Ecuador: SIFAT Doctor in Your House

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Click here for the June Update that includes stories about some of the people who are benefiting from this project.

Dear friend of SIFAT,

As I sit at my computer to write with so many thoughts about all we are missing this year, I see the faces of the children in our projects in Ecuador. I can almost feel their hugs and hear their laughter. Many of you would be preparing for your long awaited trip to serve alongside these people we have come to think of as family. Some of you have gone to Ecuador with SIFAT many times, letting this mission trip replace your relaxing summer vacations. For others, this would have been your first opportunity to serve in this beautiful country. For all who were planning to go and those who were supporting your efforts, I know you are wondering how are they living through these difficult times, and thinking what can we do now? From e-mails with our staff and pastors with whom we serve, I want to share the reality of their situation and also give you a way we can still make a difference and provide hope.

I understand people are suffering here at home, and many do not know how they will rebuild their lives. But most of us have food to eat, and we can go to the hospital, even if we do not have insurance. We have stimulus checks, food banks and churches eager to help those in need. In Aida Leon, Villaflora and other poor areas in which we serve in Ecuador, they do not. Pastor Wilson and Anita and Pastor Rafael wrote that the families in their churches have no jobs, no food and certainly no medical care. These poor families depend upon sporadic work during the best of times, and many must take buses across town each day to find that work.

SIFAT’s director in Ecuador, Dr. Roberto Contreras reports of desperate conditions in Ecuador. The churches in our projects are trying to provide much needed food to the children and their families with whom we have served alongside for years.

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May 2020: A Humble Reminder from my Neighbor

Editor’s Note: Each month, we mail an article with our contribution statements to the previous month’s donors. Click here to download a PDF version.

Written by Kathy Bryson, International Training Director

I recently visited Lisabet, our neighbor, as she was preparing a fire to cook traditional beans. Lisabet’s mother suffers from a long-term hacking cough that is exacerbated by smoke. They are a Nicaraguan family who immigrated to Costa Rica years ago in search of a better life. Lisabet’s father takes care of another neighbor’s cows. She is a 36-year-old mentally challenged adult. She is very precious — always telling me how she tried so hard to learn to read, but never could. The first question that she asks people she meets is if they believe in God.

Lizabet prepares a meal for her family.

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Worship on the Water 2020

July 22 Update: Canceled for the rest of 2020

We love seeing each of you at WOW on Lake Wedowee during the summer. However, for the protection of everyone on our staff and those participating, we are canceling WOW for the rest of 2020. This decision was not made in haste. We have monitored the rising number of cases in our county and state, read guidelines about group gatherings and church services, and consulted with our board of directors. We do not feel it is wise to resume WOW this summer. We hope you understand, and we are praying that we will be able to host Sunday morning services once again next summer.

Please help us spread the word of this cancellation with your friends and family who make WOW part of their weekends on Lake Wedowee. Come by boat, come by car, come as you are … in 2021!

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#GivingTuesdayNow is May 5

(Click here to see the e-mail version of this post.)

SIFAT needs your support more than ever. Tomorrow, through #GivingTuesdayNow, your donations can help SIFAT continue our ministry to those in need throughout the world during this COVID-19 pandemic.

#GivingTuesdayNow is an additional day of global giving and unity, when our supporters can show their generosity in a number of ways.

Two generous donors have pledged $25,000 in matching funds to double your gift. Please join them in helping SIFAT during this crucial time — no gift is too small.

In Liberia, SIFAT graduates John and Martha Partor provided food for 250 families living in a slum community. Because of a partnership with SIFAT and FUMC Clanton, the 5-15 people living in each home will eat this week.

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