Bahama Mission
March and April 2003
“The generations crowd each other off the stage in quick succession…”
During the past few weeks, we have experienced the loss of my Dad, and the joy of seeing our first grandbaby.
Early in the morning of March 12, my dad passed away in the Alzheimer's home in Arlington, Texas. We flew up, and with the help of my brother-in- law, foster brother, and three grandsons conducted his memorial service. Dad was 85 and had preached 67 years. He and Mom, had over the past years been involved in Mission Printing. She at 83 still goes to the office every day. This program involves hundreds of retired volunteers printing evangelistic materials in many languages and shipping it free of charge around the world.
We were able in April to spend some time with many of our supporters in making reports and renewing relationships. We have in the past made one long trip each year, but decided this year to break it into two, as we were getting so far behind. We plan to visit with the rest of the congregations in the fall. On our way home, our son Jason called and invited us to the birth of our first grandchild. Ella Kay Caskey was born April 23rd. She weighed in at 6lbs 14 ounces. She was the first grandchild on both sides of the family. Jason, Lori and Ella are home and doing well. Dinah and I are as silly as every other grandparent, and have pictures on request!
Brother Bill Miller reported that the last trip to Cat Island included some studies and an increase in attendance up to 18. Most of the members had either died, or moved to get jobs. The men from Nassau are working hard to help Brother Deveaux build it up again.
I was saddened by the death of one of my former students. Michelle Clark had been a surgical nurse before being struck down several years ago with a disease that affected her brain. Her mind was still brilliant, but her motor skills were severely diminished. She continued to be active in the Church and in evangelistic efforts. Frankie Simmons reported that she would go door knocking with them using her walker. While on her death bed, she directed Frankie to talk with her uncle about his soul. He was on the other side of the bed. We rejoice in her victory, but will miss her influence. She was a top student in the Harding School of Biblical Studies in Nassau several years ago.
Lincoln Young has done a great deal of work in the seemingly unending efforts to get the old building in Rock Sound completed. He has now done the outside painting and has started on the upstairs classrooms and balcony. I have a new donated computer/ printer, scanner/copier/fax machine in the plane for him. It will handle the voice program that was given to him sometime back. This will make it easier for him to communicate, and prepare his lessons. He and I are scheduled to speak at a men's retreat the second week in May. He is also looking for a used van to aid them in providing transportation for those in the outlying areas so that they can attend services.
All over the Islands, studies are being taught, contacts are being made, and growth is occurring numerically and spiritually. We have great confidence in the future of the Church in the Islands as the work is being taken over more and more by the existing congregations. Our part is not finished, but we can see that some day ( ten years from now) we will have worked our way out of a job!
We are so thankful for your support and prayers.
Bahama Mission Church of Christ and sent:
Attn: David Caskey Missions
Gulf Coast Church of Christ
3825 McGregor Blvd.
Ft. Myers, Florida 33901
If you need additional information about the work in
the Bahamas, please feel free to write to the above address, or refer to our
web page.
david
