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Samuel Mukhwana is the new administrator of Friends Lugulu Mission Hospital in Bungoma County, Kenya. Samuel took over the mantle from Grace Khayota, who retired from service. He assumed office in October, 2024. He is a graduate of Kenyatta University–Kenya and holds a degree in Health Services Management that makes him stand out in this position.
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During the first weekend of April, 2025, the Friends Theological College solar electrical system was brought back to life after being down for a period of two years. It was resuscitated by a Nairobi company known as Themes Electrical and Solar Services. The twenty four solar batteries that were replaced had a life span of eight years. The newly installed battery units have ten blocks of lithium ion batteries. Each one has a lifespan of fifteen years, with a five years warrantly. The advantage of these lithium ion batteries is that they have a life of 6000 charging cycles as compared to the old ones, which had only 3000 charging cycles. Stephen Warui, the chief engineer behind this installation, pointed out that lithium ion is the latest technology in the battery industry. He emphasized that this technology is eco–friendly and that it requires minimal maintenance—just dusting the system and making sure it stays clean. Additionally, Steve said, “Lithium ion batteries do not require large space to install. Most of them are stackable and easy to install.” What is more exciting is that they are also user friendly. The client is able to interact with the system by taking the readings from the display of the batteries.
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For the last several years, Friends in Cuba (as well as other residents) have been experiencing power outages that last throughout the day and evening, on a daily basis. The outages are due, in part, to a deficiency of fuel and spare parts for power plants. These blackouts represent the most severe economic crisis that the country has experienced since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. This absence of electricity throughout the day has significantly disrupted daily life, impacting industries and businesses, as well as the capability to cook, run water, and maintain household necessities. Family members of Cuban refugees in Richmond have reported only having two hours of power per day. Quaker churches have had to move their service times, or reduce them. Many Friends have canceled most of their services during the week, because the church building is dark and because people need daylight to be able to walk home, especially the elderly.
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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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Gage, one of the Philadelphia Quaker Voluntary Service Fellows from the 2015-16 year, has a special gift. He sees the world with child-like wonder. I watched all year as a sensibility fostered in the majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest struggled to find the glory of God in the cracks of Philly’s decayed, post-industrial neighborhoods.
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My husband Randy first mentioned moving to Mexico to volunteer full-time at a children’s home a little over two years ago. I had long since wanted to volunteer at an orphanage, but the idea of actually doing so seemed impractical, even for someone who loves doing the impractical as much I do.
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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.
