“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
What does it mean to meet together? One dictionary definition of meet is “arrange or happen to come into the presence or company of (someone)”. But does being in someone’s company have to mean meeting with them physically?
Up until a few years ago, VCF groups were regional groups. VCF members in the same geographical area would meet up for walks, meals, prayer, bible study, and to encourage and support each other. These groups are still happening, and they are a great way for VCF members to get to know each other.
However, during the Covid pandemic, many of us quickly became familiar with Zoom. Work meetings, family get togethers, quiz nights with friends and so much more all took place online. This increased familiarity with meeting online has led to new VCF groups forming. Whilst many of the joys and challenges of the veterinary profession are the same, whichever area we work in, we also know that different types of work bring their own unique challenges. There are now groups for those in teaching, for farm vets, equine vets, vets in government and for nurses, both RVNs and student nurses.
For me, the teaching group has been a great source of support and encouragement. We share prayer requests, answers to prayer, and have had several Zoom meetings where we usually realise that we are far from alone in whatever challenges we are facing at whichever Vet School we work at.
The nurses have had a WhatsApp group for a while now, with prayer requests shared, clinical and other issues discussed, and friendships formed.
More recently, the equine group has been set up. Nick writes
“We’ve been sharing fellowship, which has been great with it having been so long without knowing any Christian equine vets. Some things are just more easily understood by those in the same area of work. We’ve shared requests for prayer for difficult, and good situations with family, friends, illness, and work, alongside discussing our experiences at various conferences (Christian and BEVA). We enjoy Christian resources such as apps. talks and podcasts, and just general chat. I think our aims would just be to do more of the same and try to support each other in general.”
The newest group are the farm vets. Vikki says,
“We recently formed the VCF Farm Vets WhatsApp group, which has been a great way to connect us together from across the UK. We discuss everything from ethical dilemmas to treatment protocols to sourcing equipment. It’s been great to get to know more farm vets, as day to day we’re often working alone and it’s common not to have any Christian colleagues. I’m hoping we can support and pray for each other through current and future challenges, such as Bluetongue and the farming inheritance tax, as well as rural mental health challenges.”
If you want to know more about any of the above groups, or any of the regional groups, or if you would like to set up a new group, please contact Kerry at president@vcf.org.uk or Ali at secretary@vcf.org.uk