|
One of ACCTS ministries is American English Language Training (AELT). Although readily adaptable to the requesting nation's needs, the program typically provides 1 weeksof instruction for military children in a camp atmosphere, often accompanied by evening Bible study to reinforce newly learned reading and speaking skills. Over the years, AELT has provided English training to hundreds of students, and has resulted in numerous professions of faith in Jesus Christ. In early 2018, ACCTS received a request from the Centurion Mongolia Military Ministry (CMMM) to provide conversational English training to the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces in preparation for upcoming deployments augmenting UN peacekeeping units in Africa and Asia. Here's the team leader's report:
At the request of the outreach ministry of the CMMM, our six-member team provided 3 weeks of conversational American English language training to the General Staff. Our students had either served with or were preparing to serve with UN peacekeeping units where English is the primary language. We worked in close partnership with the CMMM staff (A Campus Crusade for Christ ministry) and participated three times in their weekly gatherings with Mongolian military cadets, both Christians and seekers. The CMMM staff also took us on weekend outings, to church, and to a cultural show. The fellowship and support from our Mongolian brethren was important for the success of the training.
We gave "military Bible sticks" (NT and selected Psalms in Mongolian) provided by Faith Comes by Hearing(FCBH) to those who attended the CMMM gatherings along with SD cards to enable listening to the Bible on their cell phones and share with others. In addition, we provided advice on downloading the Scriptures in any language at the FCBH website. We also provided the CMMM staff with 170 Bible sticks in various languages to help them spread God's word across Mongolia and central Asia.
Although Mongolia does have restrictions about religious discussions on government property, we were able to share our faith with some of the students who joined us on outings off post. When we visited a Buddhist temple, for instance, one student asked one of us about his faith and listened attentively to his testimony for half an hour. Even in the classroom, when asked why we came, we could share that we were following the example and command of Jesus to love the world. One teacher was asked by a senior officer to share about his helicopter crash and how it influenced his becoming a Christian. In addition, some of our students identified themselves as Christians and the CMMM staff may be able to connect with them.
Our military hosts were very supportive, cordial and appreciative of our teaching. Without exception our students improved their conversational skills - one student observed that although he could read and write English before the course, he couldn't understand spoken English and now he could. The day following the program the Commanding General led a very productive review for the students and their regular English teachers, and encouraged us to come back for future AELT courses.
Perhaps the greatest result of this program, however, was strengthening the existing strong credibility and elevated stature of the CMMM ministry with key Mongolian military leaders. Pray that God will continue to build on this foundation as He expands his kingdom across Asia.
|