Recent cuts in the U.S. State Department's USAID program have had a direct impact on two substantial ministries of Friends United Meeting: Ramallah Friends School and Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital.
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Last weekend, Friends United Meeting’s North American Ministries Coordinator Michael Sherman answered an invitation to travel among Friends in Western New York. Farmington Friends Meeting, a member of New York Yearly Meeting, holds a Winter Speaker Series and Michael was the guest this past Sunday. He was invited to bring the message during worship and then speak about to FUM’s mission work in Belize, specifically, along with some more general information about connecting with other Friends in North America.
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Herman Otioko was a devoted missionary, pastor, and peacebuilder whose life was marked by unwavering commitment to the Quaker faith and the communities he served. His journey in ministry began in 1970 when, during his internship from Kaimosi Bible Institute—now Friends Theological College—he was inspired to join the Turkana Friends Mission. This pivotal experience ignited a lifelong passion for mission work that would leave a lasting impact on the Quaker church in Kenya.
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Back in Boston after eight days with Cuban Quakers, I don’t even know where to begin. G*d was truly as close as our breathing and moved among and through us. I was witness to the deep joy and deep heartbreak that Cuban Friends live with every day. I miss them already and my heart is a little larger now.—Judy Goldberger, New England Yearly Meeting
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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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