The 2005 Hurricane Season has now passed the half way point. What a year it has been. We all learn that there are forces over which we have no control. Several of the storms have started in the Bahamas, but we have been very blessed. Damage and flooding has been minimal. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered from Katrina and Rita and other storms. The roles have been reversed with many of our supporting congregations and individuals as they rather than we have been in harms way.
The brethren in the Bahamas have worked hard to help out those who have been affected. Special contributions have been taken and are still in progress. Money is being sent to Nashville for relief supplies being shipped into the areas; to congregations in New Orleans; and Dinah and I flew a plane load of medical supplies and took money to those in Mississippi. We are proud of our folks in the Bahamas. One lady told Dinah, " The American brethren are always helping us, now it is our turn". The congregation in Freeport has given over $2000 and is still collecting. We have not heard the totals of some of the other congregations. We do know that we delivered about $1800 in medical supplies and money from Abaco. Dinah and I were shocked at the devastation as we flew over it. We have weathered many Hurricanes in the Islands, but our populations are smaller and more scattered. We were saddened by the long lines of cars we saw spending hours on the roads trying to get out. We have no place to go in the Islands, so we never see evacuations. I heard from some dear friends who spent 24 hours going 50 miles!
Our fuel in the Islands has jumped also. We are paying $5.12 for regular and it is supposed to go on up. We are using our feet more on our short trips and being very careful about how often we fly. Our folding bicycles are coming more into play and use. We do have a number of loads of materials that need to be delivered. We are grounded for a couple of days waiting for some parts for the plane. We have to change out the spring clips holding the pushrod tubes in the cylinders. One had broken somewhere in the system, and an alert went out for all of us to change them, using a different type that is stronger. It will take only about 30 minutes when they arrive. Many supply lines have been halted or slowed by the storms.
Our evangelistic work continues. A number of studies are in progress and we have had several baptisms lately. Lincoln Young is doing pretty well. He still has the kidney stones but no blockage. We will continue to see that he gets the medical help he needs. Freeport just had a very successful "Bring Your Friend Day", with Bill Miller as the speaker. Our Annual Mission Day in Freeport is November 27th. December 4, I am to speak at the Highbury Park Church in Nassau. They tell me that several of us are to be honored on that day. Work continues in the various Islands. We will soon be delivering more Bible Studies, World Bible School materials,and seeking to encourage the brethren.
Keep us and the victims in your prayers. Checks can be made to Bahama Mission Church of Christ, and sent:
Att: David Caskey-Mission, c/o Gulf Coast Church of Christ
3825 McGregor Blvd.
Ft. Myers, Florida 33901.
david
Bahama Mission Home Page
http://www.flyingpreacher.com/
Mission Contact
David Caskey
Webmaster
Jerry Pickup
http://www.jpickup.com/
