Having the immense privilege of co-leading this incredible organisation for 5 years now, I can say that there are many moments when I see glimpses of heaven on earth, and the 175th celebration was definitely one of those! Welcoming everyone at the door and from the front at the beginning of the service at St Paul’s, Camberley, the joy on faces at being gathered, as one, was evident.
Seeing people greet each other, either for the first time or after a long time, the mutual connection was so clear at the celebration event (and at other events, for that matter). Like the words from the ‘We are family’ song by Sister Sledge all those years ago – we flock together like birds of a feather!
We had such a mix of ages and stages of life – all linked both by faith and by the common thread of life in the military; each with a story to tell. Many with shared hardships, from the military or from family, have been prayed for and supported by the AFCU at some point. Thank you letters after the event have again and again referred to the JOY of meeting up with people.
‘We really had an incredible time and feel so blessed to be part of the AFCU family.’
‘Such a happy day full of rejoicing, prayer and meeting old and new friends… I feel the Lord was in the midst.’
‘Many lovely frail older folk had made such amazing efforts to be there, but several said to me how pleased they were that they had come. It was brilliant to have the chance to gather so many together to celebrate as we did, to see long-known friends as well as meet new people.’
‘For us, it was a real demonstration of how God has answered prayer and encouraged His military disciples over the last centuries. In particular, it gave us an opportunity to meet those we have enjoyed fellowship with over the past 59 years, with all that AFCU has meant to our family and us. Now being part of the background but essential work of prayer, we keep up with the continuing difficulties and joys of service life. It is a real privilege to pray daily for individuals and events in the present AFCU community.’
‘..such a fantastic day of celebration of what God has done, what He is doing and praying for what He might do in and through AFCU. It was so encouraging to see the younger generation, and I’m so thrilled my kids could meet so many who have prayed and supported me (& my family) through the years.’
‘Thank you to everyone who made us so welcome at this celebration…. We are greatly encouraged by the testimonies and the sense of Love and Family, plus the knowledge that His work is continuing across the Armed Forces Community.’
During the service, Liesel gave an excellent talk on passing on the baton (more on that in a later newsletter). We all have our place in this family, and, like a family, there are times when we are carried by others, nurtured and developed, supported in tough periods and times we are those who give the care, through time and prayer. ‘All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.’ 1 Cor 12:27
Having personally been involved in the AFCU all my life, I can absolutely testify to the ‘cradle to grave’ discipleship, fellowship and prayer that is intrinsically on offer in the AFCU family. Attending Camp (have you booked your children in yet?) was fundamental in developing my faith through my teens; being part of YAFCU in my 20s and 30s sharpened and honed that faith as we ‘grew up’ together, and now, as a supporting AFCU member, I am able to use my experiences of the military life to care for those in the Armed Forces community today. Nothing is wasted!
Another testimony from the 175th: ‘We were made to feel so integral to it all. I adored your analogy of passing the relay baton. We felt so validated for the years we served the AFCU and that it counted. Old age can make you feel ‘past it’ and ‘on a shelf’, and you made us feel the opposite. Thank you! I wasn’t even tired after such a busy day because it was all so uplifting and satisfying.’
Maybe you have yet to come to an AFCU event. Please don’t hold back and miss out. It truly is a taste of what Jesus spoke of in John 15: 12-17.
‘This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.’