Military Christian Fellowship of Australia



717557175500Military Christian Fellowshipof AustraliaMay 2020 NewsletterHi from the MCF-A office, Well folks, it seems like we are a very blessed country in these times, not just that we haven’t so far suffered the huge loss of life seen in some countries but that most of us also have some space to be able to be outside and can see other people walking or running around our neighbourhood, even if it is at a distance. It has been so heart-warming to hear of all the different ways Christian Churches and groups are staying connected and supporting their communities, especially those who are vulnerable or may be very isolated. There have been many great ministry opportunities during these times with groups like FOCUS saying they have a lot more Cadets signing in to Bible Studies, probably because the Cadets have a bit more time, are often in their rooms at night with not much to do, and it’s easier for some to join something online rather than front up face to face. Please continue to pray for the ADO and those ministering within, and give thanks that we can still stay connected. Please make sure you carefully read the messages from the MCF-A Chair and Patron. I trust you will find something of interest or of use to you in this e-News, another bumper edition. Remember if you come across something helpful or interesting while you’re checking out stuff online, especially if it has some military content, send it in so we can share it with our members and supporters. mcf.office@.au Nothing is too big or too small.There is so much to read through below so I’ll leave it here for this month with these words of encouragement as you continue to work and/or support the ADO and fellow Australians. Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; he will not forgot your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”Blessings,?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????Julie (MCF Staff Worker)Messages from MCF-A Chair and Patronlefttop00Brothers and sisters in Christ,I sit writing this in a very different world from the one I last wrote to you from. In a very short space of time, the entire human race has been profoundly affected by the global spread of an organism that we can’t even see. It has influenced almost every aspect of our lives, around the entire world.In these times, unprecedented in living memory, fear and uncertainty have taken hold. Panic buying and mass graves are just some of the things we might never have thought to see – people brawling over buying toilet paper, the economy crawling to a standstill, hundreds of thousands of people dying around the globe, and most of us having to stay put at home for weeks on end.Yet, there is a brighter side to what seems like a bleak chapter in human history. People are remembering how to be friendly to one another, how to take simple joy in sharing each others’ presence. Sitting on the front doorstep as my kids pedal up and down the section of path in front of our house, we’ve struck up conversation with folks passing by walking their dogs – something that didn’t happen previously. We’ve shared our common experiences of isolation, school-at-home education, and other new experiences that have brought people together.And just as we can’t see the virus but we can see its effect, so we can see God’s effect. Churches have seized the opportunities offered by compulsory distancing with both hands, opening up worship and the life-changing Good News to a wide audience who might not venture to a church meeting, but can dial in from the comfort (and perhaps anonymity) of their homes, and so have God speak to them. People have found novel ways to get connected and stay connected without physical contact, which although a poor substitute for the kind of social relationships we were created to enjoy, nevertheless have reminded us of just how much we need fellowship with each other.And at this time of grief for so many, the comfort that God gives, either directly or through the actions of those who do His will, is particularly vital.I am sure that you have been earnestly praying for deliverance from this global crisis. Might I encourage you to continue to do that, and specifically to uphold Defence in your prayers as you do? Our National Day of Prayer for Defence this year was reflective of these times, but no less effective – God hears our prayer no matter where it comes from! May God use us as He sees fit at this time, as part of His plan to reconcile His creation to Himself, and may we be salt and light to a world that needs it.Another solemn task for me is informing you that, after a career spanning over 34 years, our Patron, COL Mick Mumford, is at last hanging up his boots and retiring from ADF service. On behalf of the Council and indeed the membership of MCF, I wish to thank Mick for his faithful service to our nation and also to our fellowship (which has spanned 25 years!) To that I add heartfelt thanks to Janet, for without the support of a loving, sacrificial and supportive family, we as ADF members cannot achieve our full potential. Janet has also been a great and faithful servant to God in military ministry, founding Solid Rock Ministries, who support and encourage military wives and partners. We’re privileged to remain in partnership with them through the FCMM. May God continue to bless the Mumford family as they transition to the next phase of their lives.In your prayers for Defence, please also include a successor for Mick (as well as for myself).God keep and go with you and yours as we navigate these uncharted waters,Dan SutherlandMCF-A Chair-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------lefttop00Dear Colleagues, on Monday the 18th of May I am going to wake up and, for the first time in 34 and a half years, I won’t be formally connected to the Australian Defence Force. Yes, it is my time to hang up the boots and retire from the ADF. Sadly that will also mean that I won’t be able to fulfil the very great privilege of being Patron of MCF and I advised the Council that I will also be standing down from the role at the same time.As I depart, I would like to thank all of those over my career that I have the privilege of serving with to promote our faith in the ADF, including the many ADF chaplains and philanthropic representatives who labour out of love for their brothers and sisters in uniform. And, to those who have served as local leaders of MCF groups, those who have volunteered for MCF Council, and those dedicated MCF Staff Workers that I have been so blessed to have served alongside, thank you and may God bless you and your service in the future. It has been a pleasure to have served in MCF with you.My connection to MCF began back in 1995, when I attended an MCF group at Holsworthy Barracks led by a young Lance Corporal by the name of Michael Bird. Many of you may know Dr Michael Bird as one of the nation’s leading biblical scholars and the author of many bestselling books. I make this point because the most important thing I have learned about military Christian service over the last 25 years is that God doesn’t see any correlation between rank or position and Christian maturity. Sure, there are practical benefits in having MCF leaders who hold influence at senior levels, but ultimately it is the faith of our individual members throughout the ADF and Defence Department that decides the impact of our organisation, and that is how God intends it to be. So, for all our faithful members who influence the lives of others through the leading of the Holy Spirit, I thank and salute you, whomever you are and whatever you do. May God continue to bless you with opportunities to serve those around you.Farewell, God bless, and march hard for the Lord.Mick MumfordMCF Small GroupsSmall Group updateIn the next few weeks MCF Members will be contacted with details on proposed virtual MCF Small Groups and how to be involved. At this time Virtual Small Groups will only be available for current ADO employees, including Reservists. If you are eligible but aren’t a current member of MCF please email mcf.office@.au with your name, Defence Base you currently work at and best contact number and someone will be in touch with more details on how to be part of a Virtual MCF-A Small Group.?? Defence infoCrossfire MagazineI know you’ve been waiting a long time for the next edition of the Crossfire Magazine but due to a number of unforeseen circumstances the next edition is well underway but has been unable to be released around Anzac Day as previously advertised. We are hopeful you will see it before the end of the financial year but it is all in God’s time. Thank you for your patience and understanding. -------------------------------------------------------------------------MCF-A Website Check out the MCF-A website at any time for info and links you have seen in this and past e-News along with other offers and info to help you and your family, your MCF Small Group and your Church at this time. You will find it all under EVENTS – Isolation Resources. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------lefttop00????????????????? Defence Church ServicesLivestream services from Duntroon Chapel are broadcast every Sunday, 1700 AEST. Everyone, regardless of Service or Denomination, are most welcome to join via the Duntroon Chapel Facebook page. If this time doesn’t work for you, past Services are able to be viewed in the video section of the Duntroon Chapel Facebook page including the Anzac Day service.You can now also find some of the services on YouTube – duntroonchapel-----------------------------------------------------------------------------lefttop00Advice for ADF personnel who assisted in bushfire recoveryAustralian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have been assisting bushfire affected communities as part of relief efforts following the recent fires. They should remember to?monitor their mental?health and wellbeing in an often stressful environment. Nicole Sadler provides some insights and self-care advice via ? Other items of potential interestlefttop00?? MCF partners, The Bible Society of Australia, have loads of resources, podcasts, helpful links and offers.? Find them all via: also have a special deal on Bibles etc with their publishing team until 31st May. There is a range of quality Scriptures at a heavily reduced cost for you to choose from.? If you are keen to get some Bibles etc for your Church at a very good price click HERE. (If you would like some for your MCF Small Group, please contact the MCF office to arrange. mcf.office@.au MCF-A thank the Bible Society of Australia for their support through their Scripture and other Grants.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------lefttop00Calling all quaranTEEN writers!Do you know someone who would be encouraged by participating in this year’s Australian Christian Teen Writer Award? Share this opportunity with them now!? Awards are given for the best unpublished works by writers under 18 years of age.???????? Entries close 31 May 2020??????????????????? First prize $1000More info on this and other Christian writing awards: MCF-A Exec encourage all eligible Christian women leaders to consider applying for the following. It is important to have Christian leadership, mentors and examples within the ADO.?? -190504635500Scholarships of up to $5,000 for current and aspiring female leadersScholarships of $1,000 to $5,000 are currently available to women working in the military sector to help support their participation in a range of online career building leadership development programs. The initiative is providing junior managers through to senior executive women with scholarships to support their growth and development via participation in one of three flagship courses. Participants will benefit from course content such as Elements of a Successful Team, Team Dynamics, Purpose Priorities and Professional Development, Empowering Teams, and Evolving Strategic Change.?? ?Expressions of Interest Find out more and register your interest by completing the Expression of Interest form here prior to Friday, May 15: Your Soul...We have produced over 30 hours of documentaries and studio series' over the last 10 years. We thought now would be the time to make these more available by giving you access to stream it all with our Feed Your Soul subscription.$5 / month for 6 months (or cancel anytime)We know many of you have more time at home and are looking for content - so why not 'feed your soul' and watch shows that will grow your faith and inspire you. Watch alone, with your household or use as material for your small group or Bible study.Available for the first time via streaming and included in the pack is Jesus the Game Changer Season 2, along with Jesus the Game Changer Season 1 & Youth Edition, Towards Belief, The Family Series and The Men's Series.???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Even though this is written for parents there are a lot of good ideas. We have a lot to be thankful for, even in these times, with the biggest thanks going to God our Father for sending us a Saviour. You may like to adapt some of these ideas for your home or workspace and remind people of the blessings they have in their lives….and it may just be a great conversation starter to let them know Jesus loves them too. From .au…….Dear Friends,lefttop00One of our partners who manages our Facebook page sent me a great article that she had written.? Annette is a working mum with 2 boys in Primary School.? What she has written is very relevant and I would like to share it with you as an encouragement and strength as we all negotiate these difficult times.? Thanks Annette.These school holidays are like none other for many parents around the world.? Camping trips and day trips are cancelled, playdates are off, and there’s not even sport on TV! ?If your kids are a little disappointed, or even feeling anxious, you’re not alone.? It’s easy to focus on the negatives right now; we’re being constantly reminded of them every time we check in on social media, or the evening news.? Add to that the fact that tensions are running high and tempers are fraying as we’re all cooped up in our homes together.It’s up to us as parents to create a different narrative for our kids and to shift their focus, taking advantage of this time to strengthen relationships and teach them resilience.Here are some ways to build their character through gratitude over the coming weeks…Start a Gratitude JournalGet your kids to write down 3 things they’re thankful for each day.? This may take some practice and a little guidance to help them get started.? Ask them “If you woke up tomorrow and you only had the things you felt thankful for today, what would you have?”? Suddenly, they become aware that they woke up in a comfortable bed this morning, they had a hot shower, they had food to eat and family who loves them. With practise, they’ll find new things to be thankful for every day.Gratitude Jarslefttop00Put a jar or a box on the table for each family member, along with some scrap paper and pencils.? Each day ask everyone to write little ‘gratitude notes’ to each other and put them in their jar.? ‘Thanks for taking the bins out.’? ‘Thanks for helping me build an epic fortress in Minecraft.’? ‘Thanks for shooting hoops with me.’? When we feel ‘seen,’ our sense of wellbeing increases.? It also builds harmony in the home, when everyone’s deliberately looking for the good in each other.Build HopeAs a family, write out a list of all the things you were grateful for before the restrictions.? They might even be things you weren’t grateful for, but rather took for granted, until they weren’t there any more… Going to the movies, visiting grandparents, playdates, going to the footy… Make a thorough checklist and then make a commitment to do all these things once they’re available again, ticking them off one by one.? It will give your kids something to look forward to and try not to take them for granted any more as you tick them off, remembering what life was like without them.Thank the Helperslefttop00NBC’s Fred Rogers famously said: ‘When I was a boy, I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”’Right now, there’s plenty of distressing content on the news surrounding a certain pandemic, and it’s normal for kids to feel a bit anxious at times like this.? Giving them a ‘heart’ project can help them feel like they’re helping, and it reminds them that there are ‘helpers’ who are there to look after them and keep them safe. Perhaps they could write a thank you letter to the staff at a nearby hospital or pool their pocket money to buy coffees for your local GPs.? Drop off some baked goods at the police station or draw a picture for a fire fighter.There’s Always Something to be Thankful For1 Thessalonians 8:13 reminds us to ‘give thanks in everything.’? Everything?? Yes, everything.? Even the hard things.? We’re not asked to give thanks for everything.? That would be mean.? But it’s a promise that no matter what happens, there’s always something to be thankful for.It means that as parents, we need to watch how we’re talking.? Are we constantly complaining about the restrictions in front of our kids?? Or expressing our own fears and concerns in their ear shot?? This is an opportunity to change our own mindsets, too.? We need to remind ourselves and our kids of all the things we have to be thankful for, especially at times like this.Robert J BurmanCoordinator – .au?? to think about……-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------lefttop00???? You can now find MCF on ForceNetMCF will be placing posts on ForceNet with updates from MCF Exec and other information which may be of interest to you and your family. Please let the MCF office know if you have upcoming events or news you would like to post on ForceNet.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------184785-1327150000Book and film reviews requiredEspecially at this time don’t forget to send in book or film reviews you think MCF members and supports may enjoy, especially if they have a military association. mcf.office@.au Prayer CalendarPlease pray for MCF that we’d be a light of witness in the ADO environment. The attached prayer calendar can provide some points.? To put forward prayer points for inclusion in the calendar please email the MCF Prayer Coordinator Dr Brendan Pell: brendan.pell@dst..au You can also send through prayer points to be sent to our prayer warriors.MEMBERSHIPMembership is free and ongoing.Members can Update details hereMCF is supported through freewill donations of its members. Please look at Supporting MCF in prayer, with your time and through financial support. Note that donations (over $2) to MCF are tax deductible.If you are keen to support MCF in such ways you may like to sign up as a Centurion.Have you moved??Have you moved?You can update your details here MagazineStay tuned for the next edition of the Crossfire Mag due out around mid 2020. The current edition of Crossfire can be found at: ? along with other great articles.Contact Us?Contact us: We’d love to hear from youCampbell Park Offices, CP3-1-160, Northcott Drive, CAMPBELL, ACT 2612.Phone: 02 6266 4950Website: mcf-.au????? Email:mcf.office@.au ????????If you would no longer like to receive MCF correspondence please let us know at mcf.office@.au ? ................
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