|
One of ACCTS premier training programs is Chaplains Interaction. Delegates from around the world are nominated by their regional AMCF Vice-Presidents to attend a two-week course in the US on the basic precepts of chaplaincy. The course is a highly condensed version of the US Military Basic Chaplain Course, and is taught by retired US Chaplains. Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) hosted the 2013 event.
13 delegates from five continents gathered at JBLM from 13-26 April for Chaplains Interaction 2013. Some were serving chaplains, and others had been asked or felt called to become chaplains in their nation's security forces. During their stay, the internationals lived with host families from the local area, and developed lasting relationships based on their common faith in Jesus Christ. In addition to training in the precepts of chaplaincy, the delegates got to know the active duty chaplains at JBLM, and interact with other military Christians at social gatherings.
"We don't say, 'This is what you need to do,' but rather, 'This is what we do, and if this is helpful to you, then use it,'" said Dell McDonald, an ACCTS staff member and former Executive Director. "The idea of sharing with American Christian military people is really important to the folks that have come."
Comments from the delegates in their course evaluations sum up the eternal effects of this training around the globe:
- A retired captain from the Colombian Army said: "These last two weeks were really wonderful. We have learned a lot, we have traveled a lot and are learning how to be a better chaplain. We are getting good methods to improve in our countries [In my country, the chaplaincy] is not yet recognized, but we are going to work to make that come."
- The Commanding General of the Lesotho Air Force, and leader of the Association of Military Christian Fellowships (AMCF) for South Africa said, "We are going back to our respective countries as faithful ambassadors who went through this wonderful training. This empowerment and training covered most of the core areas of our ministries as chaplains. It's not just going to stay with us, but we are going to spread it like fire." He also praised the hospitality of the host families, saying,"I could write a book about how beautiful they are, both inside and out."
- The general's wife stated, "Love one another as wives of Military soldiers. As military soldiers' wives we have the same problems and understand each other,and older ladies can teach young ones how they were able to overcome problems they encountered during their lives, and this will be as the word of God dictates, All in all what it says is, as wives of soldiers, we have to be there for one another."
- An active duty chaplain from Canada noted, "The classes on marriage were important as there is a great need to strengthen families, especially post-Afghanistan. It was also helpful learning how other countries use their chaplaincy and manage command/chaplain interactions and expectations"
- A senior officer from Africa noted, "I liked the fellowship of brethren from different parts of the world, and the exposure to such diversity in the military chaplaincy. I will henceforth take my ministry to the soldiers where they are, and minister more seriously to the sick and needy" Within days of his return home, God provided him an opportunity to employ his new skills in ministering to the family of a service member killed in a traffic accident.
- A delegate from Central Asia commented, "God gave me the dream in this program - we have to have the chaplaincy in our army and police forces."
- The Chief of Chaplains for the South Korean Air Force stated, "I will make the Military Mission Network more efficient between active duty chaplains and retired chaplains, active duty MCF and veterans MCF. I hope all of these diverse mission branches use their talents and potential to spread the Gospel."
On April 26, the eight chaplains, five accompanied by their spouses, sat in JBLM's Main Post Chapel for the closing ceremony. "If you think that you came here to gain something from us, you're half right," said JBLM's senior chaplain, "because the other half is that we have benefited from you, and you have benefited from one another." As the ceremony concluded, the senior chaplain hugged each of the delegates as he gave them a camouflage Bible inscribed, "God bless you, and may you bless others. Go and make disciples of all nations."
|