I was so proud this morning as our choir and orchestra led worship at General Conference and then later performed in concert at General Conference.  They represented you well and were inspiring!  I’ve had so many here at the conference comment on what a blessing they were.  I felt like a proud father.

This afternoon was one of the most inspiring moments at General Conference to date as the president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, addressed the Conference.  President Johnson-Sirleaf is the first female head of state in modern Africa.  Her election two years ago marked the beginning of a turn-around in Liberia that is bringing hope to a country that has known its share of struggle and internal strife.  At one point she had been imprisoned, then driven into exile.  Her election to the presidency has been a beacon of hope, particularly to women, across Africa.

President Johnson-Sirleaf was invited to speak to the General Conference  in recognition that nearly 40% of our membership is from Africa; because the United Methodist Church is making a significant investment in mission and ministry in Africa; and because President Johnson-Sirleaf is a United Methodist who attended the College of West Africa - a Methodist high school in Liberia, prior to attending college and graduate school in the U.S.  She is a very active United Methodist laywoman and her faith has played a key role in shaping her life and her leadership.

She spoke of the hope that is unfolding in sub-Saharan Africa.  Her focus is on alleviating poverty, educating young people and strengthening democracy.  It was a joy to watch, after she spoke, the children of the East African Children’s Choir, dancing for the president.  I found myself moved to tears, knowing a little of the pain and the tragedies that have been experienced in Africa, and yet seeing such hope among these children, and in the words and expression of this courageous president.  It was an inspiring afternoon.

East Africa Children’s Choir

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf