FIA ministry was established in 1988 with a vision to take the gospel to areas that have little or no Christian contact. We have discovered that taking the gospel to remote places is difficult where there is illiteracy and general under development. We have established a holistic approach in our evangelism. We reach out using medical, dental, nutritional, educational, agricultural, housing, fresh water sanitation, and other infrastructure developments to share in a tangible way “the love of God.” This we consider a means of imparting the gospel and establishing God’s work in very needy areas.
When you’ve done it to the least of them you have done it unto me.
The sheep and the goats are judged by what they did and did not do.
We have built relationships with communities and individuals through personal involvement. We are committed to reproducing our talents and gifts to the nationals, and at the same time disciplining them in the Lord. As we pour out our lives serving them, we are sharing with them the love of God and they will be impacted, changed, and equipped for fulfilling their eternal destiny.
Our goal has been to start churches in areas where the gospel has not been heard and to raise up local leaders.
Before Considering Joining FIA
Pleas know that “bush ministry” is not for the faint hearted. Our team members must be self motivated, passionate, and know they are called by God for this ministry. You must have a vision. This type of ministry is for men and women of God, seasoned in their faith who have been called to a front-line ministry that often can be very challenging spiritually and emotionally.
Faith in Action is not a missions boot-camp or missions training organization. There is isolation, primitive surroundings, and witchcraft all around. This is a call for spiritual “Warriors”.
Besides having the fruit of the Spirit evident in your life, some of the qualities we are looking for are:
- Leadership
- Flexibility
- Willingness to submit to authority
- Strong work ethic
Faith in Action is a ministry and not a humanitarian organization. Our purpose in all that we do is to share the gospel, and partake in the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matt 28:19).
We understand that the greatest impact we, as individuals and as an organization, can make is to see people born again (John 3:16)
We are dwellers. God has called us to “dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” We don’t come and go; we stay. We love and serve the people even though people may not always show gratitude. Our lives are spent for His pleasure by living to be faithful. Knowing this, realize that it takes us a long time to shake the dust off our feet. We dwell and love and know that with understanding comes compassion and long-suffering.
Team Dynamics
Leadership
Our purpose is aimed at raising up the Guatemalan Nationals to be the future leaders.
Location of Ministry
Team members should be prepared to work and share their giftings at any or all of the three primary locations; the mountains, which include the villages of Pinalito and Matasano; Zacapa, where there is the dorm house for the school kids from the mountains; Rio Dulce, the river ministry.
Common Worship
A Bible study/prayer meeting occurs weekly where there are two or more believers ministering in the same area. Prayer meetings/devotional occur once a week. This is to be done if there are two or more believers ministering in the same area, such as the coming together of those ministering in the two villages in the mountains.
Intercessory Prayer
A weekly time to storm the heavens together with the team and the national leadership of the area where the focus of prayer is on the work of God and doing warfare in His name on behalf of the people.
Fasting
The 1st of every month is a day of fasting and praying.
Accountability
Weekly reports will be submitted. Tasks and ministries appointed must be done in a timely manner. God loves a cheerful servant that embraces his job knowing whatever he does is holy to the Lord if he does it as unto Him. We always have lot to do in keeping the mission bases running and looking proper.
Requirements of Members
Transportation
All families operating in the mission field provide their own transportation while in Guatemala. FIA has provided a vehicle for the singles… they must maintain a vehicle account for repairs and maintenance. A minimum of $50.00 per month must be deposited into the account. (Always fill your gas tank before going up the mountain.) Only designated drivers designated by FIA are allowed to drive FIA owned vehicles.
Support
A monthly support minimum of $500 for singles and $1000 for families. This support must be raised before you come on the field.
Insurance
Health insurance must stay up to date. We can suggest an affordable company used by many missionary organizations.
Housing
Housing will cost Singles $100 per month and families $150 per month. This gives you use of all housing of FIA; the mission house of the villages of Pinalito, Matasano, Zacapa, and Rio-Dulce.
Required Reading
Books must be read and a short summary written on the book as well as a brief description of what you got out of it. The books are as follows: Honor’s Reward by John Bevere If you would like there is a book that is used by many ministries to help raise support called: Funding your ministry by Henry J Nouwen and A work of the Heart by Mcneil.
Leave of Absence
You may take 45 days off for R&R per year.
Code of Conduct
Required to download, print, read, sign, and adhere to the FIA Code of Conduct. Principles are in keeping with Christian principles defined in the Bible.
Communication
Your blogs and online communication will go thru the FIA web-site in order to not seem confusing or look inconsistent. This helps build credibility with the individuals who are supporting you as they see the work that God has commission through your efforts. It also keeps our communication accountable to each other. We have established a way for you to receive tax exempt online donations. Your supporters would then get a tax right off from our 501(c)3 organization.
Language School
3 months required. This can be spit up over a 6 month period. Housing and meals including 20 hrs of one on one with a language teacher is $100 per week.
Is FIA Right For You?
There will be a 90 day trial period to know whether this is the right place for you.
This is an important time to know that you are in a place that you can be committed to and grow into your full potential in the Lord. Not everyone is called to this primitive mission life. There are many ways to be a missionary and we are just one of the many avenues in which you can serve God in Missions.
Called to Leadership?
To have every member of our team promote unity and love is the backbone and very foundation of being effective in reaching those we have been called to serve. Years have been spent tearing down walls of superstition, and replacing them with relationships of love and trust. These can easily be sabotaged by the enemy through gossip and slander arising from misunderstandings within the team. We must be committed to encourage one another, to defend one another, and to grow in unity. Only on this basis will we be effective for the kingdom of God.
Answer the Call
If you have read all of this info and believe that joining FIA is the right decision for you please fill out the form below.