The Christian Amateur Radio Fellowship was formed at the North American Christian Convention during the summer of 1966 with the idea that the church should utilize the communication system known as Amateur (Ham) Radio. Gerald Fargusson, W9JSQ (former professor at Lincoln Christian College in Illinois), was affectionately known as the grandfather of CARF. He believed that amateur radio should be more than a hobby for Christians; it should be a ministry. Gerry encouraged missionaries to become licensed and to take amateur radio with them on the mission field. Listen to these three 1990 recordings of Gerry as he recounted the early years of CARF:
Today, the Christian Amateur Radio Fellowship continues to combine the wonderful world of amateur radio with Christian fellowship and service. Our purpose is twofold:
- To promote fellowship among Christian amateur radio operators
- To provide communications with missionaries, Christian colleges and churches
CARF does not have a main office or headquarters. It consists of hundreds of Christian amateur radio operators in North America and around the world. Members annually elect three officers who serve as the executive committee on a volunteer basis: President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer.
CARF is affiliated with the independent Christian churches and churches of Christ. The CARF Net is open to all Christian amateur radio operators who enjoy a time of fellowship, daily devotion and prayer. CARF meets on-the-air Monday-Saturday at 7:00 a.m. Eastern on 3.930MHz with the following net control operators:
- Mon • Lynn Traylor, KG4ABA • Glasgow, Kentucky
- Tue • Ellen Brock, KD9RUD • Indianapolis, Indiana
- Wed • Mark Nieman, K8GAP • Owensboro, Kentucky
- Thu • Dave Hoxworth, AA8KJ • Findlay, Ohio
- Fri • Bernie Lewiston, KBØL • Ogden, Iowa
- Sat • Don Motz, N9NYX • Wheaton, Illinois
CARF members will often sign off with 73 and 75. 75 means “may God bless you and yours.”
If you are a Christian ham radio operator, check-in with the nets for a time of fellowship, devotion and prayer.
We invite you to join us in Christian fellowship and service through amateur radio!