The executive secretary is Keith Kendall, who was at our IYM session last fall.  (I knew Keith and Judy at Earlham College back in the 50's.)  He filled this position about 30 years ago and says a lot has changed.  The big difference - having 6 centers in 3 states instead of 4 centers in 1 state -OK. Hominy, Council House and Wyandotte are now not as financially dependent upon ACFIA.

Jane and Norman Snell reported for Mowa Choctaw (AL).  They not only have the school for the children, but also provide help for the community. Perhaps fix a car, or the plumbing!  Make copies for someone late at night; drive a man to Mobile for dialysis twice a week.  They also provide spiritual nourishment through Bible Studies.  The lives they lead are truly an example of brotherly love.

Victor and Brenda White state that their purpose at Mesquakie is to bring people to Jesus Christ, no more, no less.  But that is done by living a life of helping others, not just by preaching.  They found that children were coming for Wednesday night service without eating supper.  While Victor and Brenda were out in two vans picking up children, some of the ladies would volunteer their time to prepare meals so the children could eat before Bible study.  This has promoted growth in the people as they learn to work together for a worthy cause.

Brad & Christine Wood of Kickapoo Friends Center, David Nagle of Hominy Friends Mtg. and Duane Cram, pastor of Council House also gave reports. Brad Wood is also the director of Quivering Arrow Camp which is held at Council House each summer.  Wyandotte Friends Meeting. had no representative at this meeting.  Steve and Sharon Johnson pastor there.

Mesquakie Friends Center has a Project 

Mowa Choctaw needs list includes children & adult clothing, khaki bottoms and white or dark green tops for school uniforms, new underwear and socks, shoes in good condition, household items, small appliances, towels and wash clothes and the list goes on and on. 

If you want to know more about any of these you can email me at [email protected].

Olney Friends School
By Grayce H. Mesner 

Olney has announced that Richard Sidwell will be the new head of the school as of July 2003.  He was a student at Olney as well as a teacher, about thirty four years ago, then came back four years ago to join the staff as the business manager.  He has been working closely with Ken & Katharine Jacobsen and all the staff and he seemed to be the natural person to guide the school onward.

Dick Stratton '63, has been hired to be the next business manager and Peggy Conant '78 will be the assistant head with specific focus on outreach and academic development.  As of the end of March they were still looking for a science/math/dorm resident and a technology coordinator/dorm support staff.

On Feb. 17, the Olney community was set for their 4th Service Day of the year.  The plan was to have projects on campus during the morning and then make a trip to the Wheeling YMCA for an afternoon of swimming. Well, their plans got changed!  Twenty-two inches of snow fell that day. Because several staff members could not get to work, groups were re-organized and projects went on.  Most of the groups shoveled snow!! Since they were on Level 3 snow