Members of Friends United Meeting gathered online for prayer before Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean, and Friends in Jamaica and Cuba Yearly Meetings. FUM responses have included gathering and sending supplies, providing the Cascade area with satellite internet, or organizing work trips.
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Over the past few weeks, the Financial Task Force, Finance Committee, Executive Board, and General Board of Friends United Meeting have each met to carefully review our current ministries, financial realities, and future directions. Together, these bodies have sought to steward FUM’s resources faithfully while preparing FUM for a more sustainable future. Many Friends have also received a letter from the General Board, making Friends aware of FUM’s concerning financial position and the difficult decisions that this reality has required. On Friday, October 24, 2025, the General Board met to receive and consider the Fiscal Year ‘26 budget for Friends United Meeting. The Board discerned that the pathway forward will require a period of restraint, creativity, and strategic restructuring. The following represents some of the significant changes that result from the approval of this budget.
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Friends United Meeting’s General Board (North American and Caribbean section) met in Richmond, Indiana last week, October 2–4. They continued to consider the significant decline in FUM’s operating funds, and how that situation might be addressed. Among their exercises was a challenge to think about FUM’s message to the world—what does FUM have to offer the world? Emily Provance, clerk of the Advancement Committee, compiled board responses into this “report.” This is how individual members of the FUM board see FUM’s message to the world.
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During the week, Kelly Kellum and Michael Sherman met with Antoliana Budna, Principal of Belize Friends School, and Stephen Whyte, head of the Belize Friends School board, to review transition plans, confirm school board nominations, and shape a path forward for the ministry. Michael, Antoliana, and Stephen will serve together as the new interim leadership team for FUM in Belize until a director is appointed. The staff also gathered one evening to express appreciation for Oscar’s ministry. One staff member reflected, “Oscar became the father that many of our young people never knew.” That testimony captures the impact of his ministry in Belize.
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It is with heavy hearts that we share the decision to suspend plans for the in-person Joint Triennial gathering originally scheduled for July 6–11, 2026.This difficult decision was reached after much prayerful discernment. Several factors contributed to the decision, the most significant being that U.S. immigration officials have denied visas to the majority of our international members who had applied to attend. Without the full participation of Friends from across our global fellowship, the essence of our Triennial—an event grounded in fellowship, worship, and discernment across cultures—would be diminished.
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Despite the challenges, Esther never gave up on her dream of studying theology. In 2021, she enrolled at Friends Theological College (FTC), Lugulu campus, where she completed a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Her commitment, outstanding performance, and desire to uplift her family caught the attention of her lecturers. In 2023, she joined the main campus in Kaimosi for her Bachelor of Theology (modular session), and was awarded the McDonald Widow’s Scholarship to support her studies.Esther describes the modular program as a blessing—it allows her to spend time with her family while also focusing on her education. Speaking through tears of joy, she shared how the scholarship has transformed her life and given her a glimpse of hope for the future. . .
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