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Dear Reader Rejoice in the presence of children and young people in your meeting and recognize the gifts they bring. Remember that the meeting as a whole shares a responsibility for every child in its care. Seek for them as for yourself a full development of God's gifts and the abundant life Jesus tells us can be ours. (Advices and Queries, #19, Britain Yearly Meeting) Teaching our children and youth is the whole meeting's responsibility. Sandy Davis calls each of us to reconsider our role in the care and teaching of our meetings' children and youth. Query 4 asks these beginning questionsÑDo you promote the moral and spiritual life of your children through careful supervision of their education, recreation, and friendships? (Western YM) Michael True describes the role of family in his own spiritual development in "Catholic Quaker." In "The Back Bench," Nancy Thomas describes the influence of three older women in her life, showing that even at 50 we may be children to someone! Enjoy the new Family Fun pages. Take the Quaker Quiz with your family and see how you do. Gather everyone around the table and enter the coloring contest. Prizes will be awarded in seven age categories! The Triennial focus on the role of women in Kenya is accompanied by photos taken by Margaret Stotlzfus. New FUM field staff appointments are also announced. The recent ministry trip of Jason and Sharon Nightingale revealed the plight of orphans and widows in West Africa. Also in this issue, discover Miss Teen 2000 is a Quaker and read "Ideas That Work" for children's ministry ideas. All around us are children and youth in need of spiritual nurture. The query at the beginning of this article concludes with these questions about our children and youth: How do you share your deepest beliefs with them, while leaving them free to develop as the spirit of God may lead them? Do you invite them to share their insights with you? Are you ready to learn from them and to accept your responsibilities towards them? (Advices and Queries, #19, Britain Yearly Meeting) Blessings in Christ, Trish Edwards-Konic

COVER STORIES 10 A Firm Foundation for the Children Sandy Davis An impassioned plea to teach our children is expressed by Sandy Davis. Using her experience in the church and as a mother, she also shares Sunday School concerns in Kenyan churches that apply anywhere. 12 Faith: Confessions of a Catholic Quaker Michael True Raised in the Catholic Church, Michael True traces his mother's influence on his spiritual journey, from his childhood faith to his present-day membership in a Friends meeting. 14 Caring for Orphans and Widows Jason Nightingale See Liberia's orphans through the eyes of Jason Nightingale, who recently traveled there in ministry. Hear his call to care for orphans and widows, whether in our neighborhoods or across the ocean. 20 Family Fun Pages Take the Quaker Quiz as a family and check your answers. Then sit down with your colors and enter the Coloring Contest. Prizes will be awarded!   FEATURES 4 Valiant for Truth 4 News from Friends United Meeting 8 News 11 Children as People Ann Levinger and Ken Hoffman 16 Ideas That Work Companions in Christ Deborah Suess Extending the Church Marvin Miller 18 Bible Study George Fox's Light on the Scriptures Jan Hoffman 19 Book Notes 22 Reviews 26 Passages 28 Classifieds 30 Meeting Directory 35 The Back Bench Three Friends Nancy Thomas

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