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Dear Reader In July, I made dozens of calls hoping to learn something of what Friends are up to in prison ministry in the United States. I was surprised at the breadth of what Friends are doing (our ministries are vibrant but often next to invisible) and also at the divine energy that animates the voices I spoke with. What a delight to talk with Francis Wilkins, a retired teacher over in Wilmington, Ohio, who has conducted Alternatives to Violence Project workshops in a dozen prisons, or Eric Corson, who has been director of the Prisoner Visitation and Support for twenty-three years but speaks with the same zest as if this were his first week on the job. That same enthusiasm is contagious in the words of Maria Armenia Yi Reyna, Clerk of Cuba Yearly Meeting (page 5). One of my favorite hymns begins: "Lead, Kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on. The night is dark and I am far from home; Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene, one step enough for me." So it is with our lives and with our ministry. Friends ministries may not be big or flashy. But it is enough to know that God is leading--in a thousand different ways, God's people are invisibly infiltrating every dark corner of the world with hope and love. In prison, or in Castro's Cuba, or in the hurting places in our own towns, "O God, Lead Thou us on." Blessings on Trish Edwards-Konic as she takes over as the new editor and continues to share with us glimpses of the amazing and joyful dance in which God is leading us. Ben Richmond

COVER STORIES 10 Friends Share Their Faith in Prison Ben Richmond Interviewing some Friends in the United States, Ben provides a brief overview of what they are doing in prison ministry. 12 A Challenge to Minister Pam Taylor After her husband was imprisoned, Pam began ministering in prison. With a vision to assist those transitioning from prison to free, Pam has spearheaded the opening of halfway facilities in Wichita, Kansas. 14 Looking Forward to Prison Del Coppinger Retiring as Superintendent of Iowa Yearly Meeting left Del with time on his hands which he now uses to visit in prison at Newton, Iowa. Douglas Mace is one of the men he visits. 16 The Metamorphosis: Hoodlum to Butterfly Willie Christopher Tucker A long distance member of Brunswick (Maine) Friends, Willie, in prison in Atlanta, Georgia, tells his story of coming to faith after years of crime. 18 What Led Me to Prison Ministry Jack Fogarty Writing, "I got 'wheedled' into it!", Jack shares from his twenty years of experience at a Maryland state prison. 19 The Quality of Mercy in Prison Ministry Keith R. Maddock Reflecting on Jesus' words to extend mercy to others, Keith challenges us to be merciful.   FEATURES 2 Viewpoints 4 Valiant for Truth Patricia Edwards-Konic 4 News from Friends United Meeting 7 News 21 Salt and Light Bi-Vocational Ministers Bruce Bishop 23 Bible Study Night Healing Jan Hodson 24 Reviews Sufferings of Early Quakers 1652 to 1690, Yorkshire Region Joseph Besse Forgiving Justice: A Quaker Vision for Criminal Justice Tim Newell 26 Passages 28 Classifieds 30 Meeting Directory 35 The Back Bench Without Wax Nancy Thomas

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