God at Work
March 2023: International Chaplain Training
For many years, ACCTS has collaborated with the International Association of Evangelical Chaplains (IAEC) to train international military Christians in the precepts of chaplaincy. In September this year, the latest group of trainees will assemble in San Antonio for two weeks of intensive training.

In many nations, the uniformed services do not have an established chaplaincy to provide a ministry of presence to their members, but instead rely upon local pastors or Christian lay members to minister to the spiritual needs of their personnel. This practice has significant implications for readiness, as pastors are not always available on a full-time basis, and most lay members have not been trained in the concepts of chaplaincy. It is well established that a trained chaplain corps improves readiness by building spiritual, mental, and moral health; offering guidance of ethical issues; providing worship opportunities; and protecting religious freedom for service members.
ACCTS' two-week course for international chaplain training (ICT) covers the basic principles of chaplaincies, including Biblical military ethics, managing operational stress, ministering in a pluralistic society, and commander/chaplain relationships. The training is provided by retired military chaplains and lay personnel from the US Military services representing ACCTS and IAEC. When possible, serving military chaplains are invited to interact with the trainees so that they can discuss specific issues such as hospital ministry or combat trauma. The training materials are based on the basic US Military Chaplain Training course curriculum, and include certification in premarital and marital counseling.

This year's ICT class includes 12 delegates from 10 nations - Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Cameroon, Italy, Madagascar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Uganda - and includes 2 AMCF Vice-Presidents, one couple, and both active duty and retired ranks from senior officers to junior enlisted Christians. Pray that the constraints imposed by COVID on recent ICT groups seeking visas and travel authorizations will be overcome, and the class will return to their nations fully prepared to provide the ministry of presence afforded by chaplains.
Prayers For March
  • Gracious Lord, prepare the way for the 2023 class of chaplain trainees to get their visas and travel authorizations so that they may complete their training and begin ministering to their comrades-in-arms.

  • El Shaddai, our God Almighty, we thank you for superintending ACCTS' ICT program over the years, and for using these you servants to bless and enrich the spiritual lives of those to whom they minister.

  • Jehovah Jireh, our God who provides, we bless your name for sustaining the ICT program over the years, and for guiding and directing those who have been trained as they minister to the uniformed services in their nations.