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Friends United Meeting |
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October 2000
Valiant for Truth
By Trish Edwards-Konic
Tell the nations about his glory, tell all the peoples the miracles
he does. The Lord is great; he should be praised.
(1 Chronicles 16:
23-25)
Miracles. Miracles have recently come to my attention in several ways. Currently I am writing a series of lessons, "The Miracles of Jesus," for the Adult Friend Sunday School curriculum. Focusing on the healing ministry of Jesus always challenges me to see people and situations with new eyes, the eyes of compassion. Grounded in Divine love, compassion calls us to reach out to others, but also to stop and see the constant ways God moves among us and with us as miracles.
I have also been re-reading George Fox's Book of Miracles. (See excerpts below.) The early Christians and the early Friends both believed miracles continued following the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Can you list some of the miracles in your life? For me, the greatest miracle is the same one found by George Fox--"there is one Christ Jesus who can speak to thy condition." (Nickalls, Journal, p. 11) Another miracle is the continuing revelation that Christ is present among His people, moving, teaching, leading and healing.
As Friends today, what is our condition? Are we open to hear the Voice of God speaking to us, to lead us in the way we are to go?
FUM is at another crossroads in its history. The goal at the October 13-16 General Board Meetings is to name a new General Secretary who would begin service on January 1, 2001. The Search Committee has been diligent and is hopeful a name can be brought forth for consideration.
The miracle in any search process is the final unity which proceeds from the diversity among the individuals, unity that only progresses from the Spirit's movement and individual openness to its leading. Once again, FUM hopes to witness this event and continue to be a witness to unity in Christ among Friends and the world.
The other area of concern for FUM is our monetary base which needs to be increased in order to support the programs vital to life among Friends--missions, Quaker Life, Friends United Press, support of administrative staff, and staffing the position of North American Ministries. Please join us in prayer and expectation as we meet together and seek another miracle of God's leading for FUM.
A line from a penitential prayer offered in Jewish homes at the beginning
of the Sabbath states: "Days pass, years vanish, and we walk sightless
among miracles."
Early Christians expected to see miracles, and did!
Early Friends expected to see miracles, and did!
What about us today--do we expect to see miracles?
• Miracles of God's leading?
• Miracles of Christ's healing?
• Miracles of the Spirit's unity
"Be faithful and valiant for the Truth upon the earth, and tender to one another...." (George Fox, Epistle 215)
Trish Edwards-Konic
Copyright (c) 2000 Friends United Meeting
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