Haiti and Here campaign

Beloved Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Today we heard the story of the Canaanite woman, the woman who symbolizes in so many ways, the other.  It is a story in the center of two stories of great picnics – the Feeding of the 5000 and the Feeding of the 4000.  It is a story of God’s abundant Grace made available to all. 

This whole series of stories helps us understand how God can use our small and unimpressive gifts; how the poor, given the scraps that fall from our tables, can be healed and how disciples can learn to welcome those in need.  We learn in Matthew that it is through these ‘little ones’ (Matthew 25) that we can enter “the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world.”

Those of us who worship and do ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon understand more than most how gifts that seem meager (like “seven loaves of bread and a few little fishes”) can make a huge difference.  We have seen these kinds of miracles with our own eyes in our own congregations – some of which are tiny and some a little bigger, none huge.

We have also learned the power of partnerships.  For some of us, that is our regular worship style; for others it is our ministry style and for some it is both!  We’ve learned that “two and two and fifty make a million” and that we, tempted to think of ourselves as insignificant, can make a big difference.

That is the context of our Haiti and Here Campaign. It is an invitation to offer your small loaf or fish to build a ministry center in a diocese that desperately needs our help.  The Cathedral Complex in Port au Prince wasn’t just a cathedral:  it included world famous murals, painted by local artists depicting the Biblical stories; a music school with professional choir and the nation’s only symphony orchestra; primary, secondary and professional schools; a convent – in short it was a ministry center for developing, teaching and training the future leaders of this, the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

We can help rebuild and even more, bring new life and ministries to Holy Trinity Cathedral, Haiti.  While we’re at it, we can support a project right here in EDEO.  Some of you may believe that we have greater needs to need to support right here.  Well, that’s why we call this Haiti and Here.  We believe that with a little cash and our time and talent, we can make a difference here too.  We can gather together to build a home or feed the hungry to support a special ministry project that will be recommended by a committee of volunteers from our congregations. 

The ingathering for this event will be at the 2011 Convention in Hermiston.  The goal is participation by 2000 people – and they don’t have to be Episcopalians or Lutherans or members of our congregations.  Host a fund raising dinner and invite your friends and neighbors. (This is also a great way to let your friends know that you belong to a church that makes a difference.)  Or have silent auction and ask your local businesses to help out.  Whatever you do, use the next few weeks (if you haven’t already) to focus on sharing a few small resources to make a big difference. 
Need help planning a congregational campaign? Ask Deacon Roger Fairfield (541-815-5497 or rfairfield@bendcable.com ) who stands ready to assist you.  Want to donate directly to Haiti?  Go to https://ecf.episcopalfoundation.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=360 and donate on line (be sure to let them know what your congregation and diocese are! Or bring a check to put in the offering this Sunday. 
You will discover the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.
Blessings,

Bendición,
+Nedi

Being Christ's Hands in the World...No Excuses!