General Convention 2009

The exhibit hall is worth visiting. To my surprise, the exhibit hall is not just an area where religious items are being sold. But it is where missions and ministries are sharing what they do and how they are improving lives all over the world. One example is Bromley Episcopal Mission School in Liberia, West Africa. This area has been devasted by years of war and political instability. Bromley's mission is to provide students with education to meet academic, spiritual and social needs. Several Episcopal dioceses spend their time and money to support this worthwhile organization. Their connection to this country, and to Virginia in particular, is interesting...early in our history freed slaves from Virginia voluntarily repatriated their homeland and established the country. The school was founded by The Rt. Rev. S.D. Ferguson, the first blap Episcopal bishop in the US. Today, Bromley educates nearly 200 students from the local community.

This is one of many organizations that share their stories here at General Convention. While many of them obviously need additional support, I am proud to note how many organizations Episcopalians in this country support through gifts, time and money. More to the point, I have come to appreciate the thousands of unsung heros at home who raise the money and provide the services that supports those in need.