Friends in Action (FIA) International will host its annual banquet in October, and everyone is invited to learn more about the nonprofit organization that supports evangelism groups overseas.

"Many Still Thirst: Where Water Flows, the Gospel Goes" is the theme of the banquet, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, at The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for a reception hour, and the banquet will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The evening will include a dinner buffet and a dessert bar, along with a keynote speaker.

"We have Jeremy Effler coming in from our station in West Africa," said Andy Bachert, chief operating officer of Friends in Action International. "He's in charge of drilling our water wells there and is our West African field leader."

Jeremy and Jessie Effler work on clean water projects for FIA. They meet the urgent physical needs of Indigenous people while creating opportunities to evangelize, disciple, teach and live out the Gospel message.

The banquet will also feature updates on the organization from executive director Matt Durkee, as well as a call to action to support the ministry. A variety of door prizes and giveaways will be awarded as well.

Proceeds from the banquet will benefit operations of the nonprofit, which formed more than 30 years ago. While the nonprofit originated in Mansfield, Mo., in 1992, it moved to central Pennsylvania in early 2000.

"Friends in Action is a little bit different than church planting," Bachert said. "We come alongside those doing the evangelism by providing infrastructure and support systems. We drill the wells, renovate clinics and provide hands-on partnership. We don't send pastors, but instead we support those doing the work through service projects that help to move the Gospel forward."

With a local office just outside of Elizabethtown in Middletown, Friends in Action works in West and East Africa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and both Central and South America.

Bachert said the banquet will provide an opportunity to discover more about the nonprofit and its work.

"If you want to have a better understanding of a different way to be engaged in mission work, come to the banquet," he said. "You'll learn about our hands-on work and our service projects, and you'll learn more about Friends in Action's mission projects."

The registration deadline for the banquet is Wednesday, Oct. 14. There is a discount for purchasing tickets prior to Thursday, Oct. 1. To register, visit http://www.fiaintl.org/banquets.