Dear Friends in Jesus,
The Finnish MCF had our annual conference together led by the Chief Chaplain 19 - 21 September. Again we were fortunate to be granted access to one of our largest and most modern training garrisons, the Karelia Brigade. It is up to the Brigade commanders to accept our application or not. So far, the attitude has always been positive and doors have been open for our conferences. Please pray that this would continue in the future.
The turnout was somewhat low, only some 80 persons when the average lately has been over 100. The number of serving defence forces and frontier guard personnel was about 10 as also in previous conferences. A special delight this year were the young families that have seldom or never before attended. There seems to be a future for spiritual layman work in our military after all.
In the program, we stuck to biblical teaching and focus on Jesus as our saviour which was again well received. There is a distinct need for clear Gospel Message instead of sophisticated ponderings.
I am planning to give the chair of the board of our MCF to Timo Vehviläinen in our annual board meeting next January. By that time he will hopefully be moved into a new position nearer his family where he will also be eligible for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. Personally I have started a new job in the Defence Command in Helsinki, so I too am again able to live with the family in my own home.
Please keep our MCF in your prayers.
In Him,
Sakari Wallinmaa
Colonel, President Finnish MCF
The Finnish MCF had our annual conference together led by the Chief Chaplain 19 -
The turnout was somewhat low, only some 80 persons when the average lately has been over 100. The number of serving defence forces and frontier guard personnel was about 10 as also in previous conferences. A special delight this year were the young families that have seldom or never before attended. There seems to be a future for spiritual layman work in our military after all.
In the program, we stuck to biblical teaching and focus on Jesus as our saviour which was again well received. There is a distinct need for clear Gospel Message instead of sophisticated ponderings.
I am planning to give the chair of the board of our MCF to Timo Vehviläinen in our annual board meeting next January. By that time he will hopefully be moved into a new position nearer his family where he will also be eligible for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. Personally I have started a new job in the Defence Command in Helsinki, so I too am again able to live with the family in my own home.
Please keep our MCF in your prayers.
In Him,
Sakari Wallinmaa
Colonel, President Finnish MCF