can be sent to
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or the editor, David Coleman,
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.
Ways of being involved with MCF:
Become a member. Christians join to share in the mission of MCF and receive encouragement for their own lives. Membership is open to ADF members and civilians who have a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Membership is free; however, if you want to help this exciting program you can make donations to Military Christian Fellowship, BSB 803-205, Account No. 20514572. Allotments can be made to WG0052 through DEFPAY.
Be a Centurion. “I tell you the truth; I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” These were the words that Jesus used to describe the Centurion in Capernaum in Luke Chapter 7 of the Bible. The bible tells us very little about this man. We do know that he was a military Christian who cared for his men, loved and served his nation, was humble, generous in supporting his local ministry, decisive, and had a very simple but rock-steady faith. The ADF and MCF needs Christians like this Centurion. Application Forms for Membership and Centurions are available on this website.
Be a Prayer Warrior. Join a group of people who have committed to respond to prayer requests that come to MCF. Contact the MCF office through
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or ring 02 6266 4950 for further information. Prayer requests can also be sent to the MCF office. These requests are held confidentially within the prayer Warriors group and can be done anonymously.
Coming Events
30 April 10: final date to submit articles for Crossfire
31 May 10: final date for submission for the Australian version of 'Deployed, not Disconnected'
3rd September 10: Defence Christians Dinner
4th September 10: MCF Seminar 'Battle Smart"
10 November 10: MCF Annual General Meeting
10 November 10: FCMM
I have been updating the MCF membership database and email lists. If you know of someone who may enjoy receiving the Grapevine, or if you would prefer your name removed from the email list please let me know.
Grace and peace,
Ann Lock
National Staff Worker
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