Bahama Mission Update
May 13, 2008

Time has really gotten away from us the past few days. We made our annual trip to speak with supporters and supporting congregations in Texas. We know this to be a vital part of our work together. We took time to hold two short meetings with two congregations while we were there. The example of Paul returning to the congregation that sent him on his Mission Journey is a sound principle. Acts 14:26-28.

The flying was uneventful except for having a spark plug go dead near Mobile, Alabama. The engine started missing and I called Approach Control for landing instructions. It turned out that the spark plugs that I had bought on sale had been creating a lot of problems.In this case, one went completely dead. After a change of plugs, back to the old brand we did fine. Dinah was going to rent a car and drive to Houston, until the two mechanics and I talked her back into the plane. I was told to buy clothes, food, shoes, and anything else on sale, but not engine parts, or I would be flying alone! Our only other concerns were with the severe weather that brought 98 deaths across the United States. We had to lay up a couple of times and get in a hanger for protection.

The Bahama Mission programs are facing the same financial concerns that all of us are having at home. Fuel which allows us to get into the Islands to speak and carry Bibles and study materials is our largest expenditure. In the past 5 years these costs have gone up fourfold. What we were paying $100 for 5 years ago is now $400. We are seeking ways to be more economical and space our trips father apart. The need is still there along with opportunities for evangelism that we have been a part of for the past 27 years. We have determined that instead of flying the plane back to Texas each year, we may have to drive. It will take more time and wear and tear on a couple of old folks, but may be some cheaper in both fuel and wear on the 1965 model plane. Driving between the Islands is not an option and the cost of commercial flights has gone way up and the hub systems of the Bahamas would make it much more expensive as well as time consuming. Nassau is the hub, and all flights must go through the capital. Thus it would take more than a week to do what Dinah and I can do in a day with the plane, and the added flights and layovers would make it 3 times as expensive. This would also keep us from carrying boxes of Bibles and Tracts. We are now paying $5.75 a gallon for car gas and $6.71 for aviation fuel. We have dipped into our emergency fund, and are hopeful that our economizing and additional efforts to increase our funding will be successful in keeping us afloat as we continue to reach out to the lost.

We are thankful to each of you as individuals and as congregations for your support and prayers now and over the years. The work of the congregations continues to develop. We are excited about spiritual growth as well as numerical growth. Studies are in progress and men and women are being baptized. Groups are helping with Vacation Bible Schools and Meetings in a number of Islands. Wynne, Arkansas just completed a very successful week with Lincoln Young in Eleuthera. Freeport just finished a Family and Marriage Enrichment Program, and is in the process of appointing elders. A group from Longmire Road in Conroe, Texas will be going to Nassau for a week with the Central Church. Exuma is conducting the Youth Camp again this year with brethren from Georgia. We are excited that all of our congregations have local preachers, and that training of both young men and young women continues. Evangelistic outreach goes forward as studies are set with family, friends and associates.

This Sunday we are to be with the West Broward Congregation in Ft. Lauderdale and next month we fly up to Detroit to visit for the first time with a couple of congregations that have been a part of the Bahama work over many years. Benny Morton, who baptized Bill Miller in 1954 has lived and labored in that area for years. You will remember that Benny was born in Eleuthera. Several years ago he flew with me to several of the Islands and had the opportunity to preach in Rock Sound.

A number of you have given contributions as Memorials. We deeply appreciate this and have very attractive letters that go to both you and the family. If you have not been sharing in this opportunity we ask you to consider doing so. Every contribution opens doors and expands what we can do from day to day.

We are just a few days from a new Hurricane Season. Please keep us in your prayers as we do you daily.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers over the years. Checks can be made to:

Att: David Caskey-Mission, c/o Gulf Coast Church of Christ
9550 Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway
Ft. Myers, Florida 33966.

Please note the new address. They have recently moved into their new building.

david

Bahama Mission Home Page
http://www.flyingpreacher.com/
Mission Contact: David Caskey

Webmaster: Jerry Pickup
http://www.jpickup.com/