Update February 2007
This Update follows an excellent Training Weekend at Sarum College in Salisbury, reports on Simon Farmer’s recent trip to Sierra Leone and precedes his further trips in Africa as well as the European Military Christian meeting in Germany, the Skiing Retreat in Austria and Chris and June West’s forthcoming trip to South Asia. Many have now heard that Simon Framer is moving on from Accts MMI at the end of March to join a new young missionary organisation, Mission Direct. This change, in addition to those referred to in the last Newsletter, has a major impact on Accts MMI and makes for an exiting time in our ministry. All these matters are fuel for our praise and prayers through Jesus Christ.
Africa.
The Chaplains in Sierra Leone greatly appreciated this, the third Chaplaincy training and consultation, visit by Simon Farmer. He was also able to take nearly £1,000 from Accts MMI supporters to assist the military chapel building programme and to visit the work completed over the last year. Buildings that were little more than gutted shells are now in-use Garrison Churches – praise God.
Next month Simon makes his final two trips as a member of our staff when he goes to Southern Africa (Namibia and South Africa but not now Lesotho, 28 Feb–11 March) and Francophone Africa (Mali and Burkina Faso, 20–27 March). Please cover these events and all those involved with prayer.
As Simon prepares for a major change in his life please pray for him and his family. Pray too for the considerations we are making about the future leadership of our Africa ministry which has moved on in a major way under Simon and now needs a different approach. Continue to pray too for Henry Ladele as he steps down from his Accts MMI ministry.
South Asia
After all the joy of reporting the foundation and growth of the Nepal MCF we now have the sadness of reporting the sudden death of one of its founders M S Rana. MS collapsed on Christmas Eve and never recovered. It was a tragedy for his family and the new Fellowship but we rejoice that he is in Glory with his Lord. We join the Nepal MCF in prayer.
Chris and June West’s first trip together will be to Bangladesh, Nepal, and India (28 March-11 April). Pray for them both as they prepare and plan.
AMCF VP, General Srilal Weerasooriya has now moved back from Pakistan to Sri Lanka.
Europe.
As this Update goes out delegates begin to assemble for the AMCF European Military Christian Meeting in Church House, Germany. Pray for their travel and a blessed event. The other event in Europe that we look forward to this quarter is the Skiing Retreat in Austria (5-11 March).
Rainer Thorun seeks focussed prayer for his desire to make contacts in the countries that we have yet to reach and where no MCFs exist. These include the Caucasus region and Serbia. To create the space to do this Rainer needs at least one other staff member in Europe to support him. Please pray.
Middle East.
The Cyprus Retreat is set for 13-16 April 2007. Please pray for the delegates as they buy their tickets and apply for exit visas where necessary. This unique event will not be popular with Satan and we must unite in payer to support the delegates. Praise God that gifts and grants have already provided much of the financial support required and pray for the final gifts to see this event funded.
At Home
Over 60 people, staff, supporters and international guests took part in the 2007 Training Weekend where East Africa was the main focus. We were blessed with 5 guests from Africa to help our studies. We also enjoyed and were challenged by a graphic presentation on the work of Flame International by Jan Ransom. Simon Farmer’s excellent exposition on Mission in the 21st Century gave us all much to think about especially in relation to our work in Africa. We were privileged to have Vice Admiral Kang, Duk-Dong from MSO provide a helpful and encouraging insight into this sister ministry based in Korea.
Finally, we are in the middle of the process of appointing a new Chief Executive/Team Leader to take over from Homfray Vines and ask for your prayers that the person anointed by God for this key position is appointed. Continue to pray for Homfray as he shoulders the responsibility for our developing and changing organisation.
