Annual Report

Association for Christian Conferences, Teaching and Service

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Annual ReportACCTS 2012

Photo courtesy USDOD

Fanning the Flame of Faith in Military

Personnel Worldwide

Annual Report 2012

Association for Christian Conferences, Teaching and ServicePO Box 27239

Denver, CO 80227-0239 USA

(800) 487-8108

www.accts.org

[email protected]

Fanning the Flame of Faith in Military Personnel Worldwide

“... fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” 2 Timothy 1:6

ACCTS ANNUAL REPORT 2012 • PAgE 2

ACCTS staff members took ministry trips to the following countries in 2012:Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central Africa Republic, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Jamaica, Japan, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Peru, Poland, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, UK, USA

“In the Central American region there is a rapid growth of the Chris-tian faith amongst the military and police force. Without their support [of military ministries like ACCTS] for the Central American region of AMCF, this would be almost impos-sible.” Col. J. Maldonado

ACCTS’ English language programs, held in conjunction with military Christian fellowships in Ukraine and Peru, were jointly led by ACCTS staff members and MCF leaders who taught English to military personnel and their families while also giving English Bible study lessons focus-ing on Jesus’ sayings. Because En-glish is a valuable skill for military personnel and their children, these programs are always popular - and we are thankful for God using them to build spiritual faith in the lives of participants.

February’s program in Peru includ-ed beginning and intermediate-lev-el English classes, and as one staff member reported, “The Lord has blessed us with really super stu-dents. All were adults except for eight young students (9 to 16 years old). Students have been quite ex-cited about both the Bible study and the English work [and] are begging us to do this again next year.”

The summer program, held in con-junction with the MCF of Ukraine, also helped many military and civil-ian people come closer to Christ, as reported by an ACCTS staff mem-

2012 in reviewAssisting Indigenous Military Christian Fellowships:

ber on his return to the U.S.: “One young man told his Bible class [at the camp] that he would never be-come a Christian. On Friday evening he went forward with several others to publicly commit to Christ’s lordship!”

ACCTS was also able to host an English train-ing program in China, although that program was solely En-glish lessons and did not include Bi-ble studies. Howev-er, the program was a way to build friendships that are invaluable.

In addition to our programs, our staff members encourage indig-enous leaders in countless ways. They maintain close contact with them by email, phone, or Skype, and they work closely with partner military ministries such as Military Ministries International (MMI) in the United Kingdom, Mission Support Organization (MSO) in South Korea, and the Associa-tion of Military Christian Fellowship (AMCF). ACCTS produces newsletters and prayer bulletins to encourage MCF members world-wide, maintains an email prayer network, and pro-duces an online ethics site, “Journal of Faith and War.” We also hosted several mil-itary-related prayer events in 2012, including the week-long North American Prayer Week, and the AMCF presidential turnover cer-emony to usher in the new AMCF president, General Weerasooriya of Sri Lanka.

Ukrainian English camp participant with Bible

China English program

Polish soldiers at an MCF event

Swaziland MCF conference participants

ACCTS staff and African military Christians

ACCTS staff members took ministry trips to the following countries in 2012:Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central Africa Republic, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Jamaica, Japan, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Peru, Poland, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, UK, USA


2012 BOARD MEMBERSCAPT (USA, Ret.) Curt and Addie Belohlavek

CDR (USN, Ret.) Bryan and Sherri Burt

Ward and Jody Bursley

Capt (ANG) David Chang

Col (USMC, Ret.) Phil Exner

CDR (USN) Steve and Molly Hoffman

Sue Huggler

COL (USA, Ret.) Phil and Rosa Lewis

LtCol (USAF, Ret.) Ed and Elizabeth Lorenzini

LtCol (USAF, Ret.) Dean and Deena Mills*

* joined staff in September 2012

COL (USA,) Tony and Julia Pfaff

Ira and Jody Savoie

LTG (USA, Ret.) Gary and Cathy Speer

2012 STAFF MEMBERSLTC (USA, Ret.) Harry Argo

LTC (USA, Ret.) Dick and Linda Barnes

LtCol (Australian Army, Ret) Russell and Helen Bielenberg

Chaplain (COL, USA, Ret.) Ken and Jonna Carpenter

COL (USA, Ret.) Earl and Sue Casner

CDR (USCG, Ret.) Frank and Ginny Cole

LtCol (British Army, Ret.) Noel and Meryl Dawes

LCDR (USN, Ret.) Cal and Linda Dunlap

Col (USMC, Ret.) Phil and LtCol (USMC, Ret.) Sue Exner

LTC (USA, Ret.) Brock and Linda Fallon

COL (USA, Ret.) Mike and Leslie Fligg

Maj (USAF, Ret.) Vic and Marsha Grazier

LtCol (USAF, Ret.) Jim and Lois Greshel

Emanuela Kalemi Haien

Maj (USAF, Ret.) Russ and Bonnie Hammerud

He, Gang and Jodie Wang

Elizabeth Humphrey

CDR (CHAP, USN, Ret.) Don and Elaine Jukam

Bernhard and Cheryl Kaltenbach

Mike and Joyce Knefley

COL (USA, Ret.) Bill and Suzanne Lumpkin

COL (USA, Ret.) Don and Karen Martin

CAPT (USCG, Ret.) Stan and Doris Waldrop Mincks

LtCol (USAF, Ret.) Dell McDonald

CAPT (CHAP, USNR) Steve Morgan

LtCol (USAF, Ret.) Paul and Suzy Neu

Dickson Ogwang

CAPT (USCG, Ret.) Pete and Jacki Prindle

Gina Rajah

LTC (USA, Ret.) Bob and BJ Reifsnyder

COL (USA, Ret.) Rick and Melissa Ryles

Leslie Santee

Chaplain (LtCol, USAF, Ret.) Rob and Delores Stroud

Maj (USAF, Ret.) Carson and Wendy Tavenner

Col (USAF, Ret.) Ed and Sally Ward

LTC (USA, Ret.) Harry and Linda Waters

CHAP (COL, USA, Ret.) Norris and Dr. Lois Webster

In April ACCTS hosted our annual leadership training program for interna-

tional chaplains. The Chaplains Interaction

program included our first participant from a

Middle Eastern nation - Jor-dan - as well as participants from Liberia, Guinea Bissau, and Uganda. Training topics in-cluded principals of chaplaincy, hospital ministry, unit organiza-tion, and stress management.

The summer leadership pro-gram, Interaction-Rocky Moun-tain High, was aimed at young international military officers and included participants from Dominica, Madagascar, Mau-ritius, and the U.S. Activities such as mountain climbing and rappelling, combined with Bible study and leadership training, helped bring these young men and women closer to Christ and

prepare them for expanded roles in the MCFs in their

countries. At the end of the event, the partici-

pant from Madagascar reflected, “This was certainly the best two weeks of my life. I got to grow spiritually and I got drawn closer to

God. Thank you for the great tools you have

given all the participants.”

Staff members also taught at leadership seminars in both Chi-na and Mongolia in the summer of 2012, and U.S. military cadets and midshipmen participated in our Academy Exploration Asia trips to China and Japan.

Throughout the year, staff mem-bers helped lead international MCF events such as the Lithua-nian International Christian Con-ference of Young Officers and Cadets, which was sponsored by the Lithuanian chief chaplain, the Lithuanian MOD, and our partner in the UK, MMI. They participat-ed in MCF conferences in na-tions such as Poland, Bulgaria, and Hungary and led sessions at a Military Evangelism Obser-vation event in South Korea that taught MCF ministry fundamen-tals to Christians from nations that do not yet have an MCF. Staff members’ roles at these events vary, depending on the needs of the local hosting orga-nizations. They are often seminar speakers or discussion leaders on topics such as ethics, Chris-tianity military leadership in a secularized society, and military service and family compatibly.

Chaplain’s events in the U.S. and with our partner IAEC in nations like El Salvador and Central Afri-ca Republic also taught Christian leadership principles to further prepare military Christians for ministry. At these conferences, ACCTS staff members taught on spiritual preparedness, Bible study methods, and minister-ing to soldiers and families un-der a variety of circumstances.

In addition to participating in conferences personally, many staff members helped plan and organize MCF events that they weren’t able to attend. This help included writing training mate-rials and producing leadership materials (such as PDF files and PowerPoint presentations).

Leadership Development: “Where you cannot go, we can go for you.” --

A Liberian participant in ACCTS’ Chaplains Interaction


From the Director’s Desk

Dear ACCTS Friends,

ACCTS celebrated 40 years of ministry in 2012 with a calendar that was packed with opportu-nities to share Christ. More importantly, howev-er, the year was filled with people - military men and women from nations around the world who wanted to learn how to share Jesus with their coworkers, start a military Christian fellowship (MCF) in their nation, begin a Bible study in their unit, or be a military leader with Christ-like eth-ics.

It’s a tremendous blessing to be involved in Christ’s work, and ACCTS carries out this work thanks to the generosity of our faithful donors. In 2012 ACCTS’ staff were involved in the train-ing of international military chaplains both in the U.S. and abroad. Young officers and soldiers received Christian leadership training at Interac-tion-Rocky Mountain High, and our English lan-guage programs, held in conjunction with indig-enous MCFs in Ukraine and Peru, helped MCF members and their families learn English and grow in the Gospel through Bible study. ACCTS staff also helped plan, organize, and conduct leadership and military ministry events in plac-es like China, South Africa, Mongolia, Germany, Australia, Brazil and South Korea.

Friendship outreach continued in China through English programs and medical missions, while in the U.S., staff members befriended interna-tional military students who are studying here. ACCTS staff also organized and attended in-ternational military events and produced ma-terials such as handouts and presentations for MCF-hosted conferences.

Although ACCTS is involved in many activities, our fundamental ministry focus remains the same as when it was founded over 40 years ago: ACCTS invests in building strong, life-long relationships with Christian military leaders around the world, since we believe they are the key to spreading the Gospel and transforming their nations.

Despite these many blessings, 2012 was also a difficult year. We lost two beloved staff mem-bers to cancer - Linda Dunlap and Suzy Neu. Both of these ladies were true women of God who had devoted their lives in service to Christ. They were a great blessing and example to all of the staff and board and to everyone in the places where they ministered. They are sorely missed.

As we look forward to a new year of ministry, we ask you to not only continue praying and supporting ACCTS’ work, but to prayerfully consider other ways you can get involved. You could teach English in Ukraine or China, show hospitality to international military personnel studying in the U.S., travel with staff members as they minister among MCFs overseas, be-come an ACCTS associate staff, or share in-formation about ACCTS with friends, family, chapel attendees or Bible study members. We hope to have teams of cadets and midshipmen from all four U.S. military academies visit their counterparts in other countries over their Spring Break, and we plan to expand the number of participants in Interaction-Rocky Mountain High. We have a record number of nominees for Chaplains Interaction, and our staff is planning trips to MCFs in many countries. Additionally, we are very busy time preparing for the 2014 AMCF Global Interaction (formerly called AMCF World Conference), where we hope to gather military Christians from over 150 nations. We’d love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming more involved with ACCTS over the course of this year.

In Christ,

Phil Exner

COL (USMC, Ret.)

Executive Director

“ACCTS invests

in building

strong, life-long

relationships

with Christian

military leaders

around the

world, since we

believe they

are the key to

spreading the

Gospel and

transforming

their nations.”


2012: The Unbounded Grace of God at Work

Publications $118,101 14.8%

Fundraising and Overhead $54,635 6.8%

International Ministries $626,245 78.4%

Total $798,981 100%

God poured out His limitless grace on ACCTS in 2012, despite the continued impact of a down-turned economy and donations. As you read this annual report, we pray that you’ll be blessed knowing that your financial and prayer support helped us affect and encourage so many military lives around the world this past year.

Each year our financial goal is to seek God’s wisdom and wisely use the resources He gives us through the generosity of His people. We are blessed with a board of directors who guide us in this area. Our annual audit was completed in November, and we were once again given the highest grade an auditor can give to a not-for-profit organization. As you will see by the financial chart, we were able to keep our overhead under 7% this past year even though some costs, like health insurance, are rising.

Although I have been with ACCTS for 31 years, asking for donations is never easy. Yet author Henri Nouwen has encouraged me with what he has to say on the topic: “Fundraising is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission.

“So once again

we express

our gratitude

toward God

and to you for

being a partner

throughout

these past

40 years of

outreach.”

To raise funds is to offer people the chance to invest what they have in the work of God. Whether they have much or little is not as important as the possibility of making their money available to God. God’s Kingdom is a place of abundance where every generous act overflows its original bounds and becomes part of the unbounded grace of God at work in the world.”

Thank you for letting ACCTS “announce our vision” to you and invite you to come alongside us in this important ministry to international military personnel. We know that our donors have many options concerning how they use their money, and there are many worthwhile organizations to support -- many that are much better known than our small organization. So once again we express our gratitude toward God and to you for being a partner throughout these past 40 years of outreach.

In Christ,

Bernhard KaltenbachDirector of Finance

accts.orgBernhard Kaltenbach teaching at MEO’s training event

Association for

Christian Conferences,

Teaching and Service

PO Box 27239

Denver, CO 80227-0239

Phone: 1-800-487-8108

Fax: 303-986-4710

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.accts.org

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLITTLETON, COPERMIT NO. 162

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

This year a new leader took the helm of ACCTS’ partner organization, As-sociation of Military Chris-tian Fellowships (AMCF). In his address at the AMCF presidential turnover cere-mony (which ACCTS host-ed), General Srilal Weer-

asooriya of Sri Lanka encouraged ACCTS and AMCF’s other partner ministries to continue working with AMCF to build up international MCFs - those that are strong and well established, those that are established but lack the needed recognition or support, and those that are “pulsing with life but which are, sadly, subjected to major persecu-tion in their home countries.”

General Weerasooriya also spoke on ACCTS’ role in his life, from the 1980s ministry trip to Sri Lanka by two ACCTS staff members (who were “a great encouragement”), to his and his wife’s participation in our leadership training pro-gram, Interaction: “Dilhani and I were able to attend the Interaction at White Sulphur Springs, Pennsylvania. This served to motivate and inspire us even further to share the

Word of God in the context of the military in Sri Lan-ka.”

Through the years, God has used ACCTS’ leadership programs such as Interac-tion to raise up godly men and women who serve Him faithfully in their own nations. Many of those mil-itary personnel, like Gener-al Weerasooriya, used the knowledge they gained in these programs to have a significant impact on the armed forces of their nations.

These programs have been funded primarily by individual ACCTS donors who believe in our mission to develop mil-itary Christian leaders and promote the growth of military Christian fellowships. Thank you so much for your support through the years and in the years to come.

The

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Our COre Values: wBiblically-based wSpirit-led wPrayer-centered wPeople-focused

The Development of MCF Leaders

General and Mrs. Weerasooriya at ACCTS’ September 2012 staff meeting

Annual Report

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