Stand-To!

Military Basic Training was a culture shock. Before, I was a student at university working part-time as a janitor in a seniors’ residence in Wolfville, NS. After two years, I had run out of funds and decided to apply to the military; after all, my dad was a former military pilot, and my brother was a serving aeronautical engineer.
 
Going on exercise was part of Basic Training, as it is part of the military experience in general. Part of the military exercise was a routine called “Stand-to.” The practice of “Stand-to” was a hold-over from WWI when at just before dawn and shortly after dusk, soldiers would stand by their trench with their weapons loaded and ready to fire in the event of an enemy attack, which routinely came at just before dawn or just after dusk. It was part of being ready.

Several months ago, I was on a course led by Dr. Steve Brown, which was entitled “Jesus Centred.” The course was named after the book that Dr. Brown wrote. To me, the book’s gist was about being ready to share and live the gospel in a non-permissive environment. A vital element of the course was focused on Luke 10:2
 
Dr. Brown emphasized that the number of “harvesters” was diminishing in Canada. I note that local churches and mission agencies are echoing the same message… Gospel messengers are fewer and fewer, and this is when the spread of secularism is increasing. Generally, the Canadian population, including the military community, has little to no information about who Jesus is or the opportunity for eternal life that is available only through Him. 
 
I shared with Dr. Brown the ministry of the MCF and our mission to bring the gospel to the military community. He was intrigued and asked how it was going. “Not very well,” I responded. Dr. Brown reminded me of Luke 10:2 when Jesus was sending out missionaries and explaining to them the dilemma that many were ready to hear the gospel, but there were too few messengers. Jesus’ solution was to pray for an increase in labourers. Dr. Brown told me he had set the alarm on his phone for 10:02 am every day when he prayed for labourers. This resonated with me, so I set the alarm on my phone for 10:02 am daily. I pray for three things:

  1. Lord, please spread Your gospel throughout the military community.
  2. Lord, please use the MCF as an instrument of your messaging.
  3. Lord, please use me as one of your harvesters.

This prayer takes me about one minute. 
 
Can you imagine if you were to join me at the same time and pray the same thing every day? Can you imagine if five, or 10 or 50 or 100 of us pray the same thing every day at the same time? I think that God would be moved to answer our requests.
 
Would you join me at 10:02 am every day to “Stand-to” and pray for these three requests? 
 
Are you with me?
 
Gerry Potter
Colonel (Ret’d)
President

Choose wisely!

Adam and Eve are probably the most known names in scripture. They were placed in a unique environment where they had all they needed and even walked with God. They were created in God’s image, which included the ability to make correct decisions. When God created the world, He clearly defined right from wrong. All moral issues were objective and not subjective. Free will allows us to do the wrong thing, but there has always been an option to choose what is right. Adam and Eve were told not to eat from a specific tree giving them their first opportunity to actualize their commitment to God; would they trust Him or seek something more?

Scripture suggests the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil had tremendous alluring power, primarily in how it affected the senses. Eve listens to the snake’s seduction and is also attracted to the look of the Tree. She then takes the fruit in hand and tastes it. As the verses say: “And when the woman saw that the tree was… a delight to the eyes… she took of the fruit and did eat…” (Genesis 3:6). When Adam and Eve eat from the Tree, it triggered a new modus operandi for the entire human experience: the senses become more powerful than the intellect. And because all sensory delights are subjective, it was at this point that man’s frame of reference became personal rather than universal. Thus, everyone born later felt empowered to decide between right and wrong, and moral confusion entered the world.

Adam and Eve were aware of what they were doing. They knew that the Tree was off-limits. It was not that they were lacking anything in the Garden of Eden. So, what did they feel was missing? 

There are two ways to attain wisdom: either learn about it intellectually or acquire it through life experience. From a sensory perspective, the thrill of the experience is undoubtedly unmatched. But at the same time, it is fraught with danger. Do we need to experience every drug and every decadent activity to know it’s not for us? After all, we are all aware of how the result of these experiences carries the danger of permanent physical or emotional scarring. That is why God’s discussion with Adam and Eve after they sinned was not about punishment but consequences. Their removal from the garden was God telling them that if they choose to live without His provision and love, their life will play out differently than intended. 

So how do we choose wisely? We have scripture. Paul reminds us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. And we also have the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26.

 “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves”.  Galatians 5:16 

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
 

The Son

After a few days of cloudy skies, freezing temperatures, and snowstorms, it is nice to see blue skies and a blazing sun. In addition to providing light and warmth, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are converted by our body into vitamin D affecting our muscles, nerves, and, therefore, our life. Several food products as tuna and mackerel, contain vitamin D, but the best source exists because of the sun. 
 
Genesis 1:14 tells us that on the fourth day, God created the sun, which He declared “good.” Health advocates have shared that we must protect ourselves from too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays as it can lead to accelerated aging or some skin cancers. It seems extraordinary that the item God made good could cause us harm. Still, Paul warns about taking everything in moderation in 1 Corinthians 6:19 when he says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honour God with your bodies”. The sun is good, but we must not be exposed to it all the item. 
 

Driving into town, I can see neighbours who require another Son, the one who is at the source of life itself. Jesus spoke about this in John 10:10b when He said: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” There is no need to protect our neighbours from exposure to this Son; the more we bring them to this light, the better it will be for their lives. 
 
What prevents us from sharing Jesus? Pray to ask the Holy Spirit to prepare you and your neighbour for a conversation about Jesus. Introduce someone to the Son.

AGM 2023

Saturday, 25 February 2023 the MCF will be hosting the Annual General Meeting (AGM).  Time TBD.  We will meet using the teleconferencing application called “ZOOM”. All members are invited to join us and if you are not a member yet support the MCF and receive this newsletter, you are most welcomed to join us as well. 

It is crucial that members attend the AGM and to help us ensure that the AGM proceeds smoothly,  pre-registration for attending is required no later than 24 Feb at 4:00 pm EST.  We will send everyone the zoom connection information Friday evening. Please reply to the MCF office. We do need your correct email address to be sure you can log in on Saturday 25 February, 2023. 

For the best experience please download the application to whichever device you will use to connect to the AGM. You should likely use a device that will permit you a viewing screen larger than a smart phone. There may be documents and power point viewing necessary during this meeting.  You can access the application either through your device’s application functionality or at this web-site – https://zoom.us/signup.

We know that He can do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, so to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus in this generation and all those that are to come.  Blessings on you, chat with you soon. 

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

Something has changed; something has not!


In a few days, the last page on my calendar will turn over, indicating the conclusion of 2022. While some of the challenges of the COVID pandemic linger, like my calendar, it feels like we have, as a community of believers, turned a very significant page. The seemingly endless changing mandatory social interaction restrictions have ceased and have become optional. In-person fellowship has resumed, and congregational singing has once again become a component of the church service. Yet, it is not like it was before. Something has changed.
 
Numerous changes have occurred, mind you. And if we sat together in front of a whiteboard, we could collectively list all kinds of changes that we have experienced. We would list the impact on our children’s social skills, the increased preference for online church, the reduction in charitable giving and volunteerism, the increased number of clients using food banks, the increased number of retirements, the increased number of job vacancies, and the increased level of secularization within Canadian society, and much more. Yet, I submit that there is something more that lies beneath all these changes, something central and like a spider’s web emanating from a central hub. 
 
Matthew 7:24-27 records Jesus’ conclusion to His sermon on the mount. He presents a comparison between those who hear and act in accordance with His Word and those who do not. Those who do not are like a person who has built their house on the sand. Those who do are like a person who has built their house on The Rock. Jesus’ message is simple – follow Him and be secure, don’t follow Him, and perceived foundations are fragile, susceptible to the storms of life.
 
What has changed is the sense of security; the pandemic has fractured it. Fear, anger, and uncertainty have become widespread.
 
The writer of Hebrews recorded the counsel of the Spirit. In verse 13:8, we are told that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” He is unchanging, His offer of salvation and life eternal with Him is unwavering. This is the message of the gospel. Its communication is the mission of the MCF.
 
As 2022 concludes, I find I am grateful for the resolute dependability of Jesus. He said He will never leave or forsake us and that we confidently state, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Hebrew 13:5). 
 
I am also grateful for your support, both in terms of words of encouragement and financial giving. Because of your trust, we can continue into 2023 and bring the gospel to the military community. We can continue to make Christ and His message of hope and salvation known.

WELCOME HOME INITIATIVE©️

This ministry helps to restore and find healing for any soul and moral injury you may have. The format of the program helps veterans and spouses understand the hidden impact of combat and provides a safe place for their emotional healing.  Whether you are suffering of any trauma or know someone who is, prayerfully consider joining others for moral support and care.  

You are invited to come to the next Welcome Home Initiative©️ taking place 7-9 November at Christ the King spiritual Life Center, Greenwich, NY 12834.  There is NO CHARGE for veterans or their spouses.  

To learn more, apply to attend, or to support this initiative:   www.ctkcenter.org

Registration for the Retreat: https://christthekingcenter.campbrainregistration.com  

In partnership with:

    www.accts.org

“Sharing life, hope and Jesus on Alpha in 2022 ” 

Sessions have started and we are excited to explore with friends, family and many the experience of seeing first-hand the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation. This encouragement helps the entire military community recapture the joy of evangelism. The MCF is offering an online Alpha where people bring their friends for a conversation about life, faith and Jesus.

Watch the ‘trailer‘ and pray for us as we connect with a group from across the country this fall. 

For more information don’t hesitate to contact at mcfoffice@themcf.ca

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