Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe, from left, Bishop John Innis and the Rev. Earlene Thompson, pastor of First UMC Monrovia, are ready for the Annual Conference.
The UMC/LAC atop a gate helps identify the bishop’s compound in Monrovia. Many properties in the area were fenced off.
Vice President Joseph Boakai was among the government officials attending the 179th Liberian Annual Conference at the Gbarnga School of Theology.The UMC is the largest denomination in Liberia.
A feeding hut was set up on the grounds of the seminary to serve lunch to conference attendees. In Liberia, residents often use their heads when they need to keep their hands free.
About 20 women were commissioned as deaconesses during the Liberian Annual Conference.
A chapel inside the Liberian bishop’s compound in Monrovia offers peace in a picturesque setting.
North Texas Conference delegation members who went to Liberia and their hosts included, from left: Delegation members Dr. Frank Alegria, North Central District superintendent; the Rev. Marji Bishir of the Center for Missional Outreach; Dr. Stan Copeland of Lovers Lane UMC; Bishop John Innis; Irene Innis; Leslie Bledsoe; Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe; Dr. Sheron Patterson, NTC communications officer; communications consultant Wil Murphy; Dr. Jeremiah Booker of Hamilton Park UMC; and Petrella Booker.
