Trustees Annual Report 2023 Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 Unit 24, Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Watchfield. SN6 8TZ 01793 783123 www.afcu.org.uk AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 _**So, we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. Colossians 1:9-12a NLT**_ Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Introduction We are pleased to present the annual report of the Armed Forces’ Christian Union (AFCU) for the year ended 31st December 2023. The AFCU is a registered charity (CIO) dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of the Armed Forces serving personnel, MOD Civil Servants, veterans, and their families. This year marked the second year of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, and this brought continued pressure on the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom. As the AFCU supports members of His Majesty’s Forces, we are delighted by the participation of so many personnel at the King’s Coronation on 7th May. Some of our members were closely involved with the preparation, organisation or in the ceremony itself. We hold up King Charles III and the leaders of our country in our prayers. Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Objectives and Activities During 2023 the AFCU continued to provide: prayer support, Bible teaching, discipleship, and a range of activities to support the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the members. In addition, the AFCU provided one-on-one pastoral support to service members and their families, as well as organising retreats and other events to encourage spiritual growth and fellowship. We have seen a steady increase in membership to over 1000 serving members, and 2000 nonserving and veteran members. Each of our ministries is led by a steering group; nine in total. Each steering group comprises volunteers from the membership, a Director and a Trustee. Their reports are below. Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Under 35s Steering Group _Aim: to disciple young men and women in the Armed Forces community in their Christian faith._ This steering group (SG) fosters a sense of belonging and fellowship for our young serving members, MOD civil servants or contractors and their spouses. During 2023, a number of events and activities took place, either directly organised by the U35s or where they participated. Between four and twelve met for an hour on the first Monday of every month to pray together and encourage one another. Members of the U35s SG take it in turns to lead these evening prayer meetings. A fun weekend of Adventurous Training took place at St George’s House, a Christian Conference Centre near Barnstaple. Twenty-two folk gathered to enjoy climbing, sea-based activities, Martin and Lee’s cooking and time in fellowship together. The AFCU runs an activity week for military teenagers during August, and a number of leaders for this camp come from the U35 members. They participated in giving memorable talks, leading sports activities and being group leaders. It is a time of building faith, both for the campers and the leaders. In February, seventeen U35 members spent the weekend together looking at the Lectio365 – prayer course, which was really appreciated by all and has added to a growing sense of momentum in the U35s. In November, a further group of sixteen U35 members gathered for a weekend of fun and fellowship with a local curate, Rev Chris Rimmer as he drew on his experiences to speak about identity, memorising Scripture and transforming the culture around us. _**“I love attending the weekends and having fellowship with other Christians my age - chatting with old friends and meeting new ones.”**_ _**“Meeting other Christians in the military my age and the fellowship surrounding that. It was so amazing to just mix together and do life, sharing what was on our hearts openly and honestly.”**_ **Highlights: Adventurous Training Weekend in Devon – May 2023 House party in Watchfield – February and November 2023** AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Men's Steering Group _Aim: to disciple men in the Armed Forces community (serving, MOD Civil Servants, contractors and their spouses) in their Christian faith._ ## **Highlights:** **Men’s Bible teaching weekend at the Armed Forces’ Chaplaincy Centre (AFCC) – February 2023 The Gathering – June 2023** The regular February Men’s Weekend was held at Beckett House, the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre, in Shrivenham. The topic for this weekend, delivered by Rev Will Pearson-Gee, was ‘Victim of dysfunctional family to Saviour of the world’ based on the story of Joseph and how God shaped him. Josh Marlow led the worship and connecting with each other was a key component for this weekend and the 45 attending. _**“The Word was edifying, convicting and spiritually healing. The praise and worship was encouraging and recharging. Communion was sanctifying, holy and spiritually enriching in God’s Word.”**_ At the end of June, 35 AFCU ‘blokes’ met in ‘a field near Swindon’ for CVM’s annual event ‘The Gathering 2023’ (TG23). The usual line up of green Army tents distinguished the military from the many other men. Since it was Armed Forces Day, they were invited up onto the stage, in uniform. This demonstrated that it is possible to be a Christian and in the military. It also was an opportunity for those at The Gathering to honour Christians serving in the Military. Martin and Rhett catered for all with the BBQ, and it was encouraging to see so many men worshipping together. On the Sunday morning, the men met in groups of 3-4 and prayed for one another. This event remains a significant event for the men’s ministry. _**“I just wanted to thank yourself and the entire AFCU team for looking after myself and Scotty at this year’s Gathering event for men. I was so impressed by the set up your team provided and the servant heartedness of all those who represent AFCU. You really have created something that is both supporting to serving Christians and an excellent outreach opportunity to welcome along those seeking”.**_ Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Flourish Steering Group _Aim: to disciple women in the Armed Forces community (serving, MOD Civil Servants, those married to serving spouses and contractors) in their Christian faith; identifying and encouraging those with leadership skills._ **Highlights:** - **Rooted and Rested – September 2023 Twenty4 celebration – September 2023** _**“I've had the best teaching through the Ladies/Flourish weekends over the last 19 years, more so than from church - I rely on the teaching. But fellowship and sharing is so important too in our walk with Jesus”**_ Rooted and Rested was a 36-hour event held in Shrivenham. With 26 in attendance, the challenge was to encourage each woman to go deeper where God has planted her. Whether those present were settled or passing through like a ‘patio pot’ for 6 months, God wants them to grow their roots deep in that place and bear fruit to love those they live alongside. This year, the Twenty4 programme for Christian women in the Defence community came to an end with a final celebration in September. This day sought to honour all that God has done through the leadership and mentoring programme with eighteen ladies attending to share God’s goodness over the years. Additionally, there are a number of ongoing women’s Bible studies held by Zoom, led by those involved in the Women’s ministry at different times of the week, including one supporting those posted internationally. AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Prayer Steering Group _Aim: to foster the desire to pray and be prayed for across the Union and to arrange mechanisms by which these can be met._ Throughout the year, in over 70 locations, monthly prayer groups/individuals gathered and prayed for the serving links. We currently have just under 300 serving links who are prayed for by 79 different Prayer Support Teams (PSTs). We know that this part of our ministry is hugely important and appreciated and we have seen many answers to prayer. _**“It is a real blessing and a privilege being part of a PST. Inspiring answers to prayers which encourage us and the people we are praying for. Journeying with our links through tough times and praying into their situation. The joy of meeting with other Christians over Zoom even though we are in different countries to pray for others.” “It is a joy and privilege to provide vital prayer cover for our Links on a regular basis. It is wonderful to see God answering so many of our prayers in tangible ways.”**_ _**“It’s a wonderful opportunity to pray for serving folk. We understand some of the problems, my husband having served in the RN for 35 years.”**_ _**“I am so grateful for my long-serving and faithful PST, grateful to the AFCU and to all who pray. And of course, grateful to our amazing, faithful, loving, perfect God.“**_ During May, we joined in with the International Thy Kingdom Come prayer initiative in support of the Defence Christian Network (DCN). ## **Highlights:** **Virtual Prayer Retreat – June 2023** **Thy Kingdom Come – May 2023 Linking Serving members and their families for specific confidential prayer cover** AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Throughout the year, the Lunchtime Prayer Group has met on Zoom from Mondays to Fridays. This group started during Covid and continues to pray over the work of the Union. The Staff team joins in every Monday. The Office team also continues to meet for daily morning prayer, using the regularly updated prayer diaries, and prays for the sick, the deployed, our padres and spouses, the AFCU prayer diary and the Confidential Intercessory Prayers (CIP). These prayer diaries are sent out to over 90 trusted confidential intercessors within the membership too. At The Gathering in June, we launched a new prayer campaign, ‘Adopt a Soldier, Sailor or Aviator’ to raise the profile of how vital prayer is for supporting our serving members. It provoked a number of conversations and sign-ups. In the autumn, we produced a Remembrance resource for churches to use including an updated booklet and short video clips of service personnel speaking around specific subjects. This is of especial benefit to civilian clergy who often approach AFCU for support in leading Remembrance Services. It is available in digital format as well as a printed booklet and contains links to video clips, a full order of service plan, prayers, and wording for the Act of Remembrance. We were delighted to receive positive feedback. Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Families Steering Group _Aim: to pray for and plan the AFCU Families Ministry, and to coordinate, oversee and develop activities to encourage, equip and reach out to serving members and their families in the Armed Forces._ ## **Highlights:** - **Summer Camp Leaders preparation weekend – March 2023** - **Go Fish in Gibraltar – July 2023** - **New Wine – August 2023** - **Summer Camp for Teenagers – August 2023** Adam and Ruth Pyrke, with Robin and Sophie Hawkins, ran a training weekend for the Summer Camp leaders in April. This was an opportunity to invest in the young leaders, a number of whom are serving personnel, to build them up in their faith and leadership skills. In July, 35+ military children based in Gibraltar, were led by Adam and Ruth for a week of fun activities with a Christian message. This is conveyed through a programme called ‘Go Fish.’ This was initiated and supported by AFCU members posted there. Following this very successful week, there has been a continuation of this connection with a monthly ‘Go Fish’ family time. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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More than 60 members met up and camped at the annual New Wine (NW) Conference called ‘United’ in the East of England Show Ground, Peterborough, for a week of worship and teaching. Those who brought children were well catered for, and they built friendships that carry on into Summer Camp. We camped as a village and hosted a picnic one lunchtime to gather with those who are attending NW but camping with their churches. Our large white marquee is an excellent space for spending time in fellowship in the evening, after the final meeting, as well as throughout the day. Summer Camp is the highlight of many an AFCU teenager's year: an action-packed week of fun, encouragement, Bible teaching, and the opportunity to make new and lasting friendships. Some come to deepen their faith, others come to find it. This year we had 62 campers and 32 leaders. _**From a previous speaker: “I still dream about Easter Camp at least weekly! I experienced so much of God’s blessing at those camps and met so many lovely peoplesometimes speaking to multiple generations of campers! “**_ Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Community for Post-Traumatic Growth _Aim: to pray for and plan the ‘work’ of the CPTG to AFCU members with military trauma including and not restricted to those with combat trauma, moral injury and PTSD._ The CPTG met for three days in Devon during February 2023 to prayerfully discern the way ahead and made the decision to focus our efforts this year in planning a Retreat focused on providing a spiritual response for those with military trauma. A date was set for January 2024 and the rest of the year devoted to planning, advertising and seeking funding. This work was supported in a regional way by two members of the group running locally based support groups where interested people can attend an organised meeting for support and encouragement. AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## International Steering Group _Aim: to coordinate the international activities of AFCU members and the wider international military community within the UK._ The Summer Adventure Retreat, run by Military Ministries International (MMI)’s Bulgarian MCF, was thoroughly enjoyed by its participants. They saw how the spread of both Christian faith and Roman influence has contributed to the wealth of culture in the Balkan Peninsula. As well as MMI representatives, there were young officers in attendance from the Netherlands and Romania and it was an opportunity to strengthen ties and share fellowship and Bible study. Another facet of the ISG is to pray for those of our members who have left the Armed Forces and become missionaries around the World. Their prayer needs are also added to the monthly Prayer Diary. _**“I so appreciate the AFCU’s prayerful and practical backing of my mission service. Indeed, I can attribute much of my spiritual maturity that led me here to the teaching, mentoring and encouragement I have received through the women's ministry**_ **Highlights:** _**over the years. AFCU has been such a blessing and a lifeline –**_ **Praying alongside MMI for** _**and I know I’m not alone in feeling that! “**_ _**Highlights:**_ _**SAR – Bulgaria – July 2023 Ski Trip, Romania – March 2023 Supporting missionaries**_ AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Finance Steering Group _Aim: To prayerfully ensure and monitor the financial liquidity and related governance of the AFCU so that it can operate effectively._ The FSG reviewed the quarterly accounts, reviewed and agreed staff pay, reviewed the budgets for 2024, noting that there is a current projected deficit due to the end of a substantial set of legacies (all legacies are released into the accounts over a 4 year period), and discussed approaching additional grant making bodies. Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Veterans In Custody (VICs) Ministry _Aim: to foster the desire to pray and be prayed for across the Union and to arrange mechanisms by which these can be met._ This discreet ministry has been managed by Lt Col (Retd) Val Hall. There are a considerable number of veterans in UK prisons, and a small portion of these profess a Christian faith and have contacted the AFCU. Encouraging them in their faith, letters are written at Christmas, Easter, for birthdays as well as in response to personal letters. Small gifts, normally a book, are sent and are much appreciated. It’s also very encouraging to know that many of our VICs also pray for the AFCU. As this voluntary ministry has expanded, five AFCU members have stepped forward to become ministry leaders. They now correspond with the VICs in addition to Val. _**“Thank you and all at AFCU for all your prayers, help and support.”**_ _**“I pray for you and all those at the AFCU as you serve as a guiding light to those in darkness around the world and continue to refresh those who live in the Spirit.”**_ Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Membership Support More demands on the Forces, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and further unrest globally – including the Middle East, has resulted in more pressure on Forces’ families and a steady stream of pastoral needs. Many of the AFCU staff have been engaged in supporting individuals, couples and families throughout the year. Often, as one major issue or drama is resolved or diminishes, another seems to arise. The most serious ones are raised with the Directors, especially the Prayer Director, who also holds the portfolio for Safeguarding Lead. In order to do this role effectively she receives monthly external supervision for her pastoral work and personal spiritual direction. She went on a spiritual retreat for 3 days at Burnham Abbey in March 2023. In July 2023 she completed a yearlong course at Spurgeon’s College graduating with a certificate of Pastoral Supervision. ## Officers’ weekend In March, nearly 70 members attended the Officers’ Weekend which was held at Denham Grove Hotel. The topic was ‘Certainty in an Uncertain World’, a series of five talks given by Willie Stileman. Brig Ian Dobbie also secured the exceptional Lord Farmer to speak to us. It was a privilege to hear from such an eminent speaker. _**“This is such a valuable weekend, it’s the spiritual highlight of our year. When moving round with the armed forces, you can have a variable church experience depending on where you are, so it’s wonderful to know we have this event in the calendar with excellent bible teaching, mature discussions and spiritual encouragement. We so appreciate the teachers and speakers that Brig Ian Dobbie arranges.”**_ _**“It was such an encouraging time and so good to get together to worship our Father and to hear from Carl and Jan. They each gave us much food for thought and challenges to take on board. Sarah was brilliant doing the technical stuff ‘from above’ and Zillah, the refreshments and Alan leading the worship too. A great day!”**_ AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Farnborough Regional Day Using the recorded material from the 2022 Catalyst Day, Val Hall laid on a teaching day ‘Restore, Refresh and Reconnect’ at Farnborough Church St Peter’s. It was a great day of fellowship for the 39 that attended from the area. _**“Very many thanks to you and your team for yesterday. I have not been involved with AFCU much in recent years, but I found it an enjoyable, challenging and encouraging day. I enjoyed seeing [old friends] again as well as meeting new people on our table. I thought the whole day worked very well with time for interaction and discussion during the question times.”**_ ## Israel Pilgrimage In early May, a group of AFCU members visited Israel for our second Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the last one being in 2017. The pilgrimage to the Holy Land was amazing! 32 AFCU pilgrims plus a local guide and bus driver explored a number of important Christian and pertinent military sites. Each night we had a local speaker giving their own unique perceptions of living in the land and raising points for prayer. This combination of seeing the historical Christian/military significance of the land AND meeting some of the ‘living stones’ were the essential elements that make this trip so unique. We take seriously the exhortation to ‘pray for the peace of Jerusalem’ in Psalm 122:6. The KJV brings out the blessing that follows “they shall prosper that love thee.”. Certainly, this is a nation that desperately needs our prayers, and while we were there nearly a thousand rockets were launched from Gaza many of them aimed at Jerusalem. All but 2 of these were either intercepted by Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 the Iron Dome or misfired to land inside Gaza. We thanked God for safety and felt very safe, although we practised our emergency bus evacuation drills several times. As British military people too, there was much to reflect on regarding our historical connections with the land and the opportunity to learn from that history, both good and bad. All in all, this was an unqualified success and was reflected in the feedback from the participants. We give thanks to God and ask Him to lead us about whether to/how to do this again in the future. ## Daily online Bible study The YouVersion Bible app is used to great effect to inspire our community to read the word regularly. The engagement has been good. _**“Thanks so much for inviting me to this week’s Bible study on Spiritual Disciplines it is just what I needed. Thank you for your encouragement and all you are doing.”**_ _**“This has been the trip of a lifetime for me and made extra special by the group members: prayerful; joyful; supportive; ministering to one another; gracious group. Such a blessing.”**_ _**“It was the tour of a lifetime and an opportunity to see and walk in the footsteps of Jesus - very powerful.”**_ _**“I think everyone should do a Holy Land pilgrimage. I learnt such a lot about Israel, its people and its history. Awakened an interest in the Bible again.”**_ AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Communications Each Friday we send out an emailed newsletter containing an article and an advert for an AFCU event. We find these are well received and have a steady opening rate of around 38% (a 5% increase from last year). For some members, we send out a printed version every two months. We make good use of a closed Facebook group, and our Instagram account is gaining momentum. With a wide-ranging membership, with different communication needs, we review our statistics and effectiveness regularly. Throughout the year, we responded to requests for interviews with various Christian media channels, especially around the time of the Hamas terror attack in Israel and the following conflict. AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Partnerships with other organisations The Defence Christian Network, which comes under the MOD Faith and Belief Networks, was initiated by one of our members and is supported by all Military Christian Fellowships. Lt Col Simon Maggs works tirelessly to make the DCN a ‘visible, quad-service Christian community, growing together in faith and providing a positive Christian presence in the MOD.’ We meet regularly with the DCN leadership ensuring he has the support he needs. By far the most significant event, which we worked in partnership with the DCN to organise, was the Service of Prayer which over 200 people attended. Held in the Defence Academy, this year it was led by the Royal Navy and included one of the remaining veterans from the D-Day landings. Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Financial review The AFCU is funded by the generous donations of the membership, which also includes legacies. Grants are sought in support of aspects of our work. We are particularly grateful to the Cornelius Trust for their financial contribution towards the activities for the benefit of members of the Armed Forces, enabling us to keep costs down for attendees. We have received confirmation of grants in advance of some of our work in 2024. This is very encouraging. The AFCU's financial performance remained consistent during the reporting period. Income for the year was £317,803 which was in line with expectations. Expenditure for the year was £370,754, with the majority of the expenses relating to staffing costs (56%), event expenses (30%), and administrative costs (14%). This has required us to use £52,951 of our reserves. The reserves policy states that if the reserves available are less than the 6-month figure then the Finance Steering Group and the Board of Trustees are to be alerted so that remedial action may be taken. This was not necessary with the total assets being in excess of this figure. However, action is being taken with further grant applications and raising the need for financial support amongst the membership. AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## What's coming up in 2024? The Board of Trustees strategy weekend in December 2023 continued its review of the focus of the AFCU as well as the financial position. It discussed the agreed new strapline ‘Enabling, encouraging and equipping Christian members of the Armed Forces through discipleship, fellowship and prayer’, expanding on what this means for the Union. The executive is not large enough to be everywhere and we need our members to take up the mantle of leadership. The focus of the Issachar programme will be on those areas that have been identified as the key elements needed to successfully lead others: elements such as being able to discern God’s will and having the confidence to step forward in faith. It has been identified through discussions and surveys that while many military personnel have been taught a rational, objective approach to leadership many struggle to translate those skills into their Christian life. Many of the skills are transferrable but the fundamental principles underpinning Christian leadership are not necessarily the same because God does not follow human rules. For the AFCU to grow spiritually, we need to train and mentor leaders who can develop Christian groups in their local area. The Issachar programme will teach those attending how they can understand God’s will better and through mentoring and encouragement give the members sufficient confidence to establish, lead and inspire their groups. The Issachar programme will offer them not only the training to develop their skills but through mentoring and the mutual support of each other as a cohort, the strength to drive on and overcome difficult times. It is anticipated that their 18 months together will provide the essential group cohesion and momentum to enable them to lead other Christians in their community. Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Conclusion We would like to express our appreciation to the staff, volunteers, and donors who have supported the AFCU during the reporting period. We are proud of the progress we have made in advancing our mission of providing pastoral and spiritual support to the Armed Forces community. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to continuing to serve the needs of this community in the coming year. ## Confirmation statement I confirm, as Chair of Trustees, that we have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit “Charities and Public Benefit”. Signed: Date: 01/07/2024 Sqn Ldr Jonathan Palmer Chair of Trustees Armed Forces’ Christian Union Armed Forces’ Christian Union. Charity number: 1193977 Independent Examlner's report to the Trustees on the unaudited accounts of the Armed Forces, Christian Unlon I report on the accounts for the year endlng 31 December 2023. which ¢ornprise thè SL3tement of Flnantial Artivltles, the Balance Sheet and related notes set out on pages I to 7. Respertlve responslbllltles of trustees and reportln8 accounts. The charity's trustees are responslble for the preparation of the accounts. The charStVs trustees consider that an audlt Is not required thls year under section 144 of the Charitles Act 2011 and that an independent examlnatlonls needed. It Is my responsibS1ity to.. al Examine the accounts under sectlon 145 of the Chariiles Act, bl Follow the procedures labd down the general Dlrections given by the Charity CommSs5ion (under sectlon 1451511bl of the Charities Act), and cl To state whether particular matters have come to my attentlon. Basls of Independent Examlnerfs statement My emamination was carrled out in accor(lan¢e with the General Directlons given by the Charity Commissioners. An exarnlnation Includes a revlew of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It a150 includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures In the accounts, and seekin8 explanatlons Irom the trustees Concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required In an audit, and conseguenily no oplnion is given as io whether the accounts present a 'true and faSr' view and ihe report is limited to those rnaiters sei out in the statement below. Independent Examlnerfs statemenl In connection with my examination. no materlal matters have come to my attention whlch 8ives me cause to belleve that, in any material respect: al The accounting records were not kept in accordance with sectlon 130 of the Charitles Act.. or bl The accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or cl The accounts did not comply wlth the applicable requirements concernln8 the form and content of ccounts Set oul in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2CQ8 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair. vSew which is rsot a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have come across no other matters Sn connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Cd W A Tresise ACA. Tresise & Company Chartered Accountant, ICAEW 28. Evesham Walk, Sandhurst, Berkshire. GU47 OYU Date: 0310712024 ARMED FORCES, CHRISnAN UNION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2023 Unrestrlrted Desl8nated Restrfcted Funds Funds Funds Total Funds (General Fund) (Spe¢lal Project Fund) 2023 2022 Note Income and endowments from: Donatlons and legades Other tradin8 aCtr¥ities Income from Investments I￿orne from Charftable Artlvltles: Holidays and activities 31a) 185,424 31bl 162 31cl 5.785 5,2(Kl 28,705 219,328 162 5.785 218,162 293 7.221 31dl 92.528 92.528 36.795 Total Incom• 283.898 5,2CK) 28,705 317.803 262,472 Expendlture on ralslni funds Expendlture Charltsble Actlvltles: Holidays and actlvities Member malling and vlslts 41a) 454 41bl 182.311 41cl 182.097 182,311 188.036 119,988 181,470 5.939 Total Expendltufe 364,815 5,939 370,754 301,911 Net Income/lexpenditure} before transfei of funds 180,916) 5,21KI 22,766 (52.9511 {39,4391 Transfers between Funds 30.887 18.231) 122,6561 Balances blf l January 2023 149.248 13,063 17,459 179.770 219,210 Balances clf 31 December 2023 99.219 10.031 17.570 126.820 179,770 ARMED FORCES. CHRISTIAN UNION BALANCE SHEEf AS AT 31 December 2023 Unrestrirted Funds Restrirted Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Note Flxed Assets Tan8ible Fixed Assets 2,738 2,738 2,738 2,738 3.477 3,477 Current Amets Short term deposlts + Investments Debtors Cash at bank & in hand 89.5￿) 21.189 11.209 121.988 17.570 107.160 21,189 11.209 139,557 175.OSI 20,822 7,343 203,215 io 17,570 Uabllltles li {15.4761 115.476) 126.9221 Net Current Assets 106.512 17.570 124,081 176.293 Net Assets 109 250 126 820 179 770 Funds General Fund Designated Funds Restricted Funds Missionary Fund International Fund - Specific Gifts Fund 12 99,219 10,031 149.248 13,063 559 793 17,011 16.667 126,820 179,770 Chairman of Trustees 0310712024 Date Si8ned: NOTES TO IHE STATEMEKf OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES FOR ThE YEAR ÉNDED 11 DE(offlbEr2021 Ihe •ccwnts Ifinancial Stste￿￿ts1 ha￿ ￿rb prppared the hi4torical cost c[1n¥w￿Wlth items recryni5ed at co5tortrar￿CIlQn valup unle55 othffw￿e ststed in the rdevant note(sl LO the￿aCc￿nts.Tho fmaicial 5taterr•Ent5 have bttn prepaiod in accordanco kMth theCharitiE5 ￿Ap FR$ 102 •d (havi¢*sk¢ 1011. The tharty i% a P￿1( lJw•ftiwrtitya5 th11n￿ ty FRS 102. Ibl Ihe linarKial statement5 ha¥e been p[￿red ￿ a prqconcern ba￿5 and tru#ee5areol the(*rtw thatt￿e are no m•tsrKIl UncertaIn￿e5 about t￿charl￿51b1IlWtO[¢rtinu?as SLKh. Gerw*lly irKorr*is recLYdnisedonan Kcruo15 basi5. lryacie5 are rerwi5ed In th? SOFAW r•ceipt. credit•d to th•Sp•o"•l Proi•ct fvThJ IDesi8nated F￿dI. then released ¢)¥or 4 years. incorre is recr4nis¢d In the Statern￿t ol financial Activit￿5 onc• th*charity h45 Intitl•n¥n¢ ¢0 th• turhth. it 15 probablo that thE incorn• ¥MII th••mowt¢an vdia*. Idl ExP￿dit￿re i5aCtounted lor on in attruth bo￿$1￿d has been d•s￿fiel under hÈadir¢s that ¥¢reyte all cost related 10 t•teiory. Where costs cannot bedlrertty attributed to partlcular headiws they have beenallocated to #tlvitles ￿ a ba￿5 cofjsisient with use ol resources. Expendltureon rftèbk actSvlt*5 ifbdwJ*s tEEtwts 2022 Funds General Spe£1 Proiert Total I￿,619 293 7.221 2.441 21&162 293 7.221 Othpv t￿dIn• art￿ltIES H(4￿•¥5 and xtiwiie5 3&795 2>4,Y9 15. Tape5 & Wdeos 454 454 &Artiwitf5 & ktlTrritlES ttssts &Jpport amd ￿*Ma￿te costs15￿> $4384 63.603 fj3,￿5 V*mbtr tTr*artdvb SalèrSe5 uierature & Prhtkni ¥ertlsir "nistiv lenvlal. Misl Swnor¥15 tDr and Trwel 04301 1495 1.035 31 31 Support lorAMCF ￿•￿d￿niS Support lor & H•m• s Secreury 541•ry 9.835 63.603 181.470 Support and Kv••rNnce<05t5150%1 63.EQ3 16B.235 13,235 Tota EXP*￿11￿￿ 211,676 iJ,U5 301.911 tr*h51qr af l￿d5 Tiansfw bttw**fj lunds Balances broulht lonv1￿1 153,6871 39,510 163.415 2.141 121.3981 ,019 ILW7 1141231 23,775 IJ9MJ¥ 119.210 •Nes (arylld lorwwd 13.063 17.459 179,7 MDtor V•hicles Equis￿nt At l January 2023 ditwxs DL%posals At 31 Decerrthi2013 3.477 72 t4prech?tion At l January ZOZ3 04rge forye¥ D￿posalS 717 739 717 739 ￿etB￿l Volue At 31 December Z023 At 31 Decethr2012 2.738 3.477 72 3.405 IIDt•5 tothi finkniEial s¢*wn*5.C￿tsnU•1 21122 CAF Gobj *£count 37,1 LO.C61 Green Pastures- I ye*103ns 165.( 2011 0￿ Tax recrr•*tst4e oihei dthofs and prepaidewenms 11.114 .075 21.189 L3.17F 20.822 11 U•Wlttl•kAmow*sl••Jrydy• wlthlnor•ywr 2021 2022 to I￿0￿￿ A¢vEnfft- PAYVMK Ol￿r(rIdI10ry •r¥l th•rpJ 4.163 15,476 26.922 Ploim toth• fln•htl*l siat•iia*i.¢wUnu•d InLom• Trabuf•ri CIF UnMstrfd•d F￿dI Genèral Fund iM¢•d Fw 149.24B 13.063 162.311 283,B98 I364￿15> Xl,887 .215 10.031 101.2SO 289.Q38 1364.815 22,656 11.2191 tvn•iioNI SpeO11¢ GKts 195 IBS) 1475 24173 {13ZOI Corne¥u5 1x11731 Fgmlfymrnistry 11154 95$ 725 1281 1597 117871 1367 321 In5 Men 5 m1ft￿try Miss SymLwdJ kntient MDrin*s Itxl4fF) Ru55ic FuTrdltxNCFI TOTALS R•rtrlrt4dFuhd Ttll* I15￿1 2597 17.459 28,705 15.939 121.6561 17.S70 Totsl FWMIJ 179,770 317.lOJ 1370.754 126.820 Th• DosjMted Fund lot￿r¥￿St tho SpEcial Propct Fundl wa5 set-up tts f•Yn l*EKy hicorne ow2r 4 yeiv The PAlS￿onary Fund receivos donation5 ro pro¥idp pwwnal ylts fry Members and AssocrdtÈ5 ijn the Missbxwry Prwr 115t Th• Internatbjnal Fund receNp5 donations tDsuppNt the work ol othqr military klbwship5 overseas. SpttilK Gittsam moAit5 li￿￿ lorsptcifit proiEtts, oftth short term l*.1. 8r*htsfromth* Corn*liLts Trust. ov lor Eistertsrrylsl. Innuil pant Irthn Comdius Tntst la) istr*ditedtoa i*strirttd knhd. Grnnts to sptilit *¥*nts*r* slKrwn Is tr*sl*rs Irom this luhd. AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Governance of the AFCU Structure, governance, and management The Armed Forces’ Christian Union is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), having previously been a charity of the same name. It has a Foundation Constitution with two principal objects: - to advance the Christian faith and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in and through the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and internationally. - to promote the efficiency of the Armed Forces of the Crown. Its beneficiaries are the Armed Forces Community, including but not limited to, serving, retired or prospective members of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and Internationally, and their associates and families. ## Governance The AFCU is governed by a Board of Trustees, who meet quarterly to provide oversight and strategic direction. During the reporting period, the Board continued to review and update the charity's policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice. Virtual meetings were held in February, May and September, and the Board gathered for a weekend of strategic thinking in early December. AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Trustee recruitment As a member organisation, we recruit our Trustees from within the membership. Volunteers are sought or individuals are recommended to the Board. Each applicant is asked to provide details of their faith journey and experience of the AFCU, along with a CV and two personal references to the Trustees. They are given the latest Trustees Annual Report, the AFCU constitution and the Charity Commission's ‘Role of Trustee’ and Code of Conduct to ensure the role is fully understood. Following a successful Trustees’ review of the application, the prospective Trustee is invited to attend the next Board meeting to enable both the applicant and the Trustees to be sure of their suitability for the post. The existing Trustees then confirm their decision to the Chair of Trustees within 7 days of the meeting, with the new Trustee being formally confirmed in the role at the subsequent Board of Trustees meeting. Trustees serve for a term of three years. ## Trustees During the reporting period and on the date of the report: Sqn Ldr Jonathan Palmer RAF - Chair of Trustees (from Jan 22) Rev Jon Backhouse RN – stood down Dec 2023 Rev Andrew Thompson Army Lt Col Simon Harris Army Flt Lt Sian White RAF Maj Bob Sheldon Army Retd Wg Cdr Colin Weaver RAF Retd – stood down Sep 2023 Marina Colville Civilian Rev Chris Carré RAF – from Sep 2023 Paula Carré Civilian – from Dec 2023 Paul Hodgkinson RAF ## Presidential Bench In addition to the Board of Trustees, the AFCU Presidential Bench provides advice and guidance to the Trustees. The Presidential Bench can give particular insight at a strategic level. President: Dr Kevin Shaw – stood down Dec 2023 Vice President: Brig Pete Rowell – became President Dec 2023 Vice President: Cdr Dan Peskett Vice President: Rev (Gp Capt) Ruth Hake from May 2023 Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 AFCU ANNUAL REPORT 2023 ## Management ## Accountant The AFCU’s Office is in Watchfield, Oxfordshire close to the Defence Academy of the UK. The managing staff consists of three Directors (Membership, Operations and Communications, and Prayer and Pastoral) who are responsible for the staff team, with FTE 5 paid and 4 staff members volunteering their time, and the day-today management of the CIO. They report directly to the Board of Trustees. The Chair, Deputy Chair and Treasurer meet monthly with the Directors, with a quarterly focus on safeguarding, governance, and risk management. Tresise & Company, Brockhurst, 28 Evesham Walk, Sandhurst. GU47 0YU Armed Forces’ Christian Union Charity number: 1193977 Unit 24, Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Watchfield. SN6 8TZ 01793 783123 www.afcu.org.uk Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.