Russell and Helen Bielenberg - Ministry Vision Statement (January 2004)

Vision
1. Mature military Christians in each nation honouring Christ with their lives in their homes and professionally, leading their families and colleagues to that same maturity, and formed into a vital, effective fellowship.

Preamble

2. We work in two regions: Spain and the South West Pacific (SWP).
We have been visiting Spain since January 1990, with stays varying in length from three weeks to six months.
We had 16 years on the staff of what is now the MCF of Australia. There is much inter-relationship between countries in the SWP region, in terms of trade, historical ties, training of military people and disaster relief. We have set out below our goals and plans for these regions as well as for our support base.

Goal Spain

3. Support the MCF of Spain (ACEM) in its efforts to become a viable association.

Goals SWP

4. In conjunction with other ACCTS staff

a. Encourage military Christians in their professional and personal lives;

b. Assist them to be equipped to reach out to their peers; and

c. Where appropriate, help them to form national associations.

5. To encourage networking between military Christians of different nations in the region.

6. To establish a system of outreach and support to overseas military students and exchange personnel in Australia and New Zealand.

7. To support the world president of the AMCF in his efforts to have at least one representative from every nation attend the World Conference to be held in Seoul, Korea in September 2004.

Goals Support Base

8. To enlarge the Pray and Plan team and administrative support base in Australia to three couples by June 2004.

9. To increase the existing prayer and financial support base by 50% by Sep2004.

Plans Spain

10. Correspond at least monthly with the coordinator of ACEM, with a view to encouraging the members in their ministry.

11. Visit Spain in the northern spring, 2005.

Plans SWP

12. Continue to host one overseas student at the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies in Canberra, expand existing contacts with other overseas personnel are studying or working in Australia and New Zealand.

13. In conjunction with the MCFs of Australia and New Zealand, identify people in these locations who will host these personnel and share the gospel with them.

14. Establish links with military attaches going to serve in the countries of the region, and encourage the Christians among them to be involved in this ministry.

15. Coordinate with the South West Pacific Vice-President of the world-wide Association of Military Christian Fellowships (AMCF), Chaplain Allen Neil, regarding visits in the region. We aim to visit at least two countries in the first half of 2004. We would attempt to take with us one or more young military Christians who could contribute to the ministry but also learn and expand their vision for international ministry.

Plans Support Base

16. Invite a minimum of four persons to join our P&P team.

17. Write to all existing supporters in February 2004 outlining goals and plans, and seek renewed commitment from them.

18. Write articles for Christian newspapers and journals describing the ministry and seeking expressions of interest.

19. Approach other potential financial supporters, particularly to help sponsor at least one person from the SWP to World Conference in Seoul, Korea in September 2004.