Blog - Forward Edge

Community Development

Alice’s New Home

“Don’t worry Mum, keep trusting in God. Who knows? Maybe next month we’ll be in our own home.” Joseph fervently prayed for God to provide a new home for his family, and encouraged his mother, Alice, to keep faith. A Dirt Floor for a Bed In a humble home in Kenya, Alice lived with four of her children and one grandchild. Her unemployment and reliance on sporadic, low-paying work made it nearly impossible for the minimum wage to cover the family’s essential needs. They lived in a small wooden house with a dirt floor, an outdoor kitchen and no electricity.

Community Development

Pearl Partners

In Matthew 13, Jesus is sitting in his friend’s home, after a long day of teaching parables to the crowds. His disciples ask him about the Kingdom of Heaven, and he shares another story with them, to help them understand: “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Pearls have been considered one of the most valuable gemstones for thousands of years and across cultures around the world. Jesus knew that his disciples would immediately understand the value

Mission Trips

My Forward Edge Story

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sheri Stanley, our Director of Operations & Mobilization, to hear her Forward Edge Story. While what we spoke about was only a fraction of God’s incredible works in her life, these significant moments were an inspiration to me, and I hope they will be the same for you. Forward Edge stories are often, as team member Sheri Stanley puts it, “an illustration of the fruits of the Spirit.” She explains that they are worth sharing because they glorify God and His Kingdom. Sheri’s story does exactly that. It is full of illustrations

Resources

Life Advice Part 4: Live to Be Forgotten

Tim Ainley, CEO of Forward Edge, recently shared an inspiring message at a graduation commencement ceremony that is a timely and impactful message for us all. But, especially for recent graduates, young adults, and teens, these words could be the guiding principles you need as you step into a world with a million different possibilities: Read Part 3: Let God’s Will Come to You And finally, here’s my fourth and final piece of advice: Live to be forgotten What? Live to be forgotten? That’s weird, right? This is a hard one for me. Because everyone wants to be remembered. Everyone

Resources

Life Advice Part 3: Let God’s Will Come to You

Tim Ainley, CEO of Forward Edge, recently shared an inspiring message at a graduation commencement ceremony that is a timely and impactful message for us all. But, especially for recent graduates, young adults, and teens, these words could be the guiding principles you need as you step into a world with a million different possibilities: Read Part 2: You Were Made to Serve Ok, here’s the third thing I wish I had learned at your age: Let God’s will come to you You know, at graduations, you’ll often hear things like this: Dream big, you’re going to change the world,

Resources

Life Advice Part 2: You Were Made to Serve

Tim Ainley, CEO of Forward Edge, recently shared an inspiring message at a graduation commencement ceremony that is a timely and impactful message for us all. But, especially for recent graduates, young adults, and teens, these words could be the guiding principles you need as you step into a world with a million different possibilities: Read Part 1: Remember Whose You Are Ok, the second thing I wish someone would have told me is this: You were made to serve Let’s go back to Ephesians 2:10, which says: We are God’s handiwork (poiema), created in Christ Jesus for good works,

Resources

Life Advice Part 1: Remember Whose You Are

Tim Ainley, CEO of Forward Edge, recently shared an inspiring message at a graduation commencement ceremony that is a timely and impactful message for us all. But, especially for recent graduates, young adults, and teens, these words could be the guiding principles you need as you step into a world with a million different possibilities: As I was praying about what to share, I felt like the LORD guided me to simply share four pieces of advice I wish someone had shared with me when I was young. The first thing and probably the most important is: Remember Whose you

Child Sponsorship

Small Notes, Big Impact

Someone Thought of Me? Did you know that a simple note can change the trajectory of a child’s life? It’s true! For children living in poverty, life is challenging and filled with hardships. They may feel overlooked, forgotten, and alone. But when they receive a note, it shows that they are not alone and that they matter. To be known, thought of, and prayed for is immeasurable. It can give them a sense of purpose and worth, and it can help them to believe in themselves and their dreams. When someone takes the time to reach out to a

Community Development

Create Hope Ghana – Living Up to Its Name

It’s an exciting time at Forward Edge as we announce the launch of our brand new program, Create Hope Ghana, alongside our 40th anniversary celebration. We’re thrilled to witness the positive impact this program has already made on the lives of 75 children and their families residing in 10 different communities, thanks to the leadership of our dedicated Program Directors, Jonathan and Rhoda. Their commitment to providing food, education, spiritual guidance, and other essential support is a shining example of the compassionate and driven spirit that defines Forward Edge. The impact of Create Hope Ghana is best demonstrated through the

Child Sponsorship

Am I Making a Difference?

Ever wonder if you’re really making an impact in the life of the child you sponsor? The very fact that your child knows you chose them shows them they are special and that they matter. They know they’re important to you and also to God, you may even be an answer to their prayers. Impacting Generations with Holistic Care You’re providing holistic care for your child. This includes education, nutritious meals, spiritual mentorship, health care, tutoring and school tuition, health care, and safe drinking water! You’re also making an impact on their family. Parents have peace of mind because of

Community Development

Two Countries, One Purpose

Relationships are everything. And it’s not just those in the U.S. reaching out to other countries; it’s the entire Global Church engaging with and learning from each other. As an organization, we seek to foster and steward those vital relationships. Recently, the director of our Uganda children’s program, Bonny Lugayizi, along with program staff member Philip, visited our Kenya children’s program headed by Jane Wathagana to learn, encourage, and dream together. They left their time feeling empowered, equipped and inspired. Jane (left) with Bonny (center) and Philip (right) looking at land that will be used to build homes for families in

Community Development

One Week to Find Joy

Looking For Joy? Have you ever felt like you were on a hunt for joy? An 18-year-old boy was surprised to find it surrounded by people who had very little. He found it where you’d assume you’d find sadness. He went on a trip unsure of what he would experience but came back with a new perspective on life. When he returned, he reflected and shared, “I’m willing to say I saw more joy in this one week in Kijabe, Kenya than what I’ve seen in America throughout my whole nearly 18 years of life.” What if I told you that you

Child Sponsorship

Why Didn’t I Cry?

By Melanie Kruse Off On a Mission Trip I’ve never been on a mission trip like this. This was the first time we served with Forward Edge and the first time our two daughters had joined us, but that’s not what made it different. On this trip I didn’t cry. My husband and I had both been on mission trips before with other organizations, often with many tears involved. As we boarded the plane for Oaxaca, Mexico, I anticipated feeling emotions similar to those I’d experienced on past trips. The next morning was filled with joy as we finally met

Child Sponsorship

Three Elements to Changing Futures

Two Lives Forever Changed Adriana and Itzel both grew up with difficult home lives but everything changed for them when they joined Trigo y Miel, Forward Edge’s program in Oaxaca, Mexico. As children, they didn’t have many material possessions, but because of the program they were privileged to hear about God’s love regularly. They also were given the opportunity to graduate high school and attend college. All while receiving letters of encouragement from their sponsors, reminding them of their value and God’s amazing plan for them. In short, they received the three elements of all Forward Edge programs that directly

Child Sponsorship

What is Sell a Home, Save a Child?

Have you come across Sell a Home, Save a Child and wondered what it is? Abbreviated SAHSAC, Sell a Home, Save a Child is a funding program for Forward Edge International. The premise is simple: sell homes and save children. Real Estate professionals can partner with Sell a Home, Save a Child and help their business thrive while transforming the lives of children in poverty. It’s a win-win for everyone! History of Sell a Home, Save a Child Sell a Home, Save a Child Co-Founders Nick Shivers and Erik Hatch had both been loyal supporters of Forward Edge International for

Child Sponsorship

Escaping the Slum to Pursue God’s Purpose: Job’s Story

The past two years have been particularly hard for children in Uganda. Schools remained shut through most of the pandemic. Light a Candle, our program there, worked tirelessly to help these children succeed in their education despite the seemingly impossible situation. Despite school closures, children have remained committed to pursuing education however they can, and several have successfully passed exams to proceed to the next grade. In 2021, three of our students graduated high school and are now preparing for college! One of these graduates is Job. Job grew up in the slums of Kampala, where his life was defined

Child Sponsorship

Discovering His Worth: Medardo’s Story

“If I look back and see what I was, I can see a nefarious, and even a little perverted, young man. I was someone aimless, without knowledge and without any foundation.” Medardo grew up in an open-air garbage dump called La Chureca in Managua, Nicaragua, and then later, in Villa Guadalupe, the community created to relocate the dump residents. In this environment, young boys are often left feeling aimless and fall as easy prey into a lifestyle marked by drugs, alcohol and promiscuity. Medardo couldn’t envision a different life for himself and began to join in with the other boys. The

Child Sponsorship

Overcoming Poverty One Family at a Time

In Zaachila, on the outskirts of Oaxaca City, Mexico, live many impoverished families who’ve traveled from distant areas in search of more opportunities and a better life…only to find themselves confronted with the same devastating and debilitating effects of poverty: hunger, joblessness, water-borne illness, lack of education, gang violence, drug and alcohol use. Our Mexico children’s program, Trigo y Miel, was placed directly in the middle of this community to be a shining light in the lives of these families. Owen, Belen, and their two children, Caleb and Hannah, have seen their fair share of struggle, but God has done

Child Sponsorship

A Recipe for Transformation

When I introduce new people to Forward Edge, I’ll often describe what we do this way: we help children around the world overcome poverty, discover their true worth, and pursue God’s extraordinary purpose for their lives. I believe these three descriptors are distinct and important. Let me explain a little deeper what I mean by them. Overcoming Poverty Across the world, about 1 billion children are multidimensionally poor, meaning they lack basic necessities like nutrition or safe drinking water. Moreover, 150 million more children were plunged into poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Haiti, children are being sold as

Events

Why I Went Over The Edge

A Birthday with a Purpose Rappel down the side of a building to raise money for children?! I’d never heard of such an idea, but it sounded great to me! I’d get to challenge myself, do something fun, and help children all at the same time. My fundraising goal was $1,000, and I decided to accomplish that by asking for donations as gifts for my upcoming 40th birthday. It felt so special to do something meaningful for my birthday. Instead of getting gifts of material possessions, I knew that each dollar coming in was helping children. Helping children in poor

Mission Trips

Teens in Short-Term Missions

One of the most impactful things I learned as a teenager was that God will do extraordinary things through you whether you are 5 or 45, 15 or 52; He has no age restrictions and certainly does not follow the boundaries that we build up ourselves. Even now, at 21, I sometimes wonder, “What can I really do? How can I make a difference when I have so little experience?” It’s helpful to remind myself of verses like 1 Timothy 4:12… “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in

Child Sponsorship

Nubia’s Story: The Power of Love

Love has a way of radically transforming lives. At Forward Edge, we place our focus on helping children trapped in poverty reach their full, God-given potential (Ephesians 2:10) by meeting their basic needs (food, safe water, health care) and empowering them with quality education, vocational training, and spiritual discipleship. This holistic model helps vulnerable children receive the care they often desperately need. What is the result? They begin to thrive. However, while food, water and education are crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty, love is what penetrates the heart and creates lasting change in the lives of the children

Community Development

Micro-Loans Change Lives in Nicaragua

Most families living in extreme poverty have very little opportunity to grow economically. Even if the will and grit to persue entrepeneurship is there, the start-up funds are not. Micro-lending is an increasingly integral part of international community development. Individuals wanting to start a small business are able to borrow the start up costs and pay them back with low-interest. Instead of building dependence on outside help , micro-loans create financial independence for families desiring to better their own future. Fortunately Forward Edge has been blessed to be able to provide small business owners in Nicaragua with micro-loans to help

Community Development

2021: A Year to Celebrate

2021 has been an incredible year. At Forward Edge, our hearts swell with gratitude for all God has done. His awesome faithfulness through another difficult year has been such a blessing to witness. Children around the world are discovering their true worth and purpose and growing in intimacy with Jesus, and that is the greatest blessing of all. Today, we celebrate some of the top highlights from this year: Children help their families in Cuba – In Cuba, food and medicine costs have skyrocketed this year. As a response, several of the children in our program there decided to help

Child Sponsorship

Berenice’s Letter

A special message from one of our sponsored children in Oaxaca, Mexico: Receive an affectionate greeting all of you. I would like to tell you a little bit about my life in Trigo y Miel Program. My name is Berenice Santiago Lugo. I have 5 siblings. Audre, Uriel, Joselyn, Dulce and Samuel, and my parents, Silvia Lugo Altamirano and Felipe Santiago Rodríguez, we are 8 members in my family. In 2011 I had the immense blessing of being part of this beautiful family “Trigo y Miel”. I was 12 years old, at that time I was in the last year

Child Sponsorship

This is What Success Looks Like

A special message from our Program Directors in Mexico, Victor and Lety Velasco: Hola and Feliz Navidad from Forward Edge and our program down here in Oaxaca, Mexico. We want to tell you a story of the impact you’re making. One of the first families to join our program 10 years ago was The Santiago Lugo family. The parents had little education, they were very poor, and all six children were going hungry. We began to provide them all with nutritious food, doctor visits, safe water to drink, spiritual discipleship, and our daily homework club for the children. We were

Child Sponsorship

Children Step Up for Families

Tough Times It never ceases to amaze me the accomplishments children can achieve, but more importantly and impressively, their hearts behind it. The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but one of the largest hurdles the families in our programs have had to face is watching the prices for their basic needs increase dramatically. Parents are doing all that they can, going above and beyond working long hours, extra jobs, and difficult jobs to provide for their children. And God has been good and faithful to care for them and take care of their families. But in the midst of

Community Development

Siloe School Opens

Many prayers were answered this year when Siloe School in Oaxaca, Mexico officially opened to 28 elementary students! Siloe School is a private Christian school run by our Mexico Children’s Program. Our program has always supported education by providing tutoring and covering school supplies and fees, but this is the next step in giving children in this community the best education possible. We know that education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty. LEAP Academy University Charter School Founder, Gloria Bonilla-Santiago says, “If you provide children with quality education options, support families and children holistically in a community setting and enlist

Child Sponsorship

A Future Rewritten Through Education: Berenice Graduates!

Berenice was used to seeing the same narrative play out around her growing up: a life marked by poverty, wealth inequality, and barriers to education. Most families in her area in Oaxaca, Mexico have traditionally come from smaller villages in search of a better life and are facing severe unemployment and dire housing conditions. Instead of just focusing on daily survival, Berenice often pondered a different way. She was determined to not follow in the footsteps of many of her peers, and knew God had big plans for her. The pivotal point in Berenice’s life came through Forward Edge’s Trigo

Help Children

Free To Love

When you think of the word freedom, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Free speech? Pickets and rallies? How about a soldier in uniform, fireworks, or even the American flag? As Westerners, the idea of freedom often leads us to the rights of every individual. Because every single person matters, regardless of race, creed, age, social class, gender or religion. That’s a beautiful value, and one that finds its origins in Christ. Remember the shepherd who left the 99 for the one? What about the image of a servant? Does that come to mind when you think

Community Development

Why We Should Involve Children in Development

In his book, “Empowering Children”, former Forward Edge board member, Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, shares the importance of involving children in the process of their own development. When a community invests its resources in its children, it invests in its own future. Just as Forward Edge values all children and believes they have dignity and are created in the image of God, Dr. Ravi explains that the input of children is valuable. Involving children in the entire process can bring extraordinary results because children begin to realize that their concerns are important, which in turn reminds them of their importance in

Child Sponsorship

Ileana’s Letter

Ileana has been in our Nicaragua children’s program for the last eight years. Our team has poured into her heart, spirit, and education, and she has blossomed into a beautiful young woman of God. Her life hasn’t been easy, but as you’ll read in her letter, she has learned to depend on Christ for her strength. Our ultimate goal for all the children and adults impacted by our programs is that they learn their true worth and God-given purpose, and we love seeing how God has faithfully done that in Ileana’s life. Hello to all the members of the Forward

Help Children

A Tax-Savvy Way To Give

As Christ-followers, we give to others to follow Christ’s example and to invest in His eternal Kingdom. We trust Jesus when he said, “It is better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). While it should never be the reason why we give, a secondary benefit when we do, in America, is the tax savings it provides. There are lots of ways to leverage your giving for tax savings, but perhaps none more fruitful than donating stocks. Many of our partners are often surprised to hear that by donating stocks to Forward Edge, they can make a powerful impact while

President Joseph Anfuso

The Power of “Yes”

There is a word—or at least a series of decisions—that determine to a very great extent the story of our lives. In fact, if we fail to use this word and make those decisions, we will never experience the fullness of God’s plans for us. The word is “Yes.” One of the most remarkable freedoms God gives each of us is the freedom to say “No.” There are times, of course, when saying “no” is the right decision. It’s important to say “no” to things that would be harmful to us. But God also gives us the freedom to say

Mission Trips

God Uses Two Sisters and a Mission Trip to Change Lives

The decision to join a mission team It all started with two sisters who chose to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua. Val spontaneously joined her sister Donna at a trip team meeting, and decided during the meeting that she too wanted to serve with the team.    A Humbling Experience During the trip, Val found herself with the opportunity to visit the home of a little girl living in Managua, Nicaragua. Immediately she longed to do something to improve this family’s living situation, as she was humbled and shocked to see the poverty. The team leader, Kay, and other staff told Val the best thing she could do

covid-19

Viola’s Story

Viola lives in the slums of Kampala, Uganda with her parents and five siblings. Living conditions in this area are cramped and unsanitary. Viola’s family lives in a small, brick, two-bedroom house. The whole family shares one room and the other one is used to house chickens and a goat that are being raised to sell. When the lockdown measures hit the world this spring, each of our programs had to pivot from their normal services at schools, churches and community centers, and venture out with more home visits to care for our children. This cost a bit more, but we knew

covid-19

Mary’s Story

In the extremely poor village of Kijabe, Kenya, there lives a crippled widow named Mary. After her husband died of AIDS a few years ago, she struggled to find food. While she suffers from HIV, too, Mary’s greatest challenge is a nerve problem in her legs. She has to use crutches to walk and can’t move very far. Most of the day, the pain keeps her seated, so she spends hours reading her Bible while her children are at school. Mary’s two young children, Robert and Elizabeth, were getting a meal every day through Forward Edge’s feeding program at the local

Help Children

Get Them Jesus and an Education

In my mind, I can still hear her cries of defeat and see the tears pouring down her face. I can see the “I am stupid” notes she had written on her school worksheets that day. My precious eight-year-old daughter was fighting to overcome dyscalculia – basically the math version of dyslexia – and we had no idea. It was breaking my heart to watch her feel so defeated and worthless for not being able to keep up with her classmates. As soon as we discovered her challenge, we pursued resources to help: tutors, new curriculum, online learning apps, teacher support, and even an Individualized Education Program. I’m humbled and thankful to live in a country with resources like this so

President Joseph Anfuso

Living on Purpose

by Joseph Anfuso A well-known 19th-century philosopher once said: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” So, what does that mean? It means that someone who’s found a purpose in life—a “why” to live for—can overcome any obstacle in his or her path. It means that if you know why your life matters—and have a positive purpose for living—you can suffer through almost any defeat without giving up or falling into despair. The vital importance of “knowing your why” is what inspired me to create the new online course: Living on Purpose / The Eternal Call

A New Vision for the Village of Hope

The Road to Today “Imagine a young girl forced to grow up inside a garbage dump, exposed to extreme filth and severe malnutrition, at risk of physical abuse, rape, drug abuse, pregnancy – and even being sold into prostitution by her family for first access to incoming garbage.” These were the words we first used to describe an unimaginable existence, but a reality for many girls living in La Chureca, the largest open-air landfill in Central America. Any chance of having a healthy childhood here was lost at a very young age. In 2008, Village of Hope was established as

Mission Trips

Proclaiming the Gospel in Word and Deed

by Joseph Anfuso I had no idea in the spring of 1980 that a two-day trip to Nicaragua would not only change the trajectory of my life, but cause me to reimagine Jesus’ commission in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” At the time, I was a leader in a church-planting ministry birthed during the Jesus Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Jesus was coming back soon, we were convinced, so our highest priorities—perhaps our only priorities—were preaching the gospel and making disciples. That’s why my trip to Nicaragua was

Help Children

Medardo’s Story

Villa Esperanza, Managua, Nicaragua My name is Medardo Sánchez. I am 19 years old and I am currently in the 4th year of high school. I want to tell you that before I met Village of Hope, I was thirteen years old and studying third grade of primary school. If I look back and see what I was, I can see a nefarious and even a little perverted young man who liked to grope girls. I was someone aimless, without knowledge and without any foundation. At 12 years old I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior, but

Churches

3 Quick Tips to Keep Pace with Global Partners During a Pandemic

Have you had to cancel or postpone a trip to serve in another country this year? Have you considered repurposing your investment rather than losing it or delaying the opportunity? 1. Repurpose your plan Is there a way to take the plans you have already made and modify them using virtual platforms? Can you offer other services or resources from your church that would not otherwise be available? 2. Repurpose your people What if you kept the proposed team intact and rallied them to redirect their time and effort to serve the same ministry in other ways? Could you involve

covid-19

Let the Wave Say Who We Are

Almost 20 years ago now, I was circling the 60-foot maple tree that stands just yards from my front door, talking to my Heavenly Father. Forward Edge needed to upgrade the training we provided for our short-term mission teams, and I was asking God for guidance. In a matter of seconds, the following concept poured into my brain like water from an open spigot: Imagine that God is an ocean, always sending waves toward the shore. Now imagine your mission trip as a wave. How do you “catch the wave” of God’s plan and purpose for your trip? You have

It’s Okay to Be Angry

Our country is reeling right now. As if the global pandemic wasn’t challenging enough, the senseless murder of George Floyd has turned our country upside down. So how are we, as followers of Jesus, supposed to respond? First, it’s totally appropriate to be angry. Scripture confirms in Psalm 4:4 and Ephesians 4:26 that there are times when all of us become angry. Jesus Himself was angry at the money changers in the temple—an anger that could only be described as “righteous.” Anger is only constructive, though, when it motivates us to focus on a specific problem and offer a solution.

President Joseph Anfuso

Serendestiny During a Pandemic

If there’s one thing the Covid-19 pandemic has made abundantly clear it’s that none of us are fully in control of our lives. What we can control, though, are our choices. And those choices ultimately determine the story of our lives. Several years ago, I coined a word that conveys what I’m talking about here. The word is “serendestiny”—a combination of the words serendipity and destiny. Webster defines serendipity as “the phenomenon of experiencing things not anticipated or sought for, usually pleasant surprises.” I define serendestiny as “the phenomenon of discovering one’s destiny by responding with faith and obedience to

Community Development

7 Keys to Effective Mission Trips

For over 35 years, Forward Edge has mobilized more than 20,000 individuals on nearly 1,600 mission teams to many parts of the U.S. and 34 countries. Over this time, we’ve learned tried-and-true principles that allow short-term teams to help without causing harm. 1. Support programs that are directed, designed, and implemented by nationals. While there are worthy programs overseas directed by missionaries, it is best to support programs directed by nationals. Nationals know their own culture, and how to effectively function and minister within it. Indigenous church and government leaders, as well as program beneficiaries, also view programs directed by

Community Development

Helping Without Hurting

Have you ever experienced an offer of generosity from a family member, friend, or acquaintance that was well-intentioned, but…misplaced? Perhaps a friend making you a meal you’re allergic to or a parent buying you a piece of furniture you have no room for. Of course you say thank you, but in your heart you might be thinking, “I wish you had asked what I needed, instead of offering what YOU thought I needed.” Thinking we know what’s best for someone else is something we often encounter when serving cross-culturally. When we go to a foreign land with our own first-world

Resources

Lent and Lament

In the midst of Holy Week, we find ourselves in a unique season of self-isolation and deprivation that coincides with the religious tradition of Lent observed by many Christians. Lent is a time of preparation – a period of giving up or sacrificing something in preparation for something better that is coming. The major difference is that Lent ends on Easter Sunday; and, in the case of the current crisis we’re experiencing, we don’t know what is coming next or when it will end. One way to navigate this period of uncertainty is to turn our attention to what God

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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Gyebaleki (hello), my name is Gift

Uganda

09-30-2009

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