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Valiant for Truth Today, many people are living in fear, looking for security in outward forms. As I write this in late October, - A sniper in the East is randomly killing - The U.S. government is discussing waging war against Iraq - A suicide bomber ran an SUV into an Israeli bus - Children on the West Bank are denied access to schooling because of curfew restrictions - War in Afghanistan and other areas continues - Christians in many places are targets of hate - The list goes on and on and on... And yet—Jesus came into a troubled world of hate, war and insecurity in order to show us a better way—the way of love, peace and reconciliation. Jesus declared, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) As followers of the way of Jesus, we learn our security is not in outward circumstances or things but resides within. In the midst of trouble, we can find the perfect loveand peace only God can bring. Christ came to take away our sins, but He also came to take away our fear—our fear of death, evil, sickness, bankruptcy, abandonment, etc. In this age of insecurity, use this as an opportunity to share your assurance in Christ.When you have peace in the midst of chaos and confusion, people notice. Perhaps you've seen the painting by Brueghel called, "The Census." It portrays the census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria, which is recorded in the gospel of Luke. The painting shows a great crowd of people, with a long line waiting to be registered. You see busy shops and active commerce. At first glance you think it is a painting of a crowd—until you look in the lower right part of the canvas and notice a man leading a donkey. The donkey is carrying a pregnant woman. If you have ever seen this painting you know how eays it is to miss Mary and Joseph. You have to look hard, because their part seems so insignificant and unimportant in relationship to what is going on in the painting. During this time of year, many people continue to miss the real point and yet, at this time of year they are so close. In the midst of uncertainty and confusion, we are a people with a message: Fear not! These simple words, and the message of salvation that accompanies them, have been a comfort to billions of Christians through the centuries in differing circumstances. In our current situations, our faith reminds us that Christ offers the only security in all times of uncertainty. And who is it that overcomes the world? Only he/she who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:5) Blessings in Christ, Trish Edwards-Konic

COVER STORIES 10 The Prize Marlene von Friederichs-Fitzwater Thomas and his family arrived in America aboard the ship, Welcome. Life was different than in England, as Thomas learns how to live a peaceful life among his Indian neighbors and makes an Indian friend. 12 Turning Points: Why I Am a Quaker Jeri Horn Growing up a Baptist, Jeri Horn was asked to play the organ for Friends worship. On the organ bench, she didn't have as much to see as she expected, but her heart was turned toward Friends. She traces her 51-year spiritual journey among Friends. 14 We Have a Saying Jim Ellis Words are important and so is the rich history of our faith words. Not wanting to be a museum caretaker of words, Jim Ellis reminds us that words are for communicating and for building two-way bridges of understanding.   FEATURES 4 News from Friends United Meeting 8 News 13 Plain Daughter A Poem by Francis Clare Fischer 15 Bible Study Tasty Torah Howard R. Macy 16 Ideas That Work 18 Peace Notes 20 Fox Pix 22 Reviews 24 Booknotes 26 Passages 28 Classifieds 30 Meeting Directory 35 The Back Bench A Growing Problem Philip Gulley

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