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Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Genesis clearly says the animals were created and Adam was given the job of naming them all. So, chicken before the egg. In another not dissimilar question in ministry, which comes firs—the project idea or the funding? Oscar Mmbali, FUM in Belize Director, outlined the conundrum this way: some folks believe funding follows good ideas, and others believe good ideas reside where there is funding. Last year, Belize Friends Church, seeing a need in their community, answered that need by offering to help feed fifty families, providing supplemental food once a month. There was a need and an idea—and with communicated awareness, there was funding. There is still need in Belize. Belize Friends Church has set out their fleece again. This year they would like to be able to help seventy-five families with food each month.The Grocery Bag Project is one of the ways in which Belize Friends Church is training up new leaders. Young people, in cooperation with Oscar and Miriam Mmbali and Pastor Chris Luben, are learning about the planning, preparation, and execution of such an endeavor. Belize Friends Church is asking for help, stepping out in faith, seeing a need and asking themselves, “How can we help?” Please be with Friends in Belize as they seek to answer the call of God in their community.
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Christmas is a special celebration in various parts of Kenya and the entire world. It is the moment we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and is more of a thanksgiving affair in Kenya, and Africa at large. People travel from the cities to the villages to reunite with family. These are the times when children get new clothes, decorate mud houses by drawing flowers on the walls, and families get to share special meals together. It is not any different on Mt. Elgon, in Western Kenya. The orphan and vulnerable children Christmas party has become a norm since its inception six years ago, and once again, on 23 December 2024, all roads led to the Chebyuk Peace Centre for the Children’s Celebration. During the celebration there were over 900 children who had not just come to share a meal with other children but also to catch up with their agemates. FUM Programme Coordinator Getry Agiza joined with the children in this celebration.
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On the 15th of December Belize Friends Church held a Christmas party, with 47 participants. The toddlers were running around laughing and playing. The children and teenagers occupied the largest table with their heated discussions and loud laughter. Mothers were helping and engaging in conversations, disciplining their toddlers and enjoying. The young adults came in with big smiles on their faces. Carrols were playing in the background. There was Christmas at Belize Friends Church. When everyone had finally gathered (hours after we started to pick the first group) there was sharing of the meaning of Advent, and Jesus Christ, born as hope into our darkness. And for a few seconds everything turned completely silent, with the message in our hearts, that Jesus Christ came as a light of hope to the darkness of the south side of Belize City. With a full church hall, and hearts overflowing with thankfulness to God, we could glimpse the impact that Belize Friends Church has on this community.
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This poem is one I’ve struggled to write for three years or so. The experience itself is a struggle of longer duration. When I found myself on the Jesus Way again after being a non-believer for forty years or so, I also saw that Christ asked more of me than acceptance of miracles and belief. I feel much ambivalence about what Symeon’s revelation means for me. —Franchot Ballinger
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I live for those fleeting and rare moments of commUNION, when everything is joined, including me. They are so alive, so vibrant, so red and burning. I never know when to expect them. They just come as a gift, which I graciously accept.
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Throughout our history, the people known as Friends (or Quakers) keep rediscovering an essential and enduring truth: There is one who speaks to our most basic needs and most significant hopes—Christ Jesus the Lord. Both individually and communally, we are learning to know and follow the Voice that guides us in the way we should go. Together, we seek to understand and obey that truth which sets us free. As a people, we share in the experience of that powerful life which makes all things new. Maybe you are searching for an authentic and transforming faith and community to call home—if so, come in and join us as we seek to know and follow Christ.
Friends United Meeting commits itself to energize and equip Friends through the power of the Holy Spirit to gather people into fellowships where Jesus Christ is known, loved, and obeyed as Teacher and Lord.
