Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT), Advance 982812, based in Lineville, Ala. serves many vulnerable people around the world. The nonprofit Christian organization, which provides training in community development, was able to directly impact 2,500 children in Ecuador, 4,000 people in Bolivia, and 200 students and staff in Uganda, plus many more communities in part through UMC #GivingTuesday donations made last year.
UMC #GivingTuesday gifts also enhanced SIFAT's work to expand its after-school programs for impoverished children in Ecuador, including tutoring, hot meals, and spiritual formation. The funding also provided opportunities for church growth and outreach in marginalized communities.
In Bolivia, a public health initiative and dental clinic are providing healthcare to remote villages in the Andes Mountains, which allows young adults to become involved in the future of their communities.
In Mukono, Uganda, participants in the Agape Total Childcare Center have many reasons to praise God. Since Agape's founding in 2008 by William Nsubuga, a SIFAT graduate, the center has grown to include an orphanage, a Christian high school, and a farm.
Many of Agape's children have either lost parents to HIV and AIDS or have lived their lives on the streets. But, through Agape they are finding hope for a better future, as some of the students have already graduated with a trade school certificate or college degree. By the end of 2016, SIFAT expects more than half of the Agape children to have graduated from high school and have the opportunity to attend a trade school or university. This work was made possible through the contributions from generous SIFAT supporters that include UMC #GivingTuesday donors.
Each year, UMC #GivingTuesday donations help motivate SIFAT supporters to give more. As a result, the funds have helped bridge gaps between under-funded projects and has prepared SIFAT to underwrite programs for the coming year.
You can support this work with your gifts to Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT), Advance 982812.
Adapted from General Board of Global Ministries website
The Advance is the accountable, designated-giving arm of The United Methodist Church. The Advance invites contributors to designate support for projects related to the General Board of Global Ministries. Individuals, local churches, organizations, districts and annual conferences may donate to The Advance. One hundred percent of every gift to The Advance goes to the project selected by the giver.
