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Valiant for Truth "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice...Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7 When I hear these words, I am often reminded of Hannah Whitall Smith, a Quaker preacher from Ohio. In 1870 she wrote "The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life," a devotional classic that is read and reread even today. She wrote the book because, "A keen observer of Christianity once said to me, 'You Christians seem to have a religion that makes you miserable. You are like a person with a headache. They don't want to get rid of their heads, but it hurts them to keep it. Surely you don't except me to give up my way of living for such an uncomfortable faith.'" Her response to such a remark was to ask God to show her the secret of a happy Christian life. The word "happy" today means a feeling that is usually related to an event, purchase or outward experience. What this verse, and Hannah, are trying to tell us is that joy comes from a different source — from an inner experience of obedience to God. The world may never see the quiet, humble service but God does — and the reward is not earthly pleasures, fame or wealth, but joy. This joy shines through during hardship and suffering because it springs from our trust in God, from living in the presence of Christ. The dull hard way of resignation was not the way of Jesus. Even through suffering, Jesus modeled a way of living that brought joy and peace to his followers — a life of total dependence and trust in God. For the joy to present, for us to live a joyfilled Christian life, we must concentrate on knowing Jesus and calling upon him. The calling of the name of Jesus is not some magic formula that summons him into our presence. Rather the calling upon the name of Jesus removes the scales from our eyes so we can see that Christ is already with us. It is like the pressure of a loved one's hand within our own that brings an answering pressure, and the joy of togetherness. True joy and inner peace cannot be translated into words, but through Christ, they can fill our hearts and minds. George Fox called Friends to be patterns in the world so their lives would preach among and to all sorts of people. "Then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one; whereby in them you may be a blessing and make the witness of God in them to bless you." (Nickalls, Journal, page 263) The messages from this year's FUM Triennial echo George's words from 1656 as they charge Friends to continue in the work that is begun. Even if you did not travel to Kenya this summer, this issue of Quaker Life brings these words to you so you too may pick up the challenge and walk cheerfully over the world. Blessings in Christ, Trish Edwards-Konic

COVER STORIES 10 What is the Work that Friends are Called to Finish? Ben Richmond This condensation of the Johnson Lecture challenges Friends to hold on to the complete understanding of salvation through the promises given in the New Covenant. 12 Remember the Work God Called Friends To Do Oliver Kisaka Simiyu The vision God gave George Fox was for a whole world won to Christ. Oliver develops a framework to help Friends once again claim that vision and move forward into it. (Link to the full text of Oliver's Triennial message.) 14 Continue and Complete this Special Service of Love Joseph G. Kisia Living in the quickening power of the Holy Spirit enables Friends to have the courage and dedication to finish the work that is begun. Five qualities are consistant in a healthy church — discipleship, inspired leadership, warm fellowship, loving service and steady spiritual growth. (Link to the full text of Joseph's Triennial message.) 16 Triennial Youth Reports Kristin Weinacht and Peter Stevenson Reflections from high school students, Kristen and Peter, help those who remained home experience some of the cultural differences as well as the binding love of Jesus across culture.   FEATURES 4 News from Friends United Meeting 8 News 18 350 Years of Quakerism — Now What? Don't Be Afraid of the Future John Punshon A Living Message Requires Changes Wilmer Cooper 20 Salt and Light An Attitude of Gratitude Jack Kirk 22 Reviews 26 Passages 28 Classifieds 30 Meeting Directory 35 The Back Bench The Gospel According to Jim Bob Stan Banker

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