Some Thoughts on this Summer, Alpha for the Military and Freedom Fest

The period from May to September looks unusually quiet. We hoped to go to Bulgaria and Ukraine to lead Alpha courses at vacation camps but these do not appear to be falling into place. We could still go on a normal ministry visit, but at the moment we do not feel compelled by the Holy Spirit to add anything to the calendar. Why we do not know. We want to travel to Europe for the Alpha conferences and to visit Meryl’s mother but it is not clear how any trips will be funded. Your prayers are asked for in this respect.

We still feel the Lord wants us to organize a series of Consultations and Alpha Briefing Days (each a 1 or 2 day event) at 4 locations in the USA, and for US forces based on Okinawa and in Germany during 2006. Dates are not yet known but the first one might take place at Fort Bragg/Pope AFB on 22 Apr 06. Please pray the rest will fall into place.

Freedom Fest is a seeker friendly outreach to the military in the Hampton Roads on 29 Apr 06. By showing our love for the military community of our local area, we hope to encourage them to consider the spiritual basis upon which their lives are based. We are organizing an entirely free and fun day out for the family including children's activites, a meal, some modern Christian music, a Memorial flag display to those who have died in the current war on terrorism and a dignified memorial service to those who have died in all other wars. The climax of the afternoon will be a spiritually motivating talk by an active duty Chaplain who will tell of his experiences as the spiritual advisor, mentor and pastor to a Marine Corps battalion in March/April 2003 in the first days of Gulf War II.