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ACCTS is one of the three Principal Supporting Organizations for the worldwide Association of Military Christian Fellowships (AMCF), along with Military Ministry International in the UK, and the Missionary Support Organization in Korea.
AMCF met for their once-every-10-year conference in Cape Town, South Africa during the first week of December. This year's event was called Global Interaction 2014 (GI 2014). Nearly 500 military Christians from 100 countries gathered at Jubilee Community Church for 6 days of fellowship, inspiration, and training to equip them for discipleship ministry when they return to their homelands. Sharing, encouragement, healing, and joyful worship characterized the gathering.
God was clearly at work in the hearts of those who attended, and the impacts of this important event will be revealed in the fullness of His time. The following comments from the ACCTS staff and others who attended, however, describe some of what God has already accomplished and foretell what He has in store as the delegates begin to apply what they have learned at the conference:
"Praise God for 30 military Christians from Bhutan who meet together for prayer and fellowship!" (ACCTS Staff member)
"I face dangerous situations in my work. I need someone bigger than me going in with me. That someone is God." (A South African officer)
"Every delegate received a digital Bible in their own language. Pray that this gift will bear much fruit around the world." (ACCTS Staff member)
"I spoke with a South African officer who was called out of gangs to Christ. The military Christian fellowship (MCF) is vital to his faith." (ACCTS Staff member)
"Blessings abound here! This is the first time the government of Guinea Bissau has allowed one of its soldiers to attend this type of event." (ACCTS Staff member)
"I met a Kenyan lady whose young son died two months ago. The testimony of Mrs. Weerasooriya (wife of the AMCF President) helped her heal and trust God even further." (ACCTS Staff member)
"I realized today that I am with people who are changing the world!" (A young active duty military officer)
"There was a seminar on persecution in the church. Many stories of persecution were tempered with great hope, and the firm belief that God is working to end it." (ACCTS Staff member)
"Today, Bishop Orombi of Uganda, the main speaker, called for commitment - first for those over 40 to mentor those younger and to pass the baton to them. Then he challenged those under 40 to press on for the Lord and 'take the land' as described in Joshua. The older group then laid hands on the younger, praying for them to be strong and carry out the tasks God has prepared in the nations of the world." (ACCTS Staff member)
"AMCF GI 2014 has been an amazing opportunity to meet people from all around the world and a beautiful place where all nations have been worshipping God!" (21 year-old translator from Honduras)
"Before dinner we had some rousing singing and dancing in worship that was phenomenal! Everyone was walking and jumping before the Lord. I really think this was a bonding time for all of us, and I really look forward to seeing what the Lord will do today." (ACCTS Staff member)
"Pray for Christians in the South Africa Police Force as they plan to apply what they've learned at GI 2014 about starting a military Christian fellowship." (ACCTS Staff member)
"After years of planning, the MCF in Belarus has officially formed and yesterday was welcomed into the AMCF family. The AMCF Vice President for Europe asks for prayer for their continent, the "least religious" of all continents." (ACCTS Staff member)
"God confirmed to me that we are on the right track in training chaplains." (A retired Army chaplain & the Executive Director of the International Association of Evangelical Chaplains)
"Although the speakers and panels were great, the real business of encouraging one another in Christ and fostering long term Christian friendships goes on at the breaks. This was the best of all the AMCF World Conferences that we have attended." (A retired Army Major General and a former president of the AMCF)
"The AMCF motto of "All one in Christ" suddenly became living reality, and not simply a few choice words strung together. People I had never met from places I have never been opened their arms and hearts to me and to each other. I thought to myself, "this is what church was meant to be." It was not about the music or the program or the presentations, but the people." (A recently retired US Army Chaplain)
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