This column is by the Synod of the Sun's "moderator-in-nomination," Rev. Jane Huffstetler. She is pastor of St. James Presbyterian in Jenks, OK.

One of the privileges and opportunities of being an officer of the Synod of the Sun is the invitation to sit in on board meetings of the various Presybyterian institutions within our Synod.

Goodland Academy

HUGO, Okla. — I was asked to meet with the board of Goodland Academy in Hugo, Oklahoma. What an incredible place of hope!

As you walk its historic grounds and meet the young men who live there, the overwhelming feeling is gratitude. I was grateful for such a place that reached out and drew in children who otherwise might just be thrown away. I was grateful for such a place that upheld the witness of Christ in actions of love and deeds of compassion toward the least of these.

Goodland Academy struggles to continue its powerful and desperately needed ministry with limited facilities and resources. The Board of Directors has embraced a vision for renewal and expansion. Plans have been drawn. Even some initial contributions have been pledged. The work has just begun. You will be hearing more about the possibilities in the near furture, including opportunities to support this renewed vision with your own resources.

University of the Ozarks

I was also asked to meet with the board of the University of Ozarks at Clarksville, Ark. Stepping onto its shaded campus is like stepping into a global village. Students come from all over the world to study at this Presbyterian university.

Just like all other Presbyterian institutions and congregations within our synod, the university struggles to be a good steward of fewer resources. Yet even in the face of economic upheaval, the university is only $250,000 away (maybe less now) from matching a $1 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation pledged as part of a larger campaign.

The staff, faculty and trustees remain expectant and positive as they seek to complete their $40 million Promise of Excellence Campaign. Less than $5 million remains to be raised by next spring. They are so close and so hopeful that just observing their energy and enthusiasm makes me hopeful as well.

What remarkable institutions of nurture and learning. May we all offer our gratitude to the risen Christ for their witness in Christ's name, and may that gratitude be lived out in our deeds of support!

In Christ,

Jane Huffstetler

Moderator-in-Nomination

Synod of the Sun

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