| Many of ACCTS ministries overlap as the Lord reveals His plans. Here's a God Story about a recent Academy Exploration trip to China.
The ACCTS Academy Exploration Program (AEP) introduces future Christian military leaders to international military ministry to help them learn how to:
- View their military service as a calling from God;
- Integrate their faith with their military career;
- Develop a vision for ministry to international military personnel;
- Establish lasting relationships with military Christian peers.
Under the banner "Love the World," ACCTS' China Ministry uses training in American English Language and ethical leadership, along with medical and other service missions to share the love of Christ with the people of China. In recent years, God has brought these two ministries together in a powerful way to help build His kingdom in China.
 In June, several ACCTS staff members and the chaplain from Valley Forge Military Academy and College (VFMAC) took 5 Chinese and 2 US cadets to China for 8 days of interaction with Christian Chinese leaders, Chinese students, and the parents of the Chinese cadets. They participated in an America China Cultural Exchange (ACCEX) conference and were invited to return in 2015. A Christian businessman arranged media coverage of their visit in Shenzen's largest newspaper, resulting in additional media coverage. The staff provided the VFMAC cadets training in Biblical servant leadership, discipleship, and Chinese culture. They were also exposed to a number of new concepts during the trip such as competing Chinese stereotypes, the history of the Chinese in America, and the problem of defining cultures academically. Such training will significantly enhance their cross-cultural insight as they develop into military or business leaders.
The trip also resulted in the renewal of old relationships, and the creation of new ones. A Chinese businessman expressed interest in attending the 2015 National Prayer Breakfast, and several Chinese University American Culture Centers would like to participate in joint leadership development projects. Others are planning to attend Global Interaction 2014 in South Africa, and an initiative by the Finnish military Christian fellowship to provide Bibles to the Chinese military has begun to bear fruit. On last year's trip, a Chinese Bible was given to the son of a Christian publisher. The son gave it to his mother, and she is now a believer! One cadet's father has retired from the Chinese military, and is exuberantly sharing the transformation in his son's life with his Chinese military friends!
|
