Being able to help someone in need is an awesome privilege and blessing.  There are very few things in life more rewarding than to know that God used you to help make a real difference in the lives of others, especially when they are going through difficult and trying times.

As I look back at this past year, I can’t help but give thanks to God for all those throughout the Diocese who have given so generously to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, enabling me on your behalf, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to help numerous individuals, families and parishes.

This past year, you and I together, were able to help several individuals who were facing staggering medical bills.  We were also able to come to the aid of one of our clergy families who lost their home and most of their personal belongings in a tragic fire.  A couple of folks as well as some of our seminarians were assisted with education expenses.  Three families were helped make ends meet during a time of unemployment.

Through the assistance of the Bishop’s Appeal, several kids (who could not otherwise afford it) were able to attend Beaver Cross Summer Camp and the Diocesan Youth Rally at Convention.  These are truly life transforming experiences for many of our kids.  Likewise, a number of our deacons and priests were assisted with the cost of the Annual Deacons’ Retreat and Priests’ Retreat, as well as the Clergy and Spouse Conference, making it possible for them to attend and be blessed by a time of rest, spiritual regeneration and fellowship with their fellow clergy and spouses.  The Bible Symposium, Acolyte Festival, Godly Boundaries, and the Diocesan Chrism Mass were subsidized by funds from the Bishop’s Appeal.

In addition to helping individuals and families, you and I through the Bishop’s Appeal were able to assist a few parishes in the Diocese who were faced with costly emergency repairs and other major expenses beyond their financial abilities.  We were also able to help support a couple of parishes with exciting new building projects.

Finally, proceeds from the Bishop’s Appeal were instrumental in supporting mission efforts both within the Diocese to the Burmese refugees at St. Francis Mission, as well as oversees in Haiti and the Diocese of Maridi, South Sudan.  We also assisted several of our missionary friends who are ministering to people living in some of the most dangerous and desperately needy places in the world.