Bahama Mission Update
May 12, 2003
We have flown more than 4000 miles in the past few weeks and have visited a number of our supporting congregations and individuals in Alabama, Texas, and Florida. We plan to visit with the rest in the early Fall. These times together with brethren are wonderful for us as it renews our strength and cements relationships with those who share in the work in the Islands.
Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch and related to the supporters what the Lord had done through them. Acts 14:26-27. We are so thankful for the support and prayers of so many, and for the increase that comes from the Lord.
We were just four hours from home, when we got a call from our son Jason. He was inviting us to turn north instead of south and be present at the birth of our first grandchild. We had a wonderful time and are happy to report that Jason, Lori and little Ella Kay are all doing well. I have become as silly as every grandparent and will be happy to send pictures on request!
We picked up the new computer for Lincoln while we were in Colombia TN. This was donated along with a combination printer, scanner, copier and fax machine. Lincoln and the Rock Sound congregation have joined the 21st century. They will soon produce a weekly bulletin. We are thankful to one of the deacons in the West 7th congregation in Colombia for cleaning and adding memory to the computer. Lincoln will now be able to install the speaking program that was given to him several months ago and should be able to communicate without typing with his tongue. Thanks to all who made this possible.
I had a delightful visit in Rock Sound and did not preach too long. In fact, someone was able to get me to the airport for a return to Abaco before two o'clock in the afternoon.
We expect our new laptop computer to be delivered today.This will be used in the Islands for PowerPoint presentations and for showing Bible Movies as well as e-mail communications when we are on Islands with connections. This will also aid us in getting more accurate weather reports. Much of the time they have been less than helpful. We are thankful for the special contributions that made this possible.
The ladies as Longmire Road in Conroe presented us with 20 little stuffed bears and a pattern. We already have two congregations excited about this project to make and give little washable bears to sick children in the Islands. Dinah will be making copies of the patterns and we will be buying remnants of material and foam stuffing to carry to the various places.We only have hospitals on two Islands, but we have sick children on all of them. We are thankful to these ladies for supply a wonderful project for our ladies and teens.We will be taking a bear to each of our churches.
We are excited about the growth in Abaco. They recently purchased a new (used) van to replace the one that finally rusted through and gave up the ghost. Jason and Katrinka Quashie are settling in well and doing a wonderful job. One plants, another waters, and God gives the increase. Our hearts are cheered by the fact that Islanders are taking the lead and continuing to produce fruit. The men from Nassau are really making progress in Cat Island. They spend one week-end each month with Brother Deveaux teaching studies, meeting people and having worship periods. I believe that Brother Miller told me that they had 20 in attendance on the last week-end. This is growth in Cat Island as things had really dropped off due to lack of jobs, and the death of many of the older members.
I continue to hold clinics and am amazed as how many patients are waiting for me to come back after an absence. I think I averaged between 17 and 23 per day on my last trip.
A great friend and dedicated worker for the Lord went on to her reward last week. Michelle Clark was 39. She had been a surgical nurse, and a student many years ago in the Harding School of Biblical Studies. She had a brain disease that had plagued her for a number of years. Frankie Simmons related that even in her physical state that she was active in the Saturday morning prayer periods and would go with them door-knocking using her walker. Frankie and an uncle were with her near the end in the hospital, one of her last requests: "Frankie, talk to my uncle about his soul"! We will miss her, but rejoice in her victory.
Lincoln and I along with two other men from the Bahamas enjoyed a great week-end men's retreat in Ft. Myers, Florida with the Gulf Coast congregation. The theme was: Men of Faith and Courage. We really were strengthen by the association and were overwhelmed by the kindness and consideration. The even arranged for the speakers to sleep in another building away from those who snore. Lincoln also preached on Sunday morning before returning home.
I was very amused last Sunday a week ago while sittling and drinking coffee at the Marsh Harbour airport before flying out to preach in Eleuthera. On our trip to Texas, we were routed many miles out of the way while President Bush visited his home state. The security was intense. I was sitting on a chair on the porch at the airport when The Honorable Hubert Ingram the past Prime Minister sat down and shook hands with me. We had a nice visit. He had no body guard or secret service escort. He was wearing a baseball cap, sloppy shirt, pants and sandals. Most would not even have know who he was. Terrorism is not a big threat in the Bahamas.
Thank you again for your support and prayers.
david
Bahama Mission Home Page
http://www.flyingpreacher.com/
Mission Contact
David Caskey
Webmaster
Jerry Pickup
http://www.jpickup.com/
