David’s parishioners (including Father Stephen McWhorter) traveled on mission trip to Monrovia, Liberia to explore the possibility of a new ministry with Bromley Mission School - the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia’s boarding school for orphaned girls who lost their parents during the civil war in Liberia. Bromley is the oldest school for girls in Liberia and has contributed immensely to the growth,
development and empowerment of women in the region and the world. Bromley is snugly situated in the historic rural settlement of Virginia, Liberia along the banks of the St. David’s first mission trip was centered on fact finding, assessing the needs of the school, and meeting with members of the local Episcopalian community. Outcomes were monumental: the joyous reception and love given and received from the Bromley girls who live without modern day Loudoun County Virginia comforts, the initiation of spiritual intimacy and personal connections; and, the mutual commitment and passion to help Bromley Mission School transform war torn minds and rebuild a viable and competitive learning environment. A lot of work accomplished in just seven days. David’s mission trips in 2006 and 2007, the Bromley Ministry team worked at improving the living conditions for the students. Project goals included roof replacement, the construction and furnishing of a library, dormitory renovations, the construction and furnishing of an infirmary, repairs to the kitchen and the creation of a yearbook for the Bromley students and faculty. Through mission trip visits and partnership with other churches and the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia, a lengthy list of needs was cataloged and addressed. This list includes roof replacement, installation of solar power, dormitory renovation, updating of the library and medical facilities, providing running water and bathroom facilities, procurement of new mattresses for the students, provision of personal items (hygiene, dental, etc.) and clothing, and supplying educational materials (including books and computers). Still remaining to be addressed are adequate cooking facilities, refrigeration and storage, further improvements to student dormitories, faculty housing, and classroom facilities. In 2010 a St. David’s mission team went to Bromley and procured mattresses for students whose families did not have the means to supply them and contracted to build a playground for the school campus. The students had no place to exercise or have fun except in a dusty field. A permanent playground was constructed with swings, teeter-totters, merry-go-rounds and slides. The girls were overjoyed with their new playground. Also, the St. David’s youth group has engaged in a pen-pal program with the girls of Bromley where they can exchange letters that share their daily life experiences and talk about their futures and dreams. The next St. David’s mission trip to Bromley Mission School is planned for November, 2011. Those interested in joining or getting involved in this ministry can do so by contacting Richard Easley at [email protected]. Contributions can be sent to St. David’s Episcopal Church and indicate Bromley Mission School on memo line.
