Greetings in the majestic name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
GDC 2024

Welcome to the 2024 Nineteenth Episcopal District Global Development Council (GDC) of the AMEC website that will allow you to plan for your February 20-23, 2024 trip to South Africa, a global destination point.

The GDC meeting promises to be productive, insightful, informative and inspiring as Districts 14-20 of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) prepare for ministry in kingdom building, addressing the unique challenges of districts outside the United States and the 2024 General Conference!

This website is designed to be user friendly as you will be able to pre-register, book your hotel accommodations, participate in the special souvenir journal, plan for tourism attraction visits, and share in the fulfilling agenda of the GDC, including Spirit-filled worship services with invigorating African content. It starts with arrival day on February 20th, opening worship on the morning of February 21st and continues to the closing worship service in the late afternoon of February 23rd. It will be a high impact experience!

There will be the unique opportunity to fellowship and work with brothers and sisters from South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, United States of America, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia, Liberia, Caribbean countries, and many others.

Being in South Africa is very special. It is an amazing place to visit with so much to see and experience! My first trip was in 1996 and I have made several visits back over the years before becoming the Bishop of the 19th Episcopal District of the AMEC in 2021. It is one of the most historic, beautiful and entertaining places to live or visit.

There is the unfortunate history of apartheid, but also the rich history of liberation and venerable leaders over the years like Charlotte Mannya Maxeke, co-founder of the AMEC and the African National Congress (ANC); first African born President Nelson Mandela; and social justice icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to name a few. Mandela and Tutu are the only two Noble Prize winners that you can visit their former homes on the same street in Soweto, South Africa!

There is Nelson Mandela Square, an amazing mall that you can buy almost anything, within walking distance of the Hilton Hotel. In the same Sandton area, there is the African Arts and Crafts Market at Rosebank Mall; the Leonardo Hotel, tallest building in the heart of the richest square mile on the continent of Africa. There is so much to see and experience. Plan to come a few days early or stay a few days later. This is a trip of destination and bucket list!

Welcome! We look forward to being your host for this historic meeting! To GOD be the glory!

Yours in Christian Service,
Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr.
Presiding Prelate of the Nineteenth Episcopal District of the AMEC