A recent gift of $96,000 marks the third significant gift from the Huffaker Family Fund for Central’s Urban Core Initiative. Mr. Milton and Mrs. Neva Huffaker of Boulder,CO, have been faithful supporters of Central and this initiative in particular.
[Huffaker pictured with President Molly T. Marshall during his induction into the President's Circle]
A significant portion of the funding will provide scholarships directly to students who are completing a Master of Arts in Missional Church Studies in the context of the Metropolitan Kansas City area. The Huffakers believe strongly in theological education and want to provide ways to make that accessible to those who could not otherwise afford it.
Mr. Huffaker observed, “I am a strong believer in education, especially for those who will be providing ministry in an urban core.”
Student Yolanda Nero, from the program’s first cohort, recently began Heart of God Evangelistic Ministries. Its focus is to share the love of God in the context in which she is completing her degree.
“I thank God for affording me the opportunity to be a part of the UCI program. This program has impacted my life in so many ways . . . preparing, processing, and equipping me for my ultimate God-ordained purpose and destiny in pastoral ministry within the urban/greater metropolitan area.”
Upon hearing of the recent gift, UCI Director Wallace S. Hartsfield, II, advised, “The generosity expressed by the Huffakers makes it possible for Central Baptist Theological Seminary to provide a course of study that integrates theological and urban studies, which is so needed for doing ministry in a postmodern setting.”
Anyone interested in learning more about Central’s Urban Core Initiative program - the degree offering in urban ministry, scholarships, and partnerships - should contact the Urban Core Initiative Coordinator, Debra Sermons at (913) 667-5711 or dsermons@cbts.edu. We are accepting applications now for the Fall 2010 UCI cohort.