FUM News

Hurricane Update from Jamaica and Cuba

Friends United Meeting invites our global fellowship to continue holding our Caribbean Quaker communities in prayer following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which swept through the region last week. Jamaica’s western coast, from the Black River area across to Montego Bay, was hit especially hard, and images of the destruction have captured attention around the world.

Indiana/Ohio Pastor’s Retreat

Pastors and recorded ministers from the New Association of Friends and both Western and Wilmington Yearly Meetings gathered for food, fun, fellowship, and fulfilling connections at Quaker Haven Camp in Syracuse, Indiana, October 20–23. The organizers of the retreat gave the gathering of around 30 the gift of time and space. With the days lightly structured around a series of small group encounters which anchored the experience in deep reflection and mutual care and support, participants were free to be as present as able. The small groups operated using an adaptation of the Prayer of Examen. The examen is an invitation to pay careful attention to how the Spirit is moving in each moment of our daily lives, using our attention as a magnifying glass with which to view the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives, seeking to encounter the Divine.

Prayers for the People and Places of the Caribbean

Prayers for the People and Places of the CaribbeanWe cry out to You, oh God. It is your presence, your Holy Spirit we seek. We pray this storm be met with impediment and frustration and struggle; that it might diminish is size and strength. May your will be done. May in this moment of fear and worry and anxiety as the wind and rain batter the islands of Cuba and Jamaica, as our Friends find themselves in the eye of the storm may they feel the comforting arms of the Holy Spirit wrapped tightly around them in our prayers. May in the coming days our hearts be open to the call of compassion, community and concern. May we find ways to embody your love, oh God. Hear our prayer. —Michael Sherman, North American and Caribbean Ministries CoordinatorI t has been a long and devastating night for so many people in Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa, one of the most damaging hurricanes ever to strike Jamaica, made landfall, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Now the eye of the storm is on Cuba, one of the most vulnerable places I know.I invite the global community of Friends to hold all in harm’s way in prayer... praying for protection, peace, and strength amid this unfolding disaster. In the coming days, we will no doubt begin identifying opportunities to give generously in support of those most affected. Friends, thank you for your love and faithful concern.—Kelly Kellum, General Secretary

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FUM Journal

Thirty Days of Prayer - Day Four

The word abide means ‘hanging in there’, ‘tarrying’, ‘dwelling’ or ‘continuing’. There are many benefits that we get in life as a result of abiding in Jesus. In this reflection I will share 3 benefits; Firstly, Fruitfulness: God’s desire is that our lives will be fruitful. Our fruitfulness depends on us remaining or continuing or dwelling in Christ Jesus. As a Christian I know and have experienced the fruitfulness of God in many areas of my life. When we are in Christ we are fruitful in relationships, business, ministry and even just in social life (V 5). abide in Him and in His word.

Thirty Days of Prayer - Day Three

Job 24:13 There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not abide in its paths. This scripture comes from Job as he complains about the violence on the earth. Most, if not all, of us complain about the violence on the earth, too. As we read Jesus’ words about being peacemakers, we Friends take them seriously. If we believe in the peace testimony, we seek ways to accomplish peace in all circumstances. To do that, we must abide with God to know how to handle situations where violence, in word or action, attacks the souls of its victims.

Thirty Days of Prayer - Day Two

Obeying Jesus’ command to go and make disciples is a wonderful adventure in faith. I experienced this while working in the mission hospital in Kaimosi, Kenya many years ago. It began with God nudging me to go out into the villages and do small group studies. He revealed the way when Meshack came to pray with me at the hospital...

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An Enduring Truth

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.