[Episcopal Diocese of Honduras — Press Release] On May 4, 2013, during the 35^th annual convention of The Diocese of Honduras at St. Mary’s Cathedral, The Rt. Rev. Lloyd E. Allen installed The Rev. Lura M. Kaval, a missionary of the Episcopal Church, as the Canon of Development.

The Diocese of Honduras has been funded as a program of The Episcopal Church for over 150 years, “It is time we stand on our own”, Bishop Allen again reiterated during his Diocesan address, “with Rev. Lura here in Honduras, we take a huge step forward toward that goal.”

Keeping with the long-range plan of the diocese and its commitment to being financially self-sufficient, Rev. Kaval’s, main responsibilities will focus on stewardship education, congregational development, financial transparency and planning, resource development, debt reduction and enhanced communication within the diocese and with their supporting partners.

The diocesan budget was cut by a third after the 2009 General Convention.  Kaval will be assisting in the building up of the seven bi-lingual schools, working with the 52 clergy and 156 mission churches on stewardship education and entrepreneurial programs.   A former business owner herself, with a background in marketing and finance, she graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1998.

Her ministry began in Diocese of Honduras in September of 2012 with the creation of the “Come and See the NEW Honduras” program, setting the guidelines for financial independence and self-sustainability by 2019. She and Bishop Allen have been traveling throughout the United States attending companion diocese councils and conventions sharing the program’s vision and goals for the last eight months.

In 2002 when she became rector of St. Christopher’s Church Linthicum, Maryland, the congregation was depleting its endowment. Eight years latter the small strong church took great pride and ownership of it operating budget and was able to provide thousands of dollars from its endowment to outreach efforts in their community and around the world.

She and her husband Richard Harlow are appointed missionaries from The Episcopal Church.  He will be working with regional coordinators in Honduras to support mission teams throughout the diocese. “The Diocese of Honduras doesn’t need a hand out-they need a hand up,” according to Harlow a former Air Force analyst.  “This diocese is full of wonderful resources and we appreciate the commitment of the people and churches in North America that are working side by side with us in partnership to become financially self-sustaining.”

“Come and See the NEW Honduras!” exhorts Rev. Kaval, “The Spirit is at work in the Diocese of Honduras and we are experiencing the transforming power of God in our schools, churches and in the lives of the people we serve in Jesus’ name.  Come…and See!”