When the trumpet sounds!

The bugle call draws people together to reflect on war sacrifices. 
They were also used in battle to signal movement.
Trumpets are symbols of strength in the bible and are sounded when something significant is about to happen.


At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice was signed that ended fighting on land, sea, and air during World War I, bringing about peace that had not been felt for several years. Today, Armistice Day is no longer about celebrating peace, but it is about remembering those who died in the conflict. On 11 November, we used the name Remembrance Day and marked it with ceremonies to recognize the Canadian men and women who had lost their lives in defence of our freedom. Since the confederation approximately 111, 000 Canadian soldiers have died and many more injured. The sacrifices were not in vain, and our 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedom outlined the rights they fought for. Because of their willingness to stand against oppression, we can pray whenever we want, read scripture, gather to worship, and tell others about Jesus. These freedoms allow us to enjoy and share the blessings God has given us. 

However, since the beginning, an enemy has been trying to destroy our freedom, and the might of all the armies on Earth can never conquer it. Scripture tells us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” Ephesians 6: 12. Only the sacrifice of Jesus could free us from the grip of Satan’s influence over our mindset. Jesus died to liberate everyone from the worldly or ego-based mindset that separates us from God, or that affects our faith in his power and authority over the physical, emotional and financial negativity of life. 

On Remembrance Day, the bugle call draws people together to reflect on war sacrifices. Bugles had been part of military life and were used to signal daily events that occurred in a soldier’s life – they sounded when it was time to get up, go to bed, time to eat and so on. They were also used in battle to signal movement. Trumpets are symbols of strength in the bible and are sounded when something significant is about to happen. The book of Revelation reminds us that Christ will return to the Earth and bring peace. We will know that He comes at the sound of the trumpet. Revelations Chapter 8-11 speaks about the 7 Trumpets that will announce the end of time. The first six trumpets serve as a wake-up call to the sinners on Earth and a call to repentance. Each trumpet blast brings a plague of a more disastrous nature than the one before it. The seventh trumpet does not carry a plague with it. Instead, it is sounded so that glory is given to God and His kingdom is announced.

On 11 November, we remember the sacrifices of those men and women who went to war to have the freedoms we have today. However, their sacrifices are in vain if we do not accept the freedoms given to us by Jesus’ sacrifice. The freedom to make choices that affect our lives, the lives of our families and our community and the freedom of choice that affects our eternity. The freedoms earned by our military can be taken away from us by our government or a foreign aggressor, but the freedom Jesus gave us over sin can never be taken from us. 

When you hear the bugle call this Remembrance Day, remember our fallen soldiers and the battle they fought for us. But also remember Jesus’ sacrifice grants us the freedom to choose victory over the oppressive and destructive nature of sin, freedom from falling to temptation and making poor choices that destroy families, marriages, and communities. Jesus’ sacrifice freed us from hopelessness and offered joy and peace of mind. Let’s honour our military’s sacrifices by accepting Jesus’s gift. 

Great Canadian Giving Challenge

We sincerely thank everyone who has partnered with us in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.  

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This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Great Canadian Giving Challenge*, and it’s bigger and better than ever! For every donation of $10 or more to any charity via CanadaHelps.org in June, you get one entry to win incredible adventure-themed prizes. CanadaHelps will also be awarding two prizes of $10,000 donations to two charities!

The Military Christian Fellowship of Canada is supported through people like you. Would you consider a one-time gift this June? Your support and prayers are invaluable in our mission to touch lives and share the love of Jesus.

Deployed-Podcast – “DP1”.

“Discussing faith, family, and work life as a Christian.” 

Allow me to introduce myself, Rick Campbell, pastor of Deployed Church, an online ministry of Oromocto Baptist Church.  This online ministry provides audio podcast for you to listen to at your convenience and encourage you in your faith.
 
The aim of these podcasts is to discuss faith, family, and work life as a Christian who is currently active or retired from the military.
 
The goal of these podcasts is to pass on the experiences of Christian military members and retirees to other members, their families and to the broader church family.
 
The topics we discuss are faith, family, and work. The experiences shared in these podcasts, will uplift, and strengthen you in your walk with Christ.
 
Recording are done in audio and then posted to the podcast platforms. (DP1 Deployed Podcast). Guests have the option of not using their name or using initials or a first name.

Do not hesitate to provide us with feedback or if you have any questions or comments about the podcast you can contact us at the MCF office

In Christ,
Rick Campbell
DP1 Deployed 

“Deliver us…” – Prayer series VI

“And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”
Matthew 6: 13


During the week leading up to Jesus’ arrest, Jesus warns Peter, saying, “Satan wants to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith might not fail” (Lk 22:31-32). Jesus does not promise Peter that there will be no trials in life. Peter pledges loyalty even unto death but falls asleep in the garden. Jesus then awakens Peter and tells him to watch and pray lest he enter into temptation, but Peter does not pray and, soon after that, fails in his time of trial by denying Jesus three times. 

When we pray, we are protected by Jesus from Satan and his attacks. Satan, the accuser, is not prevented from his work as “the accuser.” Still, the disciples are instructed in the Lord’s Prayer not only to pray in general but for deliverance from the times of trial that evil brings. 

Whatever one’s views of the nature of Satan, it can be said that the way evil functions in society is most appropriately described using personal language. A demonic energy breaks out in people, societies and nations that act with the force of a guiding evil mind. “Lead us not into temptation” is better translated as, “Do not bring us to the time of trial.” Also, “do not bring us” can be understood to mean “Do not permit us to go.” 

The petition for protection from evil, or the evil one, is a cry from the heart in every age. In 1 Peter 5:8, we find Peter’s words, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 

Seeking God’s protection and guidance must be in our minds and our prayers daily as we venture into the lions’ den..

How should Christians in the CAF respond to and influence the cultural change that is reaching every aspect of our institution?

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, join the discussion led by panel members who have, like all of us, found themselves facing the inevitable tension between recent cultural change initiatives and their faith in Jesus Christ.

Can we serve without compromising our faith? Can we truly love our non-Christian comrades? Is there still a place for Christians in the CAF?

There are no easy answers, but as Christians we know that where we need to look is to God and his word, as a community. This discussion will provide a chance to listen and ask questions as we all seek to serve faithfully.

To make the discussion available across the country, there will be 2 sessions on 6 Feb, the first from 1900-2030 EST followed by 1900-2030 MST. Feel free to join whichever one works best with your schedule.

The panel will be hosted by the Military Christian Fellowship and open to all members of the military Christian community who are asking these kinds of questions. It will be live on Discord.

Please contact the event coordinator, Andrew Haves through the MCF office for more information and to receive the link to Discord.

Coming March 2024

Again this year we will meet without having to physically travel to a specific location for our AGM. As we did in the past few years, we will be using the teleconferencing application called “ZOOM”. We have had great success with this application for connecting with our members and supporters.

Please contact our office for more details.

Only members of the Military Christian Fellowship of Canada will be given the right to vote at the AGM.

Joy

In the book of Exodus, God rescued Israel out of slavery in Egypt and established them as His covenant community by giving them His Law. Over and over, the Israelites would remember and recite this story, refusing to forget the joy of rescue

Through every trial and test ever after, their rescue from Egypt reminded them of what was possible through their God. In God’s covenant with the freed Israelites, He outlines what it looks like to be His people in the world. By following these commands, Israel becomes a compelling image of God’s heart on display. 

As beautiful as the Commandments are, they are but a glimpse of the Great Commandment that Jesus will outline in His ministry. Jesus sums up the entire covenant law given to Moses in the twin statements that make up the Great Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. And love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 12:30-131)

Jesus has fulfilled all the laws by his arrival, life, death, and resurrection. By His grace, He is forming us into a covenant community transformed by His holy love. He is shaping us into a picture of what it looks like to be His people in this world. 

This Christmas, we should also remember our rescue. We must remember our story and how we were once enslaved. Not in Egypt with physical chains, under the brutality of Pharaoh. But we were once enslaved to sin. It was our exile, bound by its oppressive grip and strength. 

But Jesus faced down the empire of sin and proclaimed, “Let my people go!” Jesus is the long-awaited arrival of liberation. He overthrew the power and plagues of sin and became the Passover lamb of sacrifice so that we could be set free! He is our New Exodus! Because of Him, we can know the Joy of Rescue.

The people of Israel often retold their rescue story. What is yours? What is your testimony of Joy and Rescue? How and when did Jesus rescue you? How did that change your life? 

Look for an opportunity to share that joy this Christmas with at least one other person. 

National Communion Call

The MCF is inviting you to join with many across the nation for a National Communion Gathering hosted by the CRY / NDOPs

Please plan to join us on APRIL 6th (3 pm ET) for our Annual National Communion Service (online) for Passover

2023
As we have entered into 2023, there continues to be a strong emphasis across the Body of Christ on the power of the Blood of Christ.
It is as though, while the nations shake and shift, there is a call from Heaven to continue to intentionally hide our hearts and homes under the covering of the Blood of the Lamb.
There is a pull in all of us to gather again for another time of humbling our hearts together before the Lord. We hope you will join us.
During the online gathering, there will be worship, prayer, special exhortation and communion together led by senior national leaders.
Click here to register now.
A link will be sent to all registrants to join live or watch the replay.
French translation will also be provided for those who participated via the Zoom webinar option.

God bless you and God bless Canada,
Faytene Grasseschi
Passover ’23 Host, TheCRY / NDOPs
 

Sharing Life, Hope and Jesus on Alpha

It’s time to consider whom to invite to our next Alpha course. Registration is underway and we would love for you to join us on the online Alpha course the MCF is offering this winter.

The Alpha course is an excellent tool we use in accomplishing the core mission of the MCF, “to bring the gospel to the Military Community”.

If you haven’t been on an Alpha course, please consider joining us this February.  If you have been on the course, then talk to your military community friend or family member about joining us, we are using the online platform and there is plenty of room for everyone.

Watch the ‘trailer‘ then get out there and invite (virtually) your colleagues, your friends and your family, and register soon for the  MCF Alpha course. The experience will change them and you…forever

Are you ready to join us, is someone you know ready for an extraordinary life change? Here are the coordinates for the group:

Sunday, 05 February online at 7:00 pm EST 
Leading the sessions: Gerry Potter
Alpha Coordinator: Nicole

To register and for more information: Connect with us