A TRIBUTE TO WN9DDV AND OUR NET'S  BEGINNING ( BELOW)

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                      Richard Pumphrey  WN9DDV
                                      1947-2017

                  Our Net manager, Richard  Pumphrey, was unexpectedly  taken from us in an automobile
accident on Sept. 1, 2017.  He had been an active net 
member since the 1990's and the net manager since 2006.
       He loved ham radio and in addition to being a net controller
and manager for this net, he was a net controller for Mid-Cars.
On multiple occasions he donated radios and other ham related
​equipment to needy hams.
     Richard was an ordained priest in the Reformed Anglican Church and active in the local First Congregational Church that he and his wife were members of.  He was also a chaplain for the local fire department.
     His wife Tricia (formerly KM4IOD) now has Richard's call sign WN9DDV and is a member of the Hams for Christ Net.

                                                     OUR BEGINNING
                                
The Hams For Christ Fellowship net began on Saturday, February 9, 1981. Dave Friar, AF8D, and Hugh Wilson, WB0HUP, had been in frequent contact via amateur teletype. Both felt led of the Lord to establish a network of Christian hams that would meet regularly for fellowship on amateur radio. Dave suggested a net be established on the 20 meter band. However, due to long skip conditions on 20 meters, Hugh could not always hear Dave or other nearby stations. He suggested they use the 40 meter band. They decided to use both bands! On February 9, 1981 at 4 PM, the first “CQ Hams for Christ” went out, by Dave on 20 meters, and by Hugh on 40 meters. Weekly Saturday sessions were scheduled thereafter on both bands. Dave’s effort on 20 meters had little success and soon was discontinued. However, two or three hams faithfully checked in with Hugh on 40 meters. Their persistence and faithfulness resulted in a Christian fellowship net that has continued ever since and is currently found on 7263 Khz six days a week.
In this new millennium we can only guess what the future may hold. As it is with amateur radio in general, many of the members of Hams For Christ are entering their twilight years or have already passed into the Lord’s presence. Changes in technology continue to come at a rapid pace, but the purpose of Hams for Christ remains unchanged—to share the unchanging gospel in a changing world.  As we review our history we remember many blessings of yesterday. As we look ahead we must work while it is still day, for the night comes when no man can work. May Hams For Christ always be faithful to teach the Word, encourage the saints, praise our Lord and Savior, and be a blessing to all who participate in the fellowship.