C H A P L A I N
Military ministry offers a
new road to growth
After extensive work in South America, Chaplain
Captain Matthew Sanders returns to the U.S.
and finds a new way to minister
Returning to the U.S. — and a new role
Chaplain Captain Matthew Sanders’ decision to become a chaplain
came after many years of travel, and a lot of praying. His work until that
point had been planting missionaries in South America for a total of 16
years, with extensive language training in Peru, 11 years in Venezuela,
and a preceding two years in Uruguay. He decided to return to the U.S. and
pursue military chaplaincy.
In the eight years of his chaplaincy work and in his current role within
the United States Army SE Chaplain Recruiting Team, Morrow, Ga.,
Chaplain (Captain) Sanders has focused on providing support to Soldiers
in both times of need and times of relative quiet during training and
normal work tasks. “It’s a privilege to wear the cross (or your respective
chaplain insignia) and uniform and be that person who represents the
ministry,” he says. “It’s what you’re there for, and it’s your role amongst the
Soldiers in your unit.”
Challenges along the way
“When I first got into the military, I had my sights set on active duty,
and the age requirements allowed for it,” Chaplain Captain Sanders
recalls. “H