A Summer at SIFAT

Below is an update from Chapelwood college student Jeremy Hall speaking of his experience at SIFAT (Servants in Faith in Technology). Jeremy was selected to be an intern at SIFAT for the summer to engage other youth teams and mission teams in learning about sustainable and appropriate technology among the poor. Check in for more updates!

It might be helpful to start with what it is I'm actually doing this summer. I am working as a counselor for SIFAT's “learn and serve program”, their summer camp for middle and high schooler’s. As a counselor, my responsibilities revolve around loving the students that I'm working with as Christ does all with the intention of allowing them to catch even just a glimpse of the love God has for them. The camp incorporates many of the teachings regarding appropriate technology and global experience that SIFAT provides to international community leaders. This gives the students the opportunity to become better equipped to meet the needs in their own community, to empathize with the needy around the world, and to possibly commit to serving them in the name of Christ.

Jeremy Hall and Andy Humphrey at SIFAT in 2011 for the CUMC youth Spring Break mission.

This is not an ordinary place. It is abundantly clear that God, from the very beginning, has had a unique purpose for SIFAT community. And community really is the right word. A solid description exists for this place, somewhere in the 2nd chapter of Acts. Just as that community was, it seems that the only true possessions anyone has around here are God's love and each other. No one is in need for any specific thing because if I have it, so do they. It's a beautiful reciprocity that can only be grown out of a foundation of Biblical thinking, prayerful discernment, and Christ-like action. This is indeed a strangely wonderful place.

We had our first week of students come through. It was awe-inspiring to see the transformations within them. They had the opportunity to experience life in an urban slum environment and in a rural Global village. They were exposed to appropriate technologies regarding food, water, shelter, and community development. Maybe most importantly, the students had the opportunity to authentically worship God in a loving environment. It was an unbelievable sight when the students collectively challenged themselves with the idea of the “kingdom of God” and what it means to belong to it. Seeds of faith were planted, watered, nurtured, pruned, and exposed to the light that is our God, and the fruit born from that continues to reveal itself.

 As for me, I've been taxed physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in ways I have never been before. And I love it. This week definitely was one of those moments when you realize you chose the opportunity that was right for you. God is working, leading me down some unfamiliar paths, but I'm not afraid of that, I trust that whatever way he guides me down will be the one that I'm meant to be on. More to come!
 Love always, Jeremy Hall.