wfn.org | Youngest delegate gets permission to skip school

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

May 3, 2004	 GC04-049

By Kim Riemland*

PITTSBURGH (UMNS) -- Technically, Ryan Botsdorf is skipping school.

He's doing so with permission from his parents and teachers, however, because
he's getting an education he simply couldn't get in class.

At 14, Botsdorf is the youngest delegate elected to attend the top
legislative assembly of the United Methodist Church. He is one of nearly
1,000 people from around the world elected to the 2004 General Conference. 

"I thought by me coming to General Conference it's saying that youth want to
be involved, and want to be able to make decisions, and not just sit back and
let the adults make everything," said Botsdorf, who is a member of Halifax
(Pa.) United Methodist Church, where his father serves as the associate youth
pastor and his mother is choir director. 

The delegate from Central Pennsylvania Annual (regional) Conference is
spending long hours in committee meetings, wrestling with the wording of
proposals and petitions that will help shape the future of the 10
million-member denomination. From homosexuality to global missions, he's
tackling some of the toughest issues facing the world wide church.

"I love sitting there and thinking that I have power to do things for my
church," Botsdorf said. "I love how everyone from around the world can come
together and just be one body and unite and make the great decisions that
they're going to."

Although he's missing his ninth-grade classes, Botsdorf said he still has
plenty of homework. After the late-night committee meetings, he starts in on
his school studies. He's also required to write a report about his experience
at General Conference.

While this is no vacation, he said he's glad to be serving his church in this
way. When his duties as a delegate feel overwhelming, he relies on faith and
prayer to God.

"I know that he's always around me and if I do have trouble, I can just talk
to him," he said.  "I'm talking to him a lot because it is very overwhelming,
but I'm getting through it."

# # # 

*Riemland is a correspondent and freelance producer for United Methodist News
Service

News media contact: (412) 325-6080 during General Conference, April 27-May 7.
After May 10: (615) 742-5470. 

 
 

*************************************
United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org