Episcopalians in the Diocese of Nevada saw first hand the results of their refugee efforts during the convention Oct. 9-11 in Boulder City. Under the sponsorship of the Episcopal Migration Ministry in Las Vegas, the Nevada program has been cited by the State Department as a "model for the nation."

The Rev. Phil Carolin, refugee coordinator, reported that a total of 271 refugees, most of them from Bosnia, have arrived in Las Vegas during the past three years. He said the first refugees from Kosovo recently arrived.

Fr. Carolin stressed a need for funds to provide temporary housing and food for the newly arrived immigrants, many of whom have found jobs in union casinos and have excellent work records.

Diocesan Bishop Stewart Zabriskie noted that the refugee project was requesting $50 monthly from each parish.

Several of the recently arrived families attended the convention banquet, and their children played native music and performed Bosnian dances.

The Rev. Richard Henry, regional vicar, explained that interdiocesan cooperation is helping to keep open, under Nevada pastoral oversight, Church of the Holy Spirit in Bullhead City, Ariz., near the Nevada town of Laughlin. The diocese's plans to open a church in Laughlin have been incorporated into the Bullhead City project. Fr. Henry noted that similar plans are being discussed with the Diocese of Los Angeles for the church at Needles, and with the Diocese of San Diego regarding the church at Blythe.

In other business, the convention:

• Approved a budget for 1999 of $594,000;
• Learned that the diocese will not sell, but seek other forms of revenue, including grants, to redevelop and renovate the diocesan camp at Lake Tahoe.
• Affirmed the importance of the national church's Canon 9 as a key part of the diocesan strategy, known as Total Ministry.
• Welcomed the Rt. Rev. Brian Farran, Assistant Bishop of Perth, Australia, as guest preacher.