Some of our readers already know that Friends United Meeting–Belize consists of a school, Belize Friends School, a church, Belize Friends Church, and a community center, Belize Friends Center. Do you know the people who do the work there? Do you know how the school intends to make the biggest impact on the lives of their students? Do you know how many people come to church on a Sunday morning? Do you know the ways in which the Friends Center reaches out into its community?
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In recent weeks, I have been sharing reflections about the recent FUM-sponsored pastoral care trip to Ramallah Friends School. During our week there, we had the privilege of visiting classrooms, engaging with teachers, and connecting with the students. Amidst the ongoing conflict and its inherent stresses, our students are a ray of light. Their brilliance and kindness, in my opinion, truly represent the world's hope for a more peaceful and stable Middle East and beyond. It's inspiring to note that nearly all Ramallah Friends School graduates—an impressive 98%—go on to pursue higher education, both within Palestine and at universities across Europe, Canada, and the United States.
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Have you heard or read this quote from Howard Thurman? “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Thurman’s quote came to mind on a recent Wednesday evening, listening to Colin Saxton deliver his message for the Perkins Family Lecture hosted by Earlham School of Religion. Colin repeatedly invited us to think about the question George Fox raised: Friends all everywhere, in the life and power of God live and dwell, and spread the truth abroad. Quench not the spirit, but live in love and unity one with another; that with the wisdom of God ye may all be ordered to God's glory... And live all as the family of God in love, in life, in truth, in power…George Fox, Epistle 150 Saxton wrote in his essay: “Do I live in the Life and Power? Do you? Do we, as the Religious Society of Friends? I want this reality to become radically true in my experience. Even more, I long to belong to a community that hungers and thirsts for this same reality, as we proclaim and demonstrate the peaceable kingdom.”
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In East Africa, the three large Quaker “umbrella” organizations—Friends Church Kenya,, Friends World Committee for Consultation (Africa Section), and Friends United Meeting—came together at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic to make a united response. They served together to alleviate suffering, and along the way discovered the enormous spiritual blessings of unity. Richard Sitati, FUM's Vice Presiding Clerk, reflects on the experience.
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Turkana Friends Mission, which was founded fifty years ago this year, continues to plant new churches. There are now thirty churches within Turkana, five of which have grown up in the past three years. Many of these Meetings arise from new or existing relationships—through family members and friends, or through an introduction to Friends by way of Friends' schools, health care, water ministry, or relief work.
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How are we called to be Christ-like in our daily lives as human beings? How can we model Christ; where can we get started in our journey to love and aid in the restitution of others? These are some of the questions posed in Nicole Johnson and Michael Snarr’s Faithful Witness in a Fractured World. By amplifying the life and example of faithful Christians in the author's lives, Snarr and Johnson skillfully portray Christ-like individuals who can also serve readers as inspiration for their own journey.
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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.
