Friends In Action International (FIA), a nonprofit in Middletown, has hosted multiple international service trips to remote locations for almost 30 years. Throughout the organization's six countries of service, volunteers complete a variety of infrastructure projects, life skills trainings, and Bible teaching sessions in support of missionary work targeting unreached people groups.

Due to COVID-19 lockdowns, travel bans, and social distancing requirements, many of these trips were canceled in 2020 and 2021. However, FIA has adapted its operations so local volunteers can continue their international mission efforts.

Embracing technology options, Friends In Action field leaders and volunteers have used phone calls, texts, and Zoom meetings to continue to connect with indigenous people abroad. "Even in very remote locations, we can FaceTime or speak with national partners and missionaries in real time. Thankfully, we have been able to sustain impacts and service in all locations," said executive director Tim Johnston.

Mike Butler, Friends In Action's field leader to Papua New Guinea, was able to teach a missionary how to repair a generator through email exchanges. While solar power provides an energy source, frequent cloudy days can leave missionaries without enough power to charge computers, lights, or fans. A generator provides an additional power source and also enables missionaries to run power tools used to repair damage caused by termites and mold.

Bolivian national pastors use WhatsApp to communicate with FIA staff and volunteers. COVID-19 has created significant needs for relief aid such as medication and food in villages along the Amazon River. "Being able to speak directly to national leaders on the frontlines has been instrumental in getting critical supplies to the most desperate villagers," shared Gary Ferch, FIA's field leader to Bolivia.

Cellphone reception in some areas has allowed staff and volunteers to speak with or text national leaders in Nicaragua working on community transformation projects among the Rama Cay people. "The villagers learned construction skills taught by past volunteer teams, so these check-in conversations ensure that they have the knowledge and supplies necessary to continue building," reported Johnston. The villagers completed three hurricane-resistant homes independently in 2020, and they have four more houses started this year.

Friends In Action has also created stateside and local opportunities for volunteers to continue with hands-on projects.

A volunteer team recently returned from the campus of Ethnos360, a missionary training facility in Missouri. In less than a week, the team completed a full kitchen installation, repaired a well house, installed soffit vents and adjusted ridge roofing vents, trimmed out two bathrooms, installed fiberglass paneling, and renovated multiple student rooms. FIA had an additional trip planned to continue these efforts from Sept. 12 to 18.

Volunteers have also served through various projects offered at FIA's Middletown headquarters. Tradespeople have recently been making repairs on a barn located on the grounds, installing an entrance sign at the front of the property, repainting exterior doors, performing mechanical work, and trimming trees.

To express interest in volunteering with FIA, contact Paul Brosey at PaulBrosey@fiaintl.org or calling 717-546-0208.