Recently I was part of a welding team working in West Africa. Our scope of work was to finish an equipment hanger so the water well drilling equipment could be kept out of the sun and rain while working on maintenance of the equipment and support vehicles. This project was a perfect example of how a tangible project such as welding and fabrication can be used to support missionaries and their efforts to speed the gospel to those who have never heard. If the equipment can't be worked on or protected, then how are the wells going to get drilled leading to the opportunity to share the Living Water of Jesus Christ!
I was so thrilled to see what Friends in Action int. Is doing for missionaries at today's community day. It is a great way to reach out and encourage people in the name of Jesus!!
I have been on many mission trips. The last trip was probably the most work I have done on a trip but also the most rewarding. The unity of the team was the best I have ever seen. Tim J. did a great job of keeping us encouraged, as we did the work the Lord has called us too. The team was just normal people with a heart for the Lord and a desire to help. You could join us! The harvest is plentiful, and the work is always before us.
My name is Chris Smerdon, I have been volunteering with FIA since 2011 first as a team member well drilling in West Africa then about 4 years ago i was invited to join the Board of directors. It has been amazing to see Gods hand of Blessing on this ministry with Staff/Volunteers/Financially and in the Mission work around the world. The dedication and commitment of everyone involved with FIA can only be a result of Gods working in their lives to serve Him in the Kingdom work. I am so thankful to be a part of this and to see the advancement of the Gospel to those that have never heard it through the work done by all who are involved either through giving, going or praying.
I write this as I'm preparing to return to West Africa for my tenth well drilling mission trip and am excited to being fortunate enough to do so by the Grace of God.
May the Lord continue to Bless you all and to those that He will bring to serve along side us.
Just returned from another amazing and success trip with FIA. We went to PNG (Papua New Guinea) to help Ethnos360/New Tribes Missions build a hanger for their aircrafts so they can be housed out of the sun and weather. Being so close to the equator, the sun sun is especially hard on the surface and paint on the planes.
There were eight of us total that went. Seven worked on the hanger and one worked as a mechanic at a different location. Ethnos also provided three guys that helped the entire time as well. Rob was our team leader and he did a great job leading us and keeping God at the center of our activities - thank you Rob! Working with a bunch of guys you don't know can have its challenges but this group was incredible to work with. We all had our specific skill sets and messed together almost like we've done it before. As much fun as building the hanger was, I think my favorite part of the trip was getting to read and talk about the Bible with the guys each morning before work. This trip was a blessing to myself both mentally and spiritually. Excited to do it again in the future.
Also a shout out to Jeff, Bryan, and Daniel from Ethnos.....those guys were a blast to work with! What awesome brothers in Christ. They treated us like gold while we were there and it won't be forgotten. You're the best.
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This year I had a chance to volunteer with FIA for the first time. What excited me was the chance to help spread the gospel to others using my construction skills and specifically in the very trade I do for a living!! I may not be the person on the front stage teaching and preaching and that's ok - not everyone is built for that. Our outreach comes by way of working hard and side by side with the local folks - and in other countries this can make just as much of an impact. Keep in mind, when you work hard for others, you're working heartily unto the Lord!
Recently, I was able to travel to Uganda with Friends in Action. The trip was an incredible experience and touched my life and heart in many lasting ways. I have worked with Friends in Action many times, and I have always had a positive experience. The impact that they are making through trusting the Lord's leading around the world is incredible to be able to witness, and I am so glad that I get to have a small part in their work.
Just returned from a trip to Peru in which we were constructing missionary housing. The housing benefits tribal missionaries by giving them a place out of the jungle to recuperate and destress while planning for their next trip back. The housing is on a missionaries base whose main purpose is to serve the tribal missionaries. We were a part of finishing the housing. We did lots of trim work, made door frames, hung doors, installed flooring and painting. We got lots done and saved much time for the host missionaries to continue with the vision of serving tribal missionaries. God was with us the whole trip and I can't wait to see where He takes me next.
I run a mission hospital in Mexico and we have worked with Friends in Action for several years. They come down to our hospital twice a year and operate our well drilling rig to provide clean water for the Indian communities in our area. They also provide maintenance for our vehicles and assist with other technical issues. They have been a joy to work woth and I can't recommend them too highly.
-Michael Berkeley MD
CEO Mexico Medical Missions
I have the privilege of being part of FIA since 1996 and have seen the blessing of the Lord on this ministry as they have been a blessing to some of the most remote parts of this world. Bringing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus to the the least, the last and the lost of this world is the engine room of this mission and its missionaries, staff and volunteers.
As advanced age and diminished strength comes to us all, this provides opportunity for younger men to step into the gap and pick of the reins of service. This past 28+ years has no regrets for ever being involved with this special part of the Lord's work.
RWingfield
Got the privilege over the years to engage in a relationship with this beautiful organization, no only being able to support them with the awesome work they do around the world financially and also fisically, got the privilege and blessing to participate on one of the water wells drilling teams to Burkin Faso and recently to Mexico on another beautiful endeavor. One thing I realized after many years this ministry is a blessing and many areas no only in the practical ways they serve providing water ,roads air strips,churches and more ,they way they engage with people in different levels is a blessing and God always bless this work.
I've volunteered with Friends In Action for quite some time now and it truly is great! Friends In Action International is an outstanding nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities around the world. Their commitment to sustainable development and genuine partnerships is inspiring. They focus on building self-sufficiency through various projects, including clean water access, education, and infrastructure development. Their transparency, effectiveness, and compassion make a real difference in the lives of those they serve. Highly recommended for anyone looking to support a nonprofit that truly makes a positive impact globally!
Friends in Action International has been a critical ministry partner for our mission organization in rural Mexico. Part of our community development program involves drilling water wells in remote indigenous communities. Fiends in Action is not only able to send experienced mechanics to repair, maintain, and upgrade our drilling equipment, but they also send experienced well drillers. In our limited resource setting and short supply of skilled laborers, the highly skilled Friends in Action volunteers are extremely valuable, not just for their experience and skillsets, but for the Christian testimony of their work and lives. We are so thankful for our brothers and sisters in Christ at Friend in Action International.
Each one of us has an opportunity to be part of what God is doing here on earth. FIA helps connect people with a heart for the Gospel with a way to serve Kingdom work, through the hands on and practical gifts they've been given. It is a blessing to see people come alive when they see how God can use them... and it is such an encouragement to the field teams and partners to have people go and help advance the work. Truly a blessing to be part of the mission!
I continue to volunteer this year in the office at FIA International headquarters in PA and it continues to be a rewarding experience. It is a pleasure to assist FIA in their work of advancing the kingdom of God.
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I began volunteering this year in the office at FIA headquarters and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. I enjoy the people I work with and am happy to assist FIA in their work of advancing the kingdom of God.
I volunteer with FIA doing events, community outreach, mission awareness, and other things. I really love this organization, not only are the people wonderful, having genuine hearts for the Lord and the unreached, but the practical ways FIA spreads the gospel is inspiring! I am constantly blessed by the stories I hear from missionaries and staff members alike. I always love my time spent with the organization, leaving refreshed and with a full heart!
Continue to appreciate all that FIA is doing in USA and around the world. Thanks for a being a great ministry.
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I have served as a volunteer in the shipping department at the FIA headquarters for more than a year. My experience has been that the entire operation of FIA is done for the glory of God and to advance His kingdom. Shipments are packed to meet industry standards and care is taken so that each missionary receives all of the items they ordered to enhance their mission efforts in the field. I am blessed to be able to spent 15-20 hrs/week in my retirement working for an organization of this caliber.
Shannon from FIA came and shared with our students all they’re doing to forward the Kingdom and what FIA does to do that. They’re the best!
Recently I was part of a welding team working in West Africa. Our scope of work was to finish an equipment hanger so the water well drilling equipment could be kept out of the sun and rain while working on maintenance of the equipment and support vehicles. This project was a perfect example of how a tangible project such as welding and fabrication can be used to support missionaries and their efforts to speed the gospel to those who have never heard. If the equipment can't be worked on or protected, then how are the wells going to get drilled leading to the opportunity to share the Living Water of Jesus Christ!
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I appreciate how Friends in Action plays a key role in spreading the gospel into hard to reach places. FIA is an outstanding organization and has always showed integrity in every endeavor they pursue. It is exciting to see them continue to keep Christ first in everything they do. As a volunteer I've had "experiences of a life time" by working on trips across the globe. Even a tradesman like myself can help further the gospel of Jesus Christ
I have been supporting this organization for 30 years and they are truly phenomenal in what God has empowered them to accomplish.
Friends In Action is a great organization with lovely workers and an amazing cause. They have caused so much positive change not only in the jungles but also here, affecting local peoples lives and getting them more involved in the love of God and international affairs. FIA is doing such good work!
I had a chance to lend little help when we were building the original building years ago. God has blessed us so we could bid high enough at some of the banquets to gain some very nice items that were offered at the auctions. Our daughter-in-law has worked there for some time and her daughters have contributed their artistic talent and caring hearts to the banquet auctions. This is one of our granddaughters works of art that was auctioned off. Her sister, Kallie, has collected countless onesies for children overseas. My wife helps stuff the mailings every month and our friends have gone on several missions' trips to work in foreign lands. I can't say enough about FIA and how much we thank God for their work.
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My first encounter with Friends In Action was when I had the opportunity to help with the construction of the headquarters in Middletown, PA. Then attended the "Open House" and helped park cars!! My wife Jo Ann, started to help with the mailings each month. Recently I had the opportunity to help with the move of everyone's desks and supplys to the second floor. Also, I was able to help build shelves for the storage area on the second floor. The work that FIA does around the world is certainly some of the greatest humanitarian work being done by ANYONE,...ANYWHERE!!!
FIA is a wonderful organization that is passionate about serving God and spreading the Gospel around the world. They do incredible work and are excellent stewards of the funds they receive. FiA is an organization people can trust to be true their mission and provides amazing opportunities to serve God locally or far away.
I have donated to FIA for several years now, and always find their stories to such remote locations to service, assist, abd witness to people so inspiring. I am planning to join one of the mission trips next year and am very excited!
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I am so happy and blessed to be a donor for Friends in Action...just the name says it all! As brothers and sisters in Christ, we don't need the dysfunction and hurt that comes with traditional families sometimes, we want friends. Friends who have our best interest at heart and in deed while stewarding our donations. And, they do this by prioritizing the needs of our friends around the world by helping them obtain clean drinking water while witnessing to them about the Ultimate Water of Life, Jesus Christ.
While l have not had an opportunity to serve as a volunteer, it is definitely a short-term goal of mine. But in the meantime, the FIA newsletter and email updates allow me to "experience" their trips with them. You will definitely find FIA a blessing!!
I have always enjoyed my time volunteering and serving both locally and internationally with Friends in Action International. They are a loving staff with calling to love Christ and to help other come to know Him as their savior through practical acts of service.
I volunteer and give to FIA because I believe in their mission. They are working hard to help missionaries serve effectively among unreached people groups. It’s amazing to see their real-life practical impacts! Bellies are filled, thirst is quenched, homes are built, provisions are distributed, and communities are transformed – and all for the glory of Christ!
I Recently went on a missions trip with Friends in Action to Uganda. We had a very profitable time for us and for the work. WE had a great time working with the local people and teaching them how to do some construction trades. It wasn't just a work trip - it was also an opportunity to come along side of the people there and to show God's love in a relational way.
God .... lead me to a group of people that has an outreach that is great. The organization reaches people that are hard to reach. I had a chance to go to W Africa and PA. to help build
buildings for the LORD. also to help with a truck. A great way to use the talents that God give me, to help spread His word. smitty
My name is Philip Tan. I travelled to Rama Cay in Nicaragua with FIA in November 2019 to help with a water treatment project, and have stayed involved ever since! There are many things that have stood out to me over the last several years that I appreciate about FIA:
1. Long-term thinking: It is clear that FIA wasn't in Nicaragua (or anywhere else) for quick and easy solutions that merely look good in photos or donor reports. They had invested in this community for over a decade, slowly building relationships, training local leaders, and responding appropriately to feedback.
2. Responsible theology: Rather than just giving a presentation about Jesus and trying to achieve as many "converts" as possible as fast as possible, FIA takes the time to teach the community the whole scope of redemptive history by going chronologically through the Bible, and making sure that common doctrinal errors are explained and refuted along the way. Instead of pressuring people to be baptized right away, they help the local pastors ensure that new believers really understand the gospel first.
3. Cultural carefulness: I appreciated that Tim Johnston, the missionary I went with, had spent many years getting to know the community, speaking with them in a language they understood, understanding their cultural context, listening to the concerns of local people, and empowering indigenous leaders to carry the project forward.
4. Holistic service: Lots of ministries focus only on spiritual needs or only on physical needs while ignoring the other. I love that FIA keeps the souls of men and women as its foremost concern, but also recognizes that meeting infrastructure needs is often crucial to advancing our spiritual witness.
Philip Tan
Associate Professor of Engineering
Messiah University
I became involved with FIA about 6 years ago, drilling wells in Africa. My experience with FIA has been nothing but great! Their commitment to helping those in need and spreading the Gospel is amazing. I have seen them support both new and established mission teams, walking along side them and assisting them in their work. I believe this organization is top notch and I am looking forward to future endeavors with them.
I appreciate working with FIA because of their integrity, I can trust them financially and they follow through on what they say they will do. I also appreciate there genuine care and concern for those that volunteer with them.
Friends in Action does a great job at constructing needed infrastructure such as wells and bridges to allow local pastors and believers to spread the gospel to unreached people groups. Being involved in short term mission trips provides an opportunity to see and experience God at work in the local people and in yourself. I appreciate that Friends in Action has many opportunities for short term mission trips and skill levels both domestically and internationally.
I have worked with FRIENDS in Action Intl (FIA) for several years and I really appreciate their focus and vision for reaching the hurting people of this world. They help both physically and spiritually. I have been on several of their work trips and I appreciate their effort to take good care of their volunteers. I look forward to my next work team trip with FIA because I know that they are well organized and I can accomplish a lot when I serve with them. I would recommend this org to anyone who wants to see another part of the world and be a blessing to others in need.
FIA is an absolutely wonderful ministry. Finding ways to engage the world to create change and point people to Christ.
Even during the difficulties of the Virus, FIA has continued to tangibly share the love of God. They have made ways when so many have given up. So grateful for this nonprofit.
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Love that FIA does not just go out and preach, but they actually are the hands and feet of Jesus to many around the globe.
Love that this organization uses action to share God’s love to the nations!
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Completely trust this organization to use all funds donated to share God’s love in tangible ways to those in need. Their heart for the folks they are serving is completely above and beyond!
So blessed to have found Friends In Action. Grateful for this organization that’s doing incredible things in such amazing ways for the unreached people.
Highly recommend for donors to support this wonderful organization!
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FIA has done GREAT THINGS in Jesus Name! Bellies have been fed, the thirsty given water, the sick healed, prisoners are given provisions and a second chance, the homeless have been sheltered, and those who have never heard of Christ have learned of His great love and forgiveness.
I've had the privilege to work at the HQ of FIA over the past 10 years. It has been my mission field as I was unable to go to the physical field because of health issues. However, I have watched it provide humanitarian help as well as spiritual help to several countries around the world. From providing clean water in Africa to teaching chronological Bible studies in Nicaragua to meeting prisoners basic needs in PNG to building a road for villagers to reach town in Vanuatu - it has been such a blessing to me to see FIA being the hands and feet of Jesus. I will continue to pray that God blesses and goes before all the work that He brings to FIA.
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Friends in Action, Intl. is like no other non-profit. I have enjoyed being a part of this ministry now for 9 years and they have stayed true to their mission statement by continually pursuing projects that will ultimately help reach many of the unreached people groups in the world with the ultimate goal of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
My husband, Rick, and I have been blessed deeply in learning to know FIA over the past few years. We volunteered for 3 weeks April 2019, helping to install plumbing and electrical systems at the base in Vanuatu, in the South Pacific. We observed first-hand true caring and many acts of kindness to increase the well being of those in need.
It was uplifting to begin each day with group devotions. Decisions made were fiscally sound. We will continue to support this ministry, providing support in various ways. God is at work through FIA!!
Friends in Action International Inc does an amazing job connecting donations, resources, and volunteers to bless people around the world. FIA addresses both the physical and spiritual needs of the people they are serving, and they steward their donations well for maximum benefit on the ground. Our family loves the regular updates describing in detail how the funds are being used and the stories of how God miraculously shows up time after time. God blesses MANY people through this organization. What an honor and a joy to be involved with FIA!
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Friends in Action’s ministry demonstrates amazing stewardship for the glory of God! It’s incredible to see how efficiently they utilize donations, volunteers, and staff for the maximum physical good and spiritual good of those around the world who need it most. They serve and love others in practical and powerful ways. My family is honored to get to play a small part.
I drilled some wells with FIA in West Africa, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. There aren't many organizations that are worth giving your time time and money to line FIA!
This organization has so much love for the people served, and so much financial integrity. If you're looking for a way to be a blessing to remote people groups, please know that FIA has decades of invested relationships around the world and a proven track record of making a HUGE difference!
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If you're looking for an organization who's aim is reaching the unreached with both the Gospel and social action, you've found it in Friends in Action Intl. Leaders with passion and integrity, missionaries with skill and compassion, partners who offer prayer support as well as donations—this is one amazing network for the glory of God!
I appreciate FIA and its emphasis to enable the national workers to develop skills and identify their own abilities. Encouraging these nationals is a great was to speed up the spread of the Gospel of Jesus for they already know the culture, the language and many of the people. Our assisting them is planting long-term seeds and the returns are great.
I have been involved for several years and regret I wasn't involved earlier in my life. I have volunteered several times to go to Africa to help drill water wells for a wonderfully beautiful people that desperately needed the equipment, the talent, and the LOVE to come release the living waters!! I am forever changed by Friends in Action, thats a true story! I could live 1000 years and not grow weary of telling the joy of seeing fresh, clean water coming to these people groups. I have told many friends, coworkers, relatives, and strangers about my time there and seeing God's miracles happen in 3D real time...the manafest presence of a living God working tangibly before of eyes! May Gods provision continue to move this Kingdom work forward!!
I've seen people get excited over and over again, when they realize that they can serve God by getting dirty. Most people think that missions work is about translating the Bible or preaching a sermon, or doing a kids camp - that thought is challenged through the work FIA engages with, because actively serving people is bringing the Gospel to life. It's a privilege to be part of it.
I really appreciate the work of FIA. They are continually doing tangible demonstrations of God’s love to share the Good News with the unreached people groups in far-flung regions of the globe. They are a great org and are doing great things to help the hard to reach places of the world.
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I am really pleased to see and hear about all the good work FRIENDS in Action is doing for people in Africa, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, South America and Central America.
Its great to see the diversity of the projects and the skills that FIA volunteers are sharing to help develop mission works around the world.
What a wonderful thing to help provide water, to help provide transportation and to help equip national and European missionaries to accomplish their work. It's truly a picture of the body of Christ working together.
FIAI's passion to reach the lost has been evidenced on all of their fields of service that I have visited (4 total). I have been blessed each time I go out with them. By drawing alongside and supporting indigenous Christian leaders, they have been encouraged by the FIAI projects that have accelerated their opportunities to share the Gospel. Truly FIAI is moving earth to move heaven.
Friends In Action is an agency that is on the cutting edge of supporting the work of spreading the Good New of Jesus! They have resources that support many who are serving around the world. They see a need and find a way to meet it. Friends In Action is vital to all who are served around the world. Keep up the good work FIA!
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I have been able to lead several work teams and the Friends In Action home office has always been very supportive when I had a need. The trip format is thorough and in the end brings volunteers back again and again. One man on the last trip has been on four different trips and is already looking forward to next year's trip. Being able to take the team to a village for them to see first hand the impact they are having is a huge plus that Friends In Action has been able to arrange.
I have had the opportunity to go with FIA several times. My experiences with this organization has been both stretching and rewarding! I was able to take the Good News of Jesus to Nicaragua- what an amazing ministry FIA has had among the Rama in that country! I worked with the children and also met with some of the women. ! I will go again soon :)
I have been a supporter of FIA since 2017. I love being part of sending the Gospel to unreached people groups by meeting their physical needs. Every year hundreds, if not thousands, of indigenous people are responding to Christ through FIA's efforts. I'm happy knowing that my gifts are part of making an eternal difference. My children are learning about the importance of charity and the Great Commission by helping out at FIA's HQ and fundraising for their projects. Keep up the good work, FIA!
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I love being involved with Friends In Action, Intl. (FIA). They've been meeting the spiritual and physical needs of people around the globe since 1992. With a long-term track record of financial accountability, completed projects, and transformed lives, I feel privileged to be part of their efforts. It's exciting to be part of demonstrating, not just talking about, God's love to those who haven't heard yet. Very kind and real people at their HQ in PA.
After being invited to a meal to hear about the ministry of FIA , I wanted to volunteer by helping stuff envelopes for their newsletter. It’s such a little thing but all part of being part of God’s kingdom. They are friendly and their work for the Lord is truly a blessing to those they serve.
As I look around the world situation, I sometimes find it difficult to prioritize needs. FIA's mission can be characterized by " persistence for subsistence" . These people work tirelessly, obediently and with great perseverance to overcome the obstacles placed in their path while bringing basic infrastructure for subsistence to an indigenous people, in turn, the people begin to not only survive, but thrive, with the new found help and love of Christ. I am humbled to be able to assist them in this calling and share their joy, as God always shows His presence in making a way for their persistence to prevail! FIA's efforts lead to basic subsistence for these Children of God through the literal and virtual Living Water. The infrastructure and foundation provided on their mission field demonstrates that the "Kingdom of Heaven belong to such as these"