Friends In Action International (FIA), a faith-based nonprofit organization in Middletown, will offer the choice of two different dates and venues for its annual awareness banquet. The organization exists to assist missionaries serving in areas of limited infrastructure by using construction projects to help them share the Gospel with unreached people groups.

One banquet will take place on Friday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. at Lebanon Valley Bible Church, 1482 Horseshoe Pike, Lebanon. A second, identical banquet will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel, 4650 Lindle Road, Harrisburg.

Attendees at both locations will enjoy a dinner buffet complete with a dessert bar. The event's theme is celebrating reaching the nations and generations for Christ. Throughout the evening, guests will see how God has combined the experience and generosity of the greatest generation with the strength and exuberance of the next generation to make frontline Gospel impacts.

At each event, the keynote speaker will be FIA's field leader in Vanuatu, Levi Pitman, who will share stories about serving NiVan villagers living in the region. Guests will learn how FIA volunteer travelers use trade and construction skills to make progress on water projects that will bring clean water to more than 3,500 villagers. Experienced construction owner Randy Schnieders will share details of the work, and younger volunteers Camden Palmer and Nathan Sensenig will describe how their worldviews have been impacted by international volunteering. In addition, Paul Jarot will talk about FIA's work in Papua New Guinea and the need for the next generation to step forward for full-time service opportunities. The banquet will also include a show of appreciation for supporters, party favors and giveaways, and recognition of retiring board members. Guests new to FIA have an opportunity to learn more by visiting the information table at the event or by speaking with staff members.

FIA recently received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of nonprofits. Only one-quarter of the 1.5 million charities rated have achieved this status. The four-star rating is the highest rating offered by Charity Navigator and verifies that FIA demonstrates strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency. A detailed review of financial documents, such as the organization's Form 990, audited financials, and key policies, indicated that FIA adheres to sector best practices and financially executes its mission efficiently.

FIA also received the platinum rating - the highest rating available - from GuideStar, a website that presents the mission, legitimacy, impact, financial, programming, transparency, and governance information about every IRS-registered nonprofit organization.

To purchase tickets for the banquets or sponsor a table of eight people by Sunday, Oct. 6, contact 717-546-0208 or FIA-USA@FIAintl.org. Registration is available at https://fiaintl.org/banquet/. FIA has announced that $50,000 in funds is available to match any money donated to the organization on the night of the banquet.

Readers can learn more about FIA's recent achievements by searching for "Friends in Action" at www.charitynavigator.org, www.greatnonprofits.org, and www.guidestar.org.