Friends In Action International (FIA), a nonprofit organization located in Middletown, recently received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator. Only a quarter of the 1.5 million charities rated have achieved this status. In 2022, Friends In Action will celebrate its 30th year of "supporting mission work in areas of limited infrastructure by using construction projects and practical service to speed the Gospel to those who have never heard."

"Friends In Action is committed to stretching each dollar and prayer invested to do the most good, for the greatest number of people, to the highest glory of God," said Tim Johnston, FIA's executive director. "We owe this to our supporters and funders and are happy to be honored by Charity Navigator."

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 and audited financials, as well as key policies indicated that FIA adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way.

FIA has also achieved GuideStar.org's Platinum Rating, the site's highest rating, for integrity and GreatNonProfit.org's badge as a 2021 top-rated nonprofit.

Readers who would like to learn more about Friends In Action can participate in the FIA Mission Banquet to raise awareness and funds for Christian mission outreaches. This event will be held on Friday, Oct. 29, at the Harrisburg Hershey Sheraton Hotel, 4650 Lindle Road, Harrisburg. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. A served buffet dinner will feature beef tips, lemon herb chicken, and assorted desserts. The evening's program will occur from 6 to 9 p.m.

The banquet will include a show of appreciation for volunteers, donors, and sponsors; videos from West African villagers and the NiVan people groups of Vanuatu; and testimonies from the field. Attendees will hear stories about the impact water projects are having on indigenous people groups who have yet to hear the Gospel. Games, prizes and giveaways, auctioned items, and an African drum expo will also be part of the event.

To purchase tickets or sponsor a table of eight people, readers may contact 717-546-0208 or fia-usa@fiaintl.org by Friday, Oct. 1. Online registration is available at http://www.fiaintl.org/banquet. FIA has announced that $200,000 in funds are available to match any donated to the organization's water projects in Africa or Vanuatu during the night of the banquet.

Friends In Action's Charity Navigator rating is available at http://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/770296087. Readers can also learn more about FIA at http://www.fiaintl.org.