Save the Date – 40th Anniversary Celebration

We are planning an exciting event to commemorate 40 years of Sharing God’s Love in Practical Ways and want you to be part of it!

Mark your calendars to join our staff on September 21, 2019, on the Galilee Campus of SIFAT for a meal, tours of campus, demonstrations of appropriate technology and a special program to remember 40 years of ministry, to update our current projects and program, and to hear the vision for our future. Watch your email, our social media and website for more details to come.

Dress casually and plan to spend time outside enjoying Mad Indian Creek and our grounds here at the international headquarters. The event is free, but reservations are needed by Sept. 1. Call the SIFAT office at 256.396.2015 or e-mail info@sifat.org with your name, contact number or email and the number of people attending.

Other events prior to Our 40th Fiesta:

Sept. 17, 6 p.m. at Wedowee FUMC – International Graduate Projects
Our visiting international graduates will share about their current ministries and how what they learned in SIFAT training classes has helped the communities in which they serve.

Sept. 20, 6 p.m. at Wedowee FUMC – Book Signing
SIFAT co-founder Benjo Paredes has written a memoir about moving from the high Andes mountain community where he grew up as an orphan to the unsettled jungle of Sapecho, Bolivia. SIFAT board of director member Art Stephenson had a much different experience as he grew up in the United States, worked in engineering and became director of Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, Ala. Benjo and Art are going to share about their lives and how both ended up being impacted by SIFAT’s work. After their talks, they will hold a joint book signing.

Learn & Serve: Summer Experience 2014 Wrap-Up

This summer, 605 students and individuals — from 31 different churches throughout 9 states — attended our week-long Learn & Serve Summer Experience. They began each week living in our Global Village, picking food from the village garden and cooking foods more common to the 10 countries represented (Liberia, Uganda, Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Nepal, Cote d’Ivoire/The Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Bolivia and Guatemala). 

Students enjoy preparing dinner in Cote d’Ivoire.

View More →

Learn & Serve: Fall 2013 Retreats Wrap-Up!

It’s been a busy fall for Learn & Serve at SIFAT!  We have had so many wonderful groups from across the southeast come to our campus in Lineville, AL for L&S programming.  As we slow down for the winter season, we wanted to share a glimpse of this past season with you!

During Fall 2013, we had 1,903 participants experience a variety of Learn & Serve retreat programs.  This is a 37% increase from participation in Fall 2012 Retreats!  Here are a couple of highlights from our fall retreat groups:

View More →

Learn & Serve: Birmingham Youth Support SIFAT Training Graduate in Nigeria!

Pastor Ogbatabo is a pseudonym for one of our SIFAT graduates and trainers in Nigeria. Because of his work in a violent area, we want to protect his identity for his safety. Pastor Ogbatabo submitted a proposal to SIFAT, which was approved as a SIFAT international project. 

SIFAT’s Learn & Serve department pledged to help Pastor Ogbatabo fund his project through educating North American youth on the issue of smoke inhalation around the world and allowing them the chance to partner with SIFAT through financial contributions.  Several L&S staff members and leaders from various participating groups have contributed.  One inspiring story of a group committing to fund Pastor Ogbatabo’s project comes from Canterbury United Methodist Church of Birmingham, Alabama.

When students from Canterbury UMC met Pastor Ogbatabo while at SIFAT during Summer 2013, they decided they wanted to sponsor his project in Nigeria. After telling their friends and parents about Pastor Ogbatabo and his work, they decided to take up an offering once a month at their Sunday night youth program.

Canterbury UMC students keep a tally of the amount raised each month on their prayer (chalkboard) wall in a drawing of the rocket stove.

View More →

Learn & Serve: March Madness!

While the world is gearing up for NBA March Madness 2013, the Learn & Serve staff is ready to hit the court for one of our busiest months of the year!

March brings many groups to SIFAT’s campus for a variety of programs. L&S currently has more than 15 events scheduled next month with an estimated 750 participants coming to our campus during Spring 2013!

Groups will be participating in a variety of L&S programs, as well as using our facilities for their own retreats. We also have several groups coming specifically to volunteer their time to help improve our campus through work projects.

Please be in prayer for these participants as they come to SIFAT for their retreats. Pray they will feel the Lord’s presence and learn the lessons he has for them here. Also be in prayer for our staff as they prepare for the busiest weeks of the year. Pray for their energy and hearts as they attempt to share God’s love with all those who come to our campus.

Are you coming to SIFAT for a retreat next month? Let us know! Comment on our blog, tweet at us, or visit our Facebook page and tell us why you are excited to come to SIFAT!
View More →