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Valiant for Truth My grandfather was a writer. My father was a writer. And now I, too, am a writer. The tradition began early for me. As a youngster I followed along behind my Dad at the office, especially helping to open the mail on Saturdays. Getting a sneak peak at the Sunday funnies long before my friends was a definite plus! Dad always had a copy of next Sunday's funnies tucked away in his bottom desk drawer available to read whenever I dropped by. Dad and Grandpa were of the generation that a news reporter was often also the photographer. So early I learned about composition related to both writing and photography. (And with our limited staff at Quaker Life, I often serve in both roles, as reporter and photog.) I learned the craft of writing by submitting all my papers to Dad for editing, even in grade school. Dad was ruthless in his use of his editing pencil, but gentle in his explanations of why he marked my writing in the way he did. This combination of expecting the best while gently showing how to be the best has grounded me as a person as well as a writer and pastor. I also enjoyed watching over the shoulder of the linotype man as he set type for the next newspaper. Once, he typed my name and the hot lead dropped in the bucket. He said, "Don't touch it until it's cool or you'll get burned," so, I had to wait before I could read the words typed just for me. Finally, there they were—the words that formed my name in type! Words are important to writers; words are the tool that is used. Carpenters use hammers, doctors have medical supplies, but writers use words. Words are used to describe a situation or bring understanding. Words also have power—to heal or hurt, to bring unity or divide. Words can tell the truth based on facts, rather than speculation, assumptions or misunderstandings. As "Publishers of Truth," Quakers have written much, from the early period to the present day. Queries were shaped to explore the interior life; testimonies were created to express the inward leadings. Early Friends knew the importance of words. They were careful in their word usage, often using phrases like "sons and daughters" to show equality before God. Our testimonies for plain speech and integrity are also rooted in word usages. George Fox's words continue to speak to us today: "Let all the nations hear the sound by word and writing. Spare no place, spare no tongue nor pen, but be obedient to the Lord GodÉbe valiant for the Truth." Blessings in Christ, Trish Edwards-Konic

COVER STORIES 11 Writing as Ministry Ingrid Fabianson Sharing insights from her life with the Yupik people, Ingrid Fabianson writes in an assignment for her ESR writing class, "My writing, like spirituality, is rooted in reconciliation." 12 Finding a Friend Peggy Ann Hollingsworth Well-known children's writer, Mabel Leigh Hunt, is researched by Peggy Hollingsworth. A copy of one of Mabel's Quaker Life "Children's Page" runs on the following page. 14 From the Source Martin Cobin Words are how writer's express thoughts to readers. Martin Corbin reminds writers that "verbal ministry must be undertaken with humility" and dependence on "The Source" of all words. 15 One Writer's Trail Peter Anderson During a silent retreat, Peter Anderson reflects on loneliness and despair as a way to draw closer to the Welcome Presence of God. 16 Building Community Through Books Anna Poplawska Seeing writing as a natural extension of community, Anna Popawska shares her ministry of cards, letters and books.   FEATURES 4 Commitments Retha McCutchen 4 News from Friends United Meeting 8 News 10 Salt and Light Can We Put the Pieces of George Fox and Margaret Fell Back Together Again? Jack Kirk 17 Bible Study Death Will Always Surprise Us Jan Hoffman 18 Ideas That Work Hands Dancing Jennifer Frick 19 Peace Notes Quaker Witness at the United Nations Scilla Wahrhaftig CPT Model Used in Middle East Eden Grace 21 Viewpoints 22 Fox Pix 23 Reviews 26 Passages 28 Classifieds 30 Meeting Directory 35 The Back Bench Full-Time Family Bridget G. Fitzwater

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