We are a ministry of SIFAT (Servants in Faith and Technology) for junior and senior high school youth, as well as college ministries and young adult groups. Our goal is for students to "learn" about diverse cultures, differing living conditions and the technologies that SIFAT uses throughout the world. As students are exposed to the "real world" (not the one seen on MTV), we empower them to "serve" somewhere, whether in their local community or internationally.
L&S is offered year-round and includes one-day programs, retreats and work projects, as well as weekly summer camps from June through August that focus on missions and the importance of making a difference in our own communities. Youth groups from across the United States have experienced SIFAT and we've seen seeds planted and lives impacted. Our program is unique because we are not the typical "camp". Although many elements of camp are present, we are missions focused and strive to bring awareness to our calling as Christians to reach out and be the hands and feet of Christ at home, at school, at work, in our own community or somewhere far away.
Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT) is a 501(c)(3) international Christian nonprofit organization providing training in self-help programs to a needy world.
SIFAT offers opportunities for Christians to become personally involved by learning from others and partnering with them in missions. SIFAT is interdenominational and partners with many churches to foster training in Alabama, Bolivia, Ecuador, the Philippines and Africa.
At the heart of SIFAT is our Praciticum, an intensive 10-week training for people who travel to our campus from countries around the world. These dedicated community leaders learn appropriate "technologies" (purifying water, digging wells, efficient cook stoves, nutrition, better sanitation, etc.) After graduation, many students return to their countries and start projects based upon the needs of their community. SIFAT also assists groups interested in organizing short-term mission trips to Ecuador and Bolivia, where SIFAT is currently working. On our international campus, we have a "global village" that simulates living conditions in a Two-thirds World country, as well as retreat facilities that can accommodate groups looking for a beautiful place to get away and focus on God.
Global Village
SIFAT offers a simulated Two-thirds World village on campus, available for tours, work projects or overnight camping. Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, Nepal, the Philippines, Liberia and Uganda make up the seven countries represented.
Slums
SIFAT created a small-scale model of urban slum communities throughout the world. The slums are available for overnight camping or the Slum Experience. Visit the retreats page to learn more.
Village Store
The Village Store showcases handmade items from around the world that may be purchased. Items such as jewelry from Bolivia, clothing from Ecuador, hammocks and cultural art are available. The village Store also has soft drinks, water and snacks for sale.
Lodging
Dormitory style lodging is available on campus. Each facility provides bunk beds, bathrooms with individual showers, kitchen areas and meeting spaces. The Main Lodge sleeps up to 66 and provides a large meeting room equipped with audio/visual capabilities and a full service kitchen if a group chooses to prepare their own meals. The International House sleeps 26 and has a smaller meeting area and kitchen. The Bunkhouse sleeps up to 18 and is more rustic than the other lodging. Groups must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels and washcloths. Visit the facilities page for pictures and rental information.
Food Services
Our cafeteria offers breakfast, lunch and dinner at reasonable prices. Many of the vegetables are grown on campus and are served fresh. Meal times and menus vary by the season. Visit the facilities page for more information.