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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Happy Easter from SIFAT

Download a PDF copy of this Easter 2020 mailing from SIFAT

Written by Kathy Bryson, SIFAT’s training director

I have met many incredible people who have overcome adversity and are determined to make a difference in the lives of others. I want to share Anner Sagustame’s story with you. Anner is from rural Honduras and has been doing an agricultural internship with us in Costa Rica, helping to set up demonstration models for family gardens and conserving soil and water. He will return soon to graduate at his agriculture college in Honduras. He wants to learn more at SIFAT about appropriate technologies in water purification, solar energy, simple water pumps for irrigation, preventing malnutrition in children and community development.

Anner and his grandmother

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Medical Team Supplies Help Dr. Ruth Noemi

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

Written by SIFAT co-founder Sarah Corson

An urgent call came to Benjo from Dr. Ruth Noemi Mamani in Quesimpuco, Bolivia. Because this is an isolated area, we had hope that the coronavirus would not reach this place, which Tom still calls “the end of the world.” But, a group of youth from Quesimpuco had gone to Chile and Argentina to find work. As the outbreak started, they rushed to get home, crossing the border illegally. They made it home, but brought the virus with them. Dr. Ruth Noemi did not have gloves, masks or protective gear for the health workers helping her.

Dr. Ruth Noemi leads a public health initiative in the Quesimpuco area.

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