FUM News

In Loving Memory of Herman Otioko: A Life of Faith, Service, and Legacy

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.

Reflections on a Trip to Cuba

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

The Grocery Bag Project of Belize Friends Church is Training Up New Leaders

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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FUM Journal

Thirty Days of Prayer - Day Eleven

John 15:1-4 (NIV)15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. When I read about pruning it reminds me of a time when my grandfather would send us to his coffee farm to help him prune the coffee bushes. In preparation, would sharpen the pruning saw and the pruning shears and head to the farm...

Thirty Days of Prayer - Day Ten

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15: 7 ESV) My father depended on a small-scale farm he owned to provide for his family. As a child, I saw how he struggled to plough, plant, tend and harvest his maize crop amidst constantly changing weather patterns. Each year, he trusted in God to get just the right kind of harvest to feed and clothe his family, keep his five children in school and sustain his calling as a Quaker pastor. Every evening before we read scriptures and prayed, Dad impressed on us to trust in God and focus on our education in order to change our family’s fortune...

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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.