Pilgrims bring children’s books for St. George’s School

Posted by Abbott Bailey

A number of pilgrims from the Diocese of Virginia brought something more in their luggage than just the necessities of two week’s travel in the Holy Land.  Along with clothes and comfortable shoes, they brought children’s books.  David Smith, a missioner with the American Friends of the Diocese of Jerusalem, encouraged us to bring our favorite children’s books for the students at St. George’s School, where the students begin learning English by first grade.  These books are an expensive commodity here, and they are a tremendous help for their English language program.  The following is a letter from the Reverend Canon Robert Edmonds, Chaplain to the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem in response to this gift to the School.

Dear Members of the Jerusalem Mile Project Pilgrimage Group,

On behalf of Bishop Suheil Dawani, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the children served by the schools of this Diocese, allow me to offer our sincere appreciation and thanks for the outpouring of support through the suitcase and a half of books for children that were delivered to my office by the Reverend David Smith.  These are exactly the kinds of books which are of tremendous value to our students and their teachers.

Books are very expensive here which makes this contribution a huge boost to our efforts at teaching English.  Here at St. George’s School in Jerusalem, English instruction begins in the first grade which provides the foundation the children need for expanding their horizons. Thanks to this emphasis on language education, many of our high school students are virtually fluent in English upon graduation.  This language skill provides opportunities for each student beyond high school, whether for advanced studies in college or gaining employment right after graduation.  Either way, your help is providing an opportunity which changes lives here for the better and we are grateful.

Thank you for your interest, your commitment and your generosity,

Faithfully,

The Reverend Canon Robert D. Edmonds