There are a number of different ways to volunteer with Fields of Life. Whether you are skilled or unskilled, you can make a valuable contribution. The following is a list of appropriate volunteering activities:
Administrator
At certain times of the year, the FOL office is extremely busy. For example, December is the time that we receive many Gift of Life requests, twice a year the Child Sponsorship letters arrive, and throughout the year we distribute newsletters and prayers letters. Administrators roll up their sleeves with a smile, and work with us side-by-side in the office to get even the most tedious mailings out to appreciative child sponsors and donors.
Consultants
Consultants act as important cogs in the wheels that enable FOL to function. Some volunteers do more specialised work, for example in the educational, financial, legal or medical field. The Fields of Life Volunteer Co-ordinator guides a potential consultant through a process inquiring about the volunteer’s particular qualifications, skills or gifts to ensure best use of their expertise. FOL has, in the past, been blessed with assistance from doctors, solicitors, teachers, builders, accountants, etc. All have made valuable contributions to the work of FOL, and we would not have accomplished much of what has been achieved today without their level of professional expertise and commitment to using their abilities for the assistance of less privileged communities.
Church Representative
Church Representatives bring alive the work of Fields of Life in their own church. In this role, volunteers are responsible for passing on information about FOL to others in their congregation. Church Representatives have the opportunity to inform those who have not heard about FOL, and to drum up support for our work from the congregation. You will receive a Presentation Pack which will contain: a short DVD highlighting the work of FOL, a power-point presentation, leaflets and up to date newsletters.
Events
At various times of the year we may hold our own special awareness, celebration or fundraising events. Events volunteers may be involved in promoting the event, distributing information, greeting people, collecting tickets, stewarding, manning a FOL stand, etc. Also, other large Christian events such as Summer Madness and New Horizon provide unique opportunities to talk to potential supporters about Fields of Life. At these events volunteers might set up a FOL stand, display information and resources, and be available to talk to people who are interested.
Fundraiser
Fields of Life is dependent on the generosity of the public to assist in our work, for the people of East Africa; without it, we could not exist. So far we have been blessed with tremendous, dedicated support from people across Northern Ireland, Ireland and further afield, and for that we are truely grateful. Fundraisers are involved in the preparation, organisation and running of fundraising events. Your fundraising effort can be earmarked for a specific programme, or you may wish to support the general Fields of Life Funds, it is entirely up to you. Check out our Fundraiser's Den, where you can get more information on fundraising activities as well as consider a few ideas. Or contact our Fundraising and Volunteer co-ordinator Helen Keown via helen@fieldsoflife.com.
Prayer Partners
Praying for us is a powerful way to assist the work of Fields of Life. We are a Christian organisation, so at the forefront of all we do is prayer and seeking God's guidance in our mission and work. Without prayer, and without direction and wisdom from God, we can do nothing. We depend on God for support, strategy and guidance for our continued growth and development. As the work grows and develops in East Africa, we are conscious of the need for intercessors to prayerfully support and encourage us. We need people who will organise and lead prayer meetings up to 4 times a year. You will be provided with up to date prayer letters.
If you like to participate in specific prayer requests, please use our online form on the Prayer Support page in order to receive our monthly prayer letter via email or post. Alternatively, you can go to our online (bi-weekly) Prayer Diary.
Short Term Mission Team Member/Leader
FOL provides opportunities for people to serve abroad as well as at home. Two-week work teams travel to East Africa (predominantly Uganda) throughout the year and use their life experience, talents and trade to change lives. A Short Term Mission trip is a very serious undertaking and exists as a means of tangibly helping others in less-privileged East African communities. It is not for the faint of heart as it has been experienced by many as a life changing experience. Many arrive back from the mission having not only experienced a new culture, made new friends, but having developed and grown personally and spiritually. Projects include building, painting, health education, and children's and/or adult's ministry in association with local churches.
If a Short Term Mission is of interest to you, read more about it and view a team mission in action here.
Trainers
We welcome people with specialised skills who can assist in preparing training programmes that will be of use in equipping and supporting our partners in East Africa. Some of our trainers are doing sterling work with our micro-finance scheme, children’s ministry, accounting, and teacher training.
Questions?
Why don’t you explore the Volunteer section in our online FAQ? If this doesn’t supply the answers, contact us via email at info@fieldsoflife.com. We would be more than happy to respond to any and all of your queries!