On Mt. Elgon, rising teenage pregnancy is one of the unforeseen consequences of measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Friends Church Peace Team has been active in the communities on Mt. Elgon for nearly a decade and is trusted by many who don't trust the government or other social agencies. Now they are working to educate young women—and young men—about health, sexuality, and dignity.
Read MoreThe African COVID-19 Collaboration carried out by FUM, FWCC, and Friends Church Kenya sought to honor a number of former Quaker leaders. Several of these folks were in their 80s and 90s. They are homebound and potentially especially susceptible to the spread of the virus.Leaders of the Collaborative presented these wazee with a large care package that included food like rice, shelf-stable milk packets, sugar, tea, drinking chocolate, cooking oil, uji porridge, baking flour, green grams (mung beans). Additionally, they received thirty disposable facemasks, 500ml of hand sanitizer, a duvet quilt, and a sturdy container for it all.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreTurkana 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.
Read MoreThroughout 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.