Aug 07

Update August 2007

It is well known that in our individual walks of faith we never stand still; we either move forward with God or slip backwards. It is the same for organisations that walk with Christ and Accts MMI always seeks to move forward which is why we place such a high emphasis on prayer support for our activities. This update is to encourage you with answers to prayer and seek your prayer support for those ahead. Prayer is especially important as Jos McCabe assumes his appointment as Chief Executive/Team Leader. Many will have received a letter from Jos following his appointment which refers to our financial position and we are very grateful and encouraged by the generous responses we have received already, thank you. In the field there is much to give thanks for and for prayer.

Europe.

The annual Sailing Retreat was led by Rainer Thorun with participants from Poland (6), Lithuania (2), UK (2), the Netherlands (2) and Romania (1). One participant reported: I would tell others: - Come and you will see it is great! - you will get a better relation with people and Jesus; - it is a great opportunity to learn how to serve God in the place where you live; - there are chances to talk and learn about your faith with other military Christians; to learn from experiences of others; - it is a trip that changes your life or the way you look to the Christian life. Praise God!

·	In September, Rainer and Karin Thorun supported by former Accts MMI staff member Michael and Sue Piper will lead another of the highly valued Marriage Seminars in Moldova. Rainer and Karin will follow up the seminar with ministry visits across Moldova in support of MCF leader Eduard Rosca.

·	We look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Polish MCF, KOV on 21 September 2007. The celebration is tinged with the sad news that Igor Sawicki has been diagnosed with emphysema. Please keep him and his wife Aldona in your prayers.

South Asia

Chris West has been active in email discussions with AMCF VP, General Srilal Weerasooriya and contacts in his region. The itinerary for their joint trip is: 20-23 September - Bangalore, India; 24-26 September - Kathmandu, Nepal; 27-29 September - Dhaka, Bangladesh. Please support them with you prayers on this trip that will be particularly significant as the AMCF VP meets the key people in the fellowships in his region.

·	Ivar Hellberg is our link to the fellowship in Indonesia and is in-country at the moment. He has reported the strong desire to hold a regional conference, probably in Bali in 2008. Please pray as we look to take this forward and pray for Ivar’s safety and work in Indonesia.

Africa.

Key for prayer in support of the work in Africa is the Pray and Plan that Jos McCabe and Jan Ransom are attending in Nairobi from 7-9 September. This key event brings together the main players in the organisation and running of the 2008 AMCF Pan-Africa Conference. After the P&P Jos is going on to Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda with John Seii to meet our contacts and learn more about how we might support Christians in the armed forces in this region.

Middle East.

·	2 Israeli delegates are currently being hosted by AFCU at the UK New Wine Christian Conference.

·	Richard Sandy remains in active correspondence with the MCF leaders in Khartoum and Jordan and is planning visits in early 2008.

·	Lebanon remains on our hearts. Please pray as Richard plans a trip there in the autumn.

Home.

·	At home we have enjoyed exhibiting at New Wine again with AFCU and exposing up 20,000 Christians to the news that there are Christians in the armed forces worldwide and they need and value our support.

Prayer
AMCF Day of Prayer 15 September

·	If you would like notes to support your prayers on this worldwide prayer day please contact the office (01252 311222). Copy attached for those in receipt of this Update by email.

·	If you would like more copies of our new Prayer Brochure please contact the office. We would like to see these spread around as widely as possible.

1	Accts MMI Europe Team Leader

2	Accts MMI regional staff member in Europe and KOV President

3	Accts MMI South Asia Team Leader

4	Association of Military Christian Fellowships regional Vice President for South Asia

5	Former Accts MMI trustee

6	Accts MMI Trustee

7	Accts MMI Regional Staff Member in East Africa

8	UK Armed Forces Christian Union

9	Accts MMI Middle East Team Leader