We are still without the plane, but are so thankful that we did not encounter our engine loss over the ocean. The delay in getting the plane back to work came after we discovered that the whole engine was not airworthy. The plane was supposed to have a newly overhauled engine just 90 hours old when we bought it. The log books were in good shape, and showed all of the new parts that had been changed. What we really found after flying the engine more than 1000 hours was that the parts had not been changed. We also discovered that the rods had been illegally ground down to make them balance. The people at the machine shop who checked all the old parts thought that they were working on an airboat engine. It has taken time to find all new parts including a case, crankshaft, camshaft, rods, gears etc. Hopefully we will have all the parts this week and get the new engine built in the next two. I will fly to Texas and bring it back.
We have about three plane loads of Bibles, World Bible School Materials, and even a computer and sewing machine to deliver to the various Islands.
I have been traveling by catching rides from local Island pilots who have been very helpful. In fact we have had more offers than we could use. However we have not been able to carry as much freight as we usually do and that has caused the pile up. Hopefully we will soon be back in full service.
We are thrilled at the maturity and growth of the local congregations in the Bahamas. In spite of slow economies on many of the family Islands, the work goes on and men and women are coming to a knowledge of Truth. The family Islands experience about the same problem holding young people, as do rural congregations in the United States. Most that can, move to cities for jobs.
We are so encouraged to see the stronger Churches reaching out to the smaller ones. We can only hope that industry and growth will come again to some of these Islands with smaller populations. Not only are many of our brethren helping with our smaller mission churches, but several of them have made very generous contributions to the engine fund. They have all learned that it is not what you would do with millions, if riches should fall your lot, but what they are doing at present with the dollar and quarter they have got! The Church in Marsh Harbour is in a building program, but still gave $2000 to the engine fund. They also have a building fund for their own Educational Building. The church in Rock Sound gave $250. This is about a month's contribution for this small Church. We also received $500 from the Highbury Park congregation in Nassau.
Our Bible fund is doing so much better. We have received several personal contributions for Bibles that have allowed us to provide better quality Bibles to all segments of the society. The young people at Longmire Road in Conroe, Texas have already given $2000 of the $5000 they plan. Young people in the Bahamas are being encouraged to read and study as the Bibles are presented to them as an incentive for spiritual growth. The little congregation in Palm City, Florida just gave more than $750 in new pew Bibles for the Marsh Harbour congregation. A few of these were in French, and we have some members and visitors who are Haitian.
World Bible School is being used effectively to teach, make contacts and provide visitors to services. We are handing it out rather than using the mails, and the personal associations are most effective. It is exciting to see Bible studies in progress around our buildings almost every day. There were five Baptisms reported this month.
Dinah and I have visited a number of our supporting congregations while waiting for the plane. This is very encouraging for us, and provides a closer relationship for the members of these Churches that support the efforts. I also preached the funeral for a good friend of 25 years in Marsh Harbour. We continue to be reminded that we do not live forever.
Summer programs have been set up for a number of the Island Churches. Freeport just completed a very successful series with workers coming from Cooksville, Tn. More than 200 attended each service and there were 3 baptisms. Marsh Harbour will have a Vacation Bible School, and a special meeting with groups coming from two different congregations in Florida and Texas. Rock Sound has two groups coming for Vacation Bible School, and evangelistic outreach. Exuma is busy with groups coming in and doing special programs in the schools, a summer mission camp, and a protracted Gospel Meeting. Lincoln Young and I are to speak on Sunday the 25th at this event. Pray for these efforts as brethren from the United States work together with Island Christians.
We continue to be thankful for your prayers and support. Checks can be made to:
David Caskey-Missions c/o Gulf Coast Church of Christ
3825 McGregor Blvd.
Ft. Myers, FL. 33901
David Caskey
Bahama Mission Home Page
http://www.flyingpreacher.com/
Mission Contact
David Caskey
Webmaster
Jerry Pickup
http://www.jpickup.com/
