ACCTS' Mission is to help develop military Christian leaders, and to assist in the formation and development of Military Christian Fellowships (MCFs). One of our former executive directors recently returned to Chile for the 50th anniversary celebration of their founding, and he was pleased to see how God has been working through the military Christians in Chile since his last visit. A cornerstone of ACCTS ministry is long term relationships with military Christians around the world, and the followings account exemplifies that principle. 
I have just returned from celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Chilean Uniformed Evangelism Mission (MEU). It was held on 27 May in the same church in which the MEU was launched 50 years ago. The movement had started 6 years earlier in the engine room of a ship, and as it grew it became known as the Iglazia Flotanta, or Navy Church. As the church grew, the members felt called to reach out to the other uniformed services, the Military Police and
the Army
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In 1967, they changed their name to MEU to reflect this initiative. As the years crept by, the MEU became a powerful force for Jesus Christ in the Chile. By working with the government as an organization, the MEU has been recognized as having equal rights and recognition within the military on a par with the as the Catholic Church. They have also coordinated with the government to authorize official Evangelical Chaplains for all the forces.
During the 50th anniversary celebration many people were honored, including several of the founders who were present. Men who had been strong leaders through the years were also recognized. One special surprise for me was the presence of Juan Valenzuela, who was one of the first leaders I had met in 1977. He interpreted for me in those early days and he interpreted for me again on this trip, having traveled all the way from New York to be at the celebration. Two people who had attended the 1980 world conference in England were present as well. In those early days the MEU reached out to other countries in South America, and assisted in starting or encouraging them to start an MCF.
I left Chile encouraged, and I hope I encouraged them. I reminded the gathering of Paul's admonition in 1 Cor. 12:14 and following to function as a body, not as individual fellowships in the various services, and then that the world Association of Military Christian Fellowships (AMCF) needs the MEU in order to function as a body that is complete.
On Sunday afternoon, the AMCF Vice President for South America and I were able to be together with the senior Air Force chaplain and his wife, and have good fellowship.
I am thankful I was available to share in their celebration. The fellowship with was sweet as I renewed many old acquaintances and we reflected on God's work in Chile over the years.
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