An ACCTS staff member described "a sensation of great achievement" following an interdenominational chaplain conference in Brazil last April. The conference included both Roman Catholic and Protestant chaplains and marked major progress in communication and cooperation for a nation in which the lack of such interaction has limited ministry to the troops.
The conference focused on ways that chaplains can meet the needs of
allmilitary personnel and their families, especially when there are multiple denominations in a unit.
"God moved the hearts, minds, and spirits of people to get a job done, with excellence, for His glory," the ACCTS staff member continued. "
A lot was done, much was accomplished, and more things have been set in motion to be the next step forward for Christ."
Military, police, and firefighting chaplains attended, along with the chaplains general from Brazil's uniformed forces, and Brazil's military archbishop, who hosted the event. The conference included speakers from different nations and military ministry organizations, including ACCTS, a former AMCF Vice President and MSO staff member from South Korea, and a Chaplain from the International Association of Evangelical Chaplains. A US double amputee veteran also shared Christ through his testimony and pervseverance in the face of adversity. Topics included the importance of partnering to spread God's Kingdom, pluralistic chaplaincy issues in a religiously diverse naton, and the US chaplaincy model, The conference was an historic time of learning, listening, fellowship, and engagement for Brazil's chaplains and their international guests.
In an intense schedule of pre- and post-conference visits, the international team and Brazilian military Christian fellowship (MCF) leaders spoke to thousands of military personnel at dozens of locations, including Brazil's Air Forcean and Army Academies, the Army prep school, and the Sergeant's Scademy. They also talked individually and in groups with federal and military police, and special forces personnel.
The also met wih members of Brazil's disabled police organization and visited the Paralympic center where wounded police and others are helped to adjust to their new lives. Brazil's military police and Special Forces are waging an internal war against gangs, facing ambush, death, and maiming on a daily basis - msot units have a memorial wall of honor to their fallen comrades. The US amputee's testimony of how Christ changed his life after he losit his legs rivetted the attention of every police unit visited, and after every talk he was surrounded by crowds that wanted to meet him and talk. Pray that many will respond to his urging to turn to Christ.
The leader of the ACCTS team noted
: "At one point during our travels an MCF leaders was in tears, grateful for all that God is doing in his nation.
There were many answered prayers during the conference and we thank everyone who supported this work with their prayers and financial gifts. Please continue to pray with all the military Christians, including chaplains, in Brazil as they share Christ's hope and redemption. I believe the conference and our other visits were a great encouragement to military believers in Brazil. They opened many doors of access, communication, and cooperation among the chaplains, introduced the Gospel to many, inspired young leaders to live for Christ, and gave confidence to MCF leaders who are in the midst of spiritual warfare for their nation. Military leaders in Brazil are keenly aware of the need for Christ-like servant leadership, and we pray that God will use our visit to draw men and women in uniform to Himself and inspire them to incorporate their faith into their personal and professional lives."
