Episcopalians in the Diocese of Lexington have presented their bishop, the Rt. Rev. Stacy Sauls, with a dramatic gift: More than $20,000 that will provide homes and support for at least seven Haitian families.

Diocesan officials challenged congregations to raise the funds in honor of Bishop Sauls’ continuing ministry among them. Sauls was among seven nominees to become the church’s Presiding Bishop.

In response to a series of e-mails by the Rev. Canon Johnnie E. Ross, Lexington’s canon to the ordinary, members of the diocese pledged $2,997 for each home, which will be built by Food for the Poor. The funds also will provide each of the Haitian families with basic furniture, a kerosene stove, a year’s worth of rice and beans, a small-business project, school supplies for two children, and clothing and shoes.

Canon Ross said the diocese had confirmed support for seven families by Oct. 10, but he expected confirmed support for at least another family by the week’s end.

The fundraising campaign “was the most exciting thing, and I’ve been in this diocese all of my Episcopal life, all of my ordained life,” Canon Ross said.

Bishop Sauls’ wife, Ginger, wiped away tears at the bishop’s annual barbecue on Oct. 7 as the bishop struggled to find words in response to the gift.

“It was three days ago, and even now I’m having trouble talking about it,” Bishop Sauls told The Living Church. “It gets right at the heart of everything we’re working on here, especially rural poverty. Nothing they could have done would have brought me more joy.”

The bishop said he hopes to return to Haiti, which he has visited three times before, to celebrate the gift with the Rt. Rev. Jean-Zaché Duracin. “I’ve never gone to Haiti without feeling as though I’ve met Jesus while I’m there.”

Douglas LeBlanc

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