Reaching people around the world with the truth of God's Word has always been one our ministry's highest priorities. Since our initial overseas journey in 1991, the first of about a dozen, we have shared the Word with several thousand individuals in a number of third-world countries, and many have believed.
In the Christian Church, missionary work has too often failed because it has been conducted like running a machine across the sea by an extension cord plugged into the United States. As soon as the money (electricity) stops flowing, the missionary work ceases. In order for Spirit & Truth Fellowship to achieve its mission of "Building An Enduring Work of Truth," our efforts must result in an indigenous and self-perpetuating work in each country. This means we must be able to plant the work in such a way that it eventually becomes both self-governing and self-supporting. "Livelihood Projects" can be a principal way to make this happen.
Livelihood Projects are indigenous third-world business ventures that Spirit & Truth Fellowship International funds through one-time grants, typically in the range of $3,000 or less. As a leadership team becomes established in a third-world country, Livelihood Projects will be identified and funded to provide an income stream so the saints can support themselves and fund the movement of the Gospel in their country. The business venture is overseen by, and accountable to, the Spirit & Truth Fellowship governmental body of that country. As the venture makes profits, the grant will be repaid to that country's organization, with those funds used to start new ventures. When this process succeeds, Spirit & Truth Fellowship International can wean the leadership team of that country off of direct financial assistance and make assistance available to leaders in other countries.
Currently, Spirit & Truth Fellowship International supports international ministers and workers with approximately 10-12% of its total annual budget. You can sow directly into the funding of Livelihood Projects by designating such with your gifts, but please only do so by giving above your normal gifts. For any additional information on Livelihood Projects or specific projects, please contact Dan Gallagher at Dan@STFOnline.org
James and Nene (Philippians): The Abaca and other fruit trees
