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Bias Blog May 2nd

May 2, 2008

Dear Friends in Christ,

Greetings from General Conference in Fort Worth!

Loving God, who keeps covenant with us, we offer ourselves anew to you today. Do with us what you will, lead us where you will, send us to the task you will, and grant us grace to follow you more faithfully every day. In the name of our Savior and Lord Jesus. Amen.

I want to share a little about General Conference.

Since last week I feel like I have lived at least one year of my life. I have had several significant experiences over the past week. Tuesday was a historical day. President Sirleaf addressed the General Conference. Her presence was electrifying. A quiet spirit filled the conversion center before she was welcomed into the conference. It was a high moment of pride for all of us, but especially for sisters and brothers from the continent of Africa and for our African American brothers and sisters whose roots go back to Africa. I was especially happy for our friends from Liberia. President Sirleaf spoke of a new day for Liberia. She even referred to First United Methodist Church and the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. We were the only conference and personal reference she made. First Church, we have made a significant difference in the transformation of Liberia and the world. Thanks be to God.

Today, Thursday, William Gates, Sr. addressed the General Conference. The United Methodist Church has become a partner with the Gates Foundation to eliminate malaria from the continent of Africa. As of this evening, over $300,000 had been pledged for Nothing But Nets.

I have to tell you that worship has been the high point of the Conference. Our worship celebrations are beyond words. God is present in mighty ways. Being a worldwide church, participating with sisters and brothers from all over the world, praying and singing in different languages, all have led me to moments of confession and refreshment. I wish there was a way to bring it back to all of you.

The days are long and the discussions are healthy. God is doing a new thing in our United Methodist Church. God is working His transforming love. I am so grateful to be a part of the church at this point and time in history. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

As I mentioned last week, every morning at 7:45 your General Conference delegation gathers to pray, to encourage one another, to listen to one another, before we begin the days work. I want to tell you how wonderful it is to be with these children of God. I have been so blessed to have the privilege to be counted among their number.

One night this past week, I had dinner with Sam Dixon, Director of United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and with two other persons who are interested in being partners with us and UMCOR in Liberia. You will not believe what is going to happen. Wow! God is working in some unbelievable ways.

There has been several very painful and sad moments as well. Our United Methodist Church is a broken church. Please continue to pray for God's grace and for the faith needed to trust God's direction.