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Friends United Meeting |
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October 2002
Commitments
By Retha McCutchen
In preparation for the 2002 Triennial in Nairobi, I wrote on the Triennial theme, "...so now finish the work," taken from 2 Corinthians 8. The Triennial is now history. Each speaker addressed the theme from his/her perspective, and we were challenged to reach outside FUM's traditional ministries. The question raised by Ben Richmond in the Johnson Lecture, "What is the work Friends United Meeting is called to finish?" was challenging and demanded an answer.
One thread that ran through messages and conversations of the week was a call for balance—the holistic gospel message of both evangelism and justice. It is clear that the 500 Friends gathered in Nairobi are committed to the continuation of the work of FUM worldwide in sharing the message of Jesus Christ through both work and action. One without the other is an anemic gospel.
Oliver Kisaka's Bible study is supported by his work on college campuses in Nairobi. He leads campus ministry groups that allow him to walk beside young adults in their struggle for spiritual Truth. Church planting in Samburu is intertwined with establishment of dispensaries in areas without health care and schools for children without educational privilege. Pastors-in-training at Friends Theological College are involved in weekly ministry from the beginning of their education; the first year under the mentorship of a senior student. Work teams to Belize, Jamaica, Cuba, Kenya and Ramallah offer opportunities for faith and works in action.
Corporately we were aware that FUM's work in Ramallah is not finished. God is calling us to stand with our sisters and brothers in this conflict. A minute was approved as one attempt to speak in this situation (see the next page for full minute). A pastoral visit by yearly meeting leadership is scheduled for late February 2003. We were challenged to write letters of encouragement and to join future work teams to this area. FUM needs additional teaching field staff to live in Ramallah. A pastor for the Meeting has often been a request.
FUM's work in Kenya is not finished, but it has changed directions. No longer does leadership come to Kenya from North America. Local USFW groups are actively involved in needs arising from the AIDS epidemic in Kenya but the need is overwhelming. What is our corporate response? Time did not allow adequate exploration of this issue. We must continue to dialog and work.
A pastor is needed to build on the foundation established through the work of Belize Friends Boys School. A Friends Meeting in Belize City is the needed complement to our educational work.
All Triennial attendees returned home with the realization that FUM's work in not finished. "Jesus taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. 'What a huge harvest!' he said to his disciples. 'How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!'" (Matthew 9:37-38 The Message)
On your knees Friends United Meeting—pray for harvest hands!
Copyright (c) 2002 Friends United Meeting
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