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Friends United
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July/August 2009
Sacred Moments by Sylvia Graves, FUM General Secretary
FUM's Priorities
Cultural Learning Curve: Teaching a Short Term Course at FTC
Bible Education at the Belize Friends Boys School
Donate Health Kits and School Supplies Directly to Belize
FUM Summer Mission Project: Bikes for Boys in Belize
ASHA Grant Provides Ramallah Friends Schools with Larger Classrooms
Creative Education at Ramallah Friends Schools
Upcoming Yearly Meeting Schedule
Southeastern Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions Report
Western Association of the Religious Society of Friends Report
Children's Homes in Jamaica Closed
Sacred
Moments
By Sylvia Graves, General Secretary
In a visit with Friends in one of our member monthly meetings, I was impressed with what seemed to be their own realization of a key element in the health of their fellowship. When they mentioned that things were working much better than in former years, I asked, “What has made the difference?” The response was, “We used to argue with each other because we each thought we had the corner on the truth or the right way of doing things. When we started looking out for each other, our attitudes changed and we became a loving, welcoming and growing congregation.” Wow, I thought. “When we started looking out for each other … ” Maybe that’s what it’s all about.
I have no doubt that many people who know me can testify to my sinfulness. I certainly have made judgments about the inadequacies or mistakes of others who are part of my life. It is not that I think we should ever accept all behaviors without judging their helpfulness or destructiveness or have an “anything goes” approach to life. We are called as individuals to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” (Matthew 11:29) And as a church we are called to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20) But I long for a fellowship of Friends who look out for each other in gentleness and kindness while we nurture each other into holiness. I pray for a fellowship where we encourage each other and reach out to each other — either by reaching out to lift someone to a higher place or by reaching up to be lifted ourselves, through the compassion and love of others.
In this issue of Quaker Life, we may be touching on a source of contention among Friends, another item that has the potential to build a fence between us because we may believe we have a corner on the truth. I pray that those who value the Holy Scriptures as the words of God, or the Word of God, or see the Bible as a historical record of the relationship between God and God’s people may meet at the fence, in the backyard or in the front yard, to talk it over and lovingly share our holy experiences rather than our judgments.
Friends, for me the joy of responding to God’s call on my life through the work of Friends United Meeting is working with many, many others who are responding to God’s call in their own unique ways. What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms as we seek his divine will, learn his way and his truth and serve him as we look out for each other.
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
FUM's
Priorities
By Kim Newlin, Development Officer
Several years ago, the General Board of Friends United Meeting agreed on and published a list of priorities. It is against these priorities we check the progress, effectiveness and validity of each of our projects and missions. These priorities provide us with the framework to do the work FUM is called to do in the world.
Communication: FUM publishes Quaker Life magazine, Friends United Press books, brochures, newsletters and bulletin inserts to inform and equip Friends. Friends can visit www.fum.org for the latest news and project updates, weekly devotions and online bookstore.
Evangelism: FUM gathers people into fellowships where Jesus Christ is known, loved and obeyed as Teacher and Lord. Support for worship groups and churches in Belize, Cuba and Kenya means that the Good News continues to spread and grow. At Friends Theological College, pastors are trained and equipped to minister to the largest population of Quakers in the world.
Global Partnerships: FUM manages and supports schools, hospitals and communities in East Africa, Ramallah, Belize, Cuba and Jamaica. The Friends Schools in Ramallah offer quality education in an environment free from prejudice and oppression. At Friends Kaimosi Mission Hospital and Lugulu Hospital, the physical needs of a vast community are met. The Friends Boys School in Belize offers young men an opportunity to continue in their educational pursuits and the chance to be productive citizens.
Leadership Development: FUM fosters leadership development through seminary training, conferences, consultations and resources. Friends Church Peace Teams continue the mission of bringing a message of peaceful living to a Kenyan society racked by violence.
The work of FUM is dependent on caring, passionate Friends like you who believe in, pray for and support these priorities. Thank you for partnering with us to make it all possible!
Cultural
Learning Curve: Teaching a Short Term Course at FTC
By Phil Baisley
It wasn’t the first time I’d been to Kenya, and it wasn’t the first time I’d taught an undergraduate course. However, teaching an undergraduate Christian education class at Friends Theological College (FTC) definitely felt like a first-time experience, an experience I hope to repeat often in the coming years.
Christian Education Ministries was the title of the course and covered a broad range of topics from the educational history of the church to contemporary educational expressions to peoples moral and faith development and learning styles to preparing and presenting Bible lessons. That’s a lot to cover in 32 hours over six days, but the 12 students in my class were up to the task.
One of the challenges for this American professor had to do with the British way of speaking and teaching that is so much a part of Kenyan education. First, I had to speak the students’ English, not mine. The very first day, I was defining Christian education and used the word “process,” which I pronounced PRAH-cess. The looks on their faces told me I was not being understood. Finally, after defining the word, they corrected my pronunciation. In Kenya, the word is PROH-cess. I must have learned my lessons well, because before I left FTC, my students told me how easy it was for them to understand my English.
As for the British-influenced system of grading, that took some more getting used to. In America I teach practical theology, so I like to make things, well, practical. I prefer students to work in groups and learn from each other and from experiences, as well as research and lectures. However, at FTC more weight is given to traditional exams. Somehow, even with giving a final exam worth 50 percent of the grade, I was able to access the learning I sought by group projects (PROH-jects) and in-class participation.
The culmination of the class, at least for me, was the student presentations of Bible lessons complete with engaging introductions, stories told for multiple learning styles and activities designed to reinforce the central truth of the lesson. I had a strong feeling we all learned something in this class.
I want to return to Friends Theological College. I even left the master copies of my handouts so I could use them again. Teaching in a culture not one’s own forces the teacher to choose between what is essential to a subject and what is purely cultural baggage. It makes the teacher say concisely what might just be rambling sentences in their native language. And it emphasizes day after day the enormity of the God whose reign includes every nation, tribe and people.
To learn more about how you can teach a short-term course at Friends Theological College in Kaimosi, Kenya, contact Sylvia Graves: (765) 962-7573.
Bible
Education at the Belize Friends Boys School
By Sam Barber, Field Staff
When I first contemplated what materials to use at the Friends Boys School, several texts and resources for their basic education came to mind.
The first book that Becky and I will use is the Bible. It will be the basis of all the teaching that we will be doing. Becky and I will be teaching the “religious instruction” encouraged in all schools by the government of Belize. We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) With these foundational truths, we can move on to expressions of our faith as Friends. The faith of Friends is best expressed in our testimonies of Peace, Equality, Social Justice and not requiring an intermediary to reach God.
The second set of materials that we will use is the curriculum being developed by Mary Glenn Hadley, Marlene Pedigo and Charlotte Stangeland. These three women are developing curriculum for the Friends elementary schools in Kenya. This curriculum is to be Bible-based and have aspects of conflict management. After talking to these ladies, we felt this would be applicable in Belize as well.
The third set of materials is from the Missionary Training Institute that Becky, our children and I attended in Colorado. These materials will help us with conflict management, adjusting to a new culture and dealing with transition. Also, we received materials for team building. Our team is made up of Becky and me, our children, the Belizean teachers, the FUM staff in Richmond, Indiana, our financial and prayer partners and God. It will take all of us to make a successful team.
You can be part of our team, too, by keeping us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on the ministry God has called us to.
Donate Health Kits and School Supplies Directly to Belize
Items can be sent directly to the Friends Boys School via U.S. mail. Please mark “DONATIONS” on the outside of the box, do not put a custom’s value higher than $25 U.S. and inside the box put a note that says, “These items are being donated to Belize Friends Boys School for use by the students and teachers. Nothing is for resale.”
Mail to:
Belize Friends Boys School
P.O. Box 454
Belize City, Belize 00106
CENTRAL AMERICA
Ongoing needs are health kits, office and school supplies and basic first aid items. Health kits should include a towel, facecloth, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, large tooth comb and deodorant. Please note: Supplies should be sent directly to FBS. Supplies that are sent to the FUM-Richmond office will not be forwarded to FBS without appropriate shipping and handling charges covered by the donor.
An
Early Start on the FUM Summer Mission Project: Bikes for Boys in Belize
FUM is well on its way to another successful Summer Mission Project! Our goal this year is to raise $6,000 for 40 bikes for boys in Belize by the end of August, and we were already 25 percent of the way there by mid May! It is such an inspiration to see Friends helping Friends and involving youth!
Bikes will not only help students of the Friends Boys School (FBS) get to class this year, but will also be a good source of transportation to high school and future places of employment. For $150 a student, we can purchase a bike, helmet, chain, padlock, pump and spare parts. Join us in giving the FBS boys a better future this summer!
See updates on Summer Mission Project page.
ASHA
Grant Provides Ramallah Friends Schools with Larger Classrooms
By Joyce Ajlouny, Director of RFS and Mahmoud Amra, Upper School Principal
Ramallah Friends Schools’ upper school is in the midst of some great changes. Through generous grants made by USAID/ASHA, a new classroom building is being constructed, the auditorium has received a much needed facelift, a new parking lot has been added and walkways have been resurfaced to enhance safety. ASHA grants make it possible for the school to accept more students and add facilities that improve the quality of education. These projects have been a major undertaking and our entire school community is looking forward to their completion. As we watch the dust clear and the projects take shape, a key theme emerges: blending the old with the new and breathing new life into the old. Alumni are part of the construction crew. Stones from an old water well have been refurbished to create new stone walls and walkways. Many people are involved with this project, all of whom work together to ensure that the end result will not only be functional and attractive to look at, but also keep to our key values: simplicity and environmental stewardship.
Construction started on the new classroom building last summer and is expected to be complete in August 2009. The building will have 11 classrooms that are twice as large as some of the old classrooms, and a large student lounge. The new classroom building will allow the school to move gradually from the system in which students stay in the same classroom and teachers move, to a system in which each teacher will have his/her own classroom and students will move. This new system will allow every teacher to design his/her classroom in a way that best serves the subject taught, and teaching methods can become more student-centered. The classrooms will also be equipped with an Internet connection, LCD projector and computer.
Not only will these changes provide the necessary upgrades to continue RFS’ pioneering approach to education, but they will also harmonize with the school’s original buildings, blending the old with the new.
Creative Education at Ramallah Friends Schools
Upper School in Action: It’s a Small World after All
Sabrin Tamimi’s Social Studies class recreated the world’s neighbors, literally! Student groups worked together to present authentic replicas of different geographic and ethnic populations, including food, dwellings, native flora and fauna, customs and culture. The entire gymnasium was transformed into a showcase of nations in which spectators could “travel” and be educated by the students (“natives”). From the Savannah of Africa to the snows of the Arctic Circle, the students’ presentations were thorough, educational and impressive! Music, dancing, food and drink and even live animals were part of these presentations, offering spectators a realistic glimpse into life in different regions of the world.
First Graders Learn through Scuba Diving
By Reem Dajani, First Grade English Teacher
One of our main themes in first grade is Health and Sports, where students learn how to eat healthy and stay fit. Every morning we talk about healthy food and the benefits it has for our body. First graders are introduced to all different sports and the way each one is played. They chose scuba diving as their favorite. We imagine becoming divers with a license. Then we take our equipment and get ready to go in for the dive. We remember to take our water-proof cameras. The students prefer going to the Red Sea because it has coral. We imagine jumping off our boats and into the deep water. We are all down swimming and taking pictures of fish and coral. We learn about the different kinds of fish. When our air is almost finished in the tank, we quickly swim up to the surface of the water. The students love this sport because they enjoy swimming and seeing the fish. To be able to dive, they know they have to be fit and healthy.
Kindergarten Election: King of the Jungle
By Duha Al-Masri, Head of Preschool
Our latest program deals with teaching kindergarteners about the democratic process through mock-elections. Each classroom nominates an animal as a candidate for “King of the Jungle.” They create a platform and campaign posters which demonstrate why their animal should be elected. Science classes include the study of all the “candidates” and math classes involve learning percentages and fractions related to the election. Parents volunteer to work at “polling locations” on our election day, and students register, are given a ballot and cast their vote in a booth. The main objective of this realistic process is to teach children how the democratic process works, to stress respect for those who have different points of view and, ultimately, acceptance of the results of the process.
Upcoming
Yearly Meeting Schedule
(East Africa meetings in italic)
Wilmington Yearly Meeting: July 9-12, Friendsville, TN
New York Yearly Meeting: July 19-25, Silver Bay
Indiana Yearly Meeting: July 24-26, Quaker Haven
Iowa Yearly Meeting: July 29-Aug 1, William Penn College
Western Yearly Meeting: July 31-Aug 3, Plainfield, IN
New England Yearly Meeting: Aug 1-6, Bryant University, RI
Baltimore Yearly Meeting: Aug 3-9, Frostberg State Univ., MD
Chwele Yearly Meeting: Aug 5-9, Chesikaki
Bware Yearly Meeting: Aug 12-16, Gotkachola
Central Yearly Meeting: Aug 12-16, Likhovelo
Elgon East Yearly Meeting: Aug 12-16, Lukhuna
Elgon Rel. Society of Friends, Lugulu: Aug 12-16, Mukhuyu
Malava Yearly Meeting: Aug 12-16, Chevaywa
Tuloi Yearly Meeting: Aug 12-16, Tuloi
Vihiga Yearly Meeting: Aug 12-16, Gilwadzi
Vokoli Yearly Meeting: Aug 12-16, Mulundu
Jamaica Yearly Meeting: Aug 13-16, Kingston, Jamaica
Canadian Yearly Meeting: Aug 14-22, Kemptville College, ON
East Africa Yearly Meeting, Kaimosi: Aug 16-20, Gisambai
Chavakali Yearly Meeting: Aug 19-23, Mbale
East Africa Yearly Meeting, North: Aug 19-23, Kabuyefwe
Kakamega Yearly Meeting: Aug 19-23, Handidi
Lugari Yearly Meeting: Aug 19-23, Maturu
Nairobi Yearly Meeting: Aug 19-23, Mombasa
Uganda Yearly Meeting: Aug 26-30, Sikomosi
North Carolina Yearly Meeting: Sep 4-7, Blue Ridge Assembly
Southeastern Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions Report
Southeastern Yearly Meeting (SEYM) was held at the Life Enrichment Center, Fruitland Park, Florida, on April 12, 2009. One of the items on the agenda for SEYM was their relationship with FUM which has been suspended for the last two years. General Secretary Sylvia Graves represented the FUM Richmond office at the sessions.
Excerpts from Southeastern Yearly Meeting Minutes regarding FUM:
09YBM11: With regard to the following language from SEYM minute 07YBM15 approved two years ago: “If at the end of the two year period our membership is not in unity to renew the relationship, SEYM will permanently lay down our membership in FUM,” we are in unity that one yearly meeting session’s discernment cannot be directed by another, and that Yearly Meeting 2009 is not bound by that 2007 directive. We cannot be bound by the action prescribed in that minute, as we realize that discernment, being a corporate process, cannot be held in default from a discussion which was unresolved in its own time. Our discernment about affiliation with FUM is an ongoing process, and needs to acknowledge continuing revelation. It will be discerned when the Spirit has led us into unity.
09YBM12: With regard to the worshipful process in which we have engaged this year in order to discern our way forward, including meetings of the ad hoc discernment committee as well as business sessions at this yearly meeting, the results are incomplete. We moved with an intention of not letting this issue drain the energy of our gathering, and so allowed that other concerns and Yearly Meeting business have their allotted time. We did hear strong witness to feelings of pain and abuse brought on by the existence of the FUM Personnel Policy. We also heard a call to wait with fresh patience in order to let us try what love will do. We heard a call for engagement being the way of conflict resolution. We recognize that our body is fatigued by our engagement in this issue. We are both frustrated and blessed in our efforts to resolve the issue, and we will need to find time to do so. Until then, our formal membership in FUM will remain suspended. SEYM fully supports and values the spiritual gifts of our gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and queer Friends, and we are in unity that we do not accept FUM’s existing personnel policy. We will contribute to selected FUM projects, and we will continue to support observers to FUM gatherings and to welcome visitors from FUM among us. We seek to maintain a loving relationship with Friends United Meeting.
Western
Association of the Religious Society of Friends Report
By Kim Newlin, FUM Development Officer
Western Association of the Religious Society of Friends (WARSF) met at Berkeley Friends Church, Berkeley, California, on Saturday, February 21, as Friends from Whittier First Friends and Berkeley Friends gathered in celebration of Quaker Heritage. WARSF began to meet together as an association in 1996 out of a concern to stay connected to the work of Friends United Meeting. Members of the association pool their resources in support of FUM’s work and are represented on our General Board.
For me, the celebration began on Friday afternoon in the kitchen of Berkeley Friends Church. I was privileged to work alongside members of the church preparing a meal for Friday’s executive committee meeting and for a meal to be served the next day. I have found that great Christian fellowship occurs in the church kitchen! Lasting bonds are formed around the sorting, washing, chopping and stirring. (And, if great recipes are shared, that’s a bonus!) After all, what brings us to more common association than the sharing of a wonderful meal?
Saturday morning, Friends from Berkeley and Whittier gathered to consider some of the writings of John Woolman. Speaker Dan Seeger shared from Woolman’s journals and asked us to consider how his views of right economics could be applied to our lives today. In the afternoon, the group broke into discussion circles in order to look more closely at and discuss the personal impact of selected writings.
Saturday evening, members of WARSF gathered for Meeting for Worship with a concern for business. It was an honor to bring greetings from Friends United Meeting and share how FUM is bringing hope and Good News to Friends throughout the world. One of the perks of my position as development officer is that I am able to stand before a body of Friends and express gratitude for the passion they share in the work of FUM.
While in California, I traveled south to Whittier and spoke with a group of Friends from that meeting who were unable to attend in Berkeley. I shared with them some of the wonderful work being done on their behalf in Kenya, Ramallah, Belize, Jamaica and Cuba.
I am grateful for these Friends in California who invited me into their homes, fed me, worshiped with me and made me feel welcome. Friends United Meeting is privileged to be in association with these Friends and we are grateful for their passion and financial support for the work we are called to do as a body.
Children's Homes in Jamaica Closed
Friends United Meeting has been financially supporting two homes in Jamaica: Swift-Purscell Boys Home and Lyndale Girls Home. Lyndale was closed over a year ago due to structural and administrative problems.
Swift-Purscell has also been temporarily closed, effective March 31, 2009. While we do not have all the details, we do know there has continued to be vandalism and arson on the premises over the past several months. The future of both Swift-Purscell Boys Home and Lyndale Girls Home is unclear at this time, but a committee has been formed within Jamaica Yearly Meeting to determine the future of these two pieces of property.
Both Swift-Purscell and Lyndale are fully under the direction and control of Friends Education Council and Jamaica Yearly Meeting. FUM has no managerial role or direct responsibilities to the homes outside of assistance in funding. FUM would like to invite you to be in prayer for Friends Education Council, Jamaica Yearly Meeting and the staff, boys and families of those affected by this change.
Please note that FUM will not be soliciting funds for these programs nor passing any funds through until a way forward becomes clear.
Terri Johns, FUM program manager, and Sylvia Graves, FUM general secretary, will be traveling to Jamaica this summer to participate in discussions about the future of the children’s homes.