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| Keith and Kristin with Anaya (if she didn't already have a great set of parents, we'd take her!) |
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| Kendall and Kristin with Kingdom Life Ladies: Jan, Karen, Demetria, Keisha, and Shelly Little Ones: Ethan and Anaya |
Friday, 16 November 2012
make the connection...
Monday, 12 November 2012
there and back again
Well, we did it. We made our first trip back to the U.S. since moving to Nassau. Two weeks ago we kissed our girls goodbye, picked up the Mosses, and headed off to the Nassau airport. One interesting moment was upon entering the US Customs room (still in Nassau airport). Cedric turned to us and said, "You know, in here, you're really already back in the USA." And soon we saw what he meant. It took the Buntings about 5 seconds to clear US Customs, ending with "Have a nice flight!" from our friendly officer. The Mosses, on the other hand, had a much longer "interview," including finger-print verification for each of them. We stood watching, realizing this was a little like how it is for us when we try to come INTO Nassau. Our home country recognizes us as its citizens, and welcomes us back warmly. Foreigners, however, even Bahamians, must go through a much more intricate process to prove their intentions and motives for entering US soil are above-board. The line is drawn pretty clearly on this. It's hard not to feel relieved when you realize you're safe within the jurisdiction of your homeland. And opposingly, to NOT feel safe when you realize you're NOT within the jurisdiction of your homeland. (I'm seeing some spiritual parallels here, are you?)
Our time in Orlando was a whirlwind. Sovereign Grace Pastors' Conference kept us hoppin' Tuesday through Thursday, with lots of food for thought. We incorporated many mini-reunions with our Pastors' College Class from last year in between conference sessions. How good it was to see our friends from PC!! We stayed up way too late (2 am) Tuesday night reminiscing with each other, holding the new baby born since we all graduated, and talking about the past 6 months in every one's lives. It was good to feel part of such a connected group. It has been said that our PC class was quite unusual in its love and comraderie for one another. The plan is to continue hanging out like this at each Pastors' Conference.
Other great moments in Orlando included getting to have dinner with Keith's parents and family for two of the nights. It was so good to see them all again, eat together, and laugh the way we always do when we're together. A highlight was hearing how the Lord has opened doors to enable Keith's sister Kathy, and her family, to host a very special exchange student this year, Imran. We find it so exciting that while part of the Bunting family has gone to another nation to share the gospel, another part is welcoming the nations into their home!
Before we made our trip back to the airport, we crammed in some shopping. We mainly bought snacks, nuts, candy and hygiene products, which are all about twice the cost here in Nassau. Each person is allowed to bring back to The Bahamas $300 worth of merchandise twice yearly. This is how many people in Nassau deal with the high prices of goods here. We have one friend in our church who spends 2 months a year in the US, doing enough shopping to last the rest of the year.
One funny moment for us was racing through The Florida Mall, trying to find Build-a-Bear, get the toy, stuff the toy, and dress it, then race back to the car in time to still fill up the rental car with gas, make it to the airport, and be on time for check-in. One not-so-funny moment is when we finally reached our gate, only to hear the lady at the desk ask to see everyone's return flight ticket to the U.S. or their Bahamian passoport/visa. Guess what? Those immigration issues.... are still not worked out for me. I was so grateful when I realized I did have proof of a return ticket, since my parents are flying the girls and I (Kristin) back to Pittsburgh for two weeks after Christmas. Without that ticket confirmation, I would not have been allowed to board the Nassau-bound plane. Again I was reminded of the unwelcome one can experience when not in or headed to their homeland.
Pray that we can get the immigration issues worked out. It just seems like there are many roadblocks in this area. Most likely, we will need to ask for another extension, as the original extension ends on Nov. 25th and we still have paperwork that cannot be tracked down. We know God has a plan, but as we enter our sixth month here, it would be good to have finality on this. Thank you! We know that your prayers are what support us in those moments when we can be tempted to anxiety over big and small issues, when we are tempted to doubt in so many ways, and when we may be in harm's way without being aware. God uses you to bless us! You are part of this gospel mission with us.
Our time in Orlando was a whirlwind. Sovereign Grace Pastors' Conference kept us hoppin' Tuesday through Thursday, with lots of food for thought. We incorporated many mini-reunions with our Pastors' College Class from last year in between conference sessions. How good it was to see our friends from PC!! We stayed up way too late (2 am) Tuesday night reminiscing with each other, holding the new baby born since we all graduated, and talking about the past 6 months in every one's lives. It was good to feel part of such a connected group. It has been said that our PC class was quite unusual in its love and comraderie for one another. The plan is to continue hanging out like this at each Pastors' Conference.
Other great moments in Orlando included getting to have dinner with Keith's parents and family for two of the nights. It was so good to see them all again, eat together, and laugh the way we always do when we're together. A highlight was hearing how the Lord has opened doors to enable Keith's sister Kathy, and her family, to host a very special exchange student this year, Imran. We find it so exciting that while part of the Bunting family has gone to another nation to share the gospel, another part is welcoming the nations into their home!
Before we made our trip back to the airport, we crammed in some shopping. We mainly bought snacks, nuts, candy and hygiene products, which are all about twice the cost here in Nassau. Each person is allowed to bring back to The Bahamas $300 worth of merchandise twice yearly. This is how many people in Nassau deal with the high prices of goods here. We have one friend in our church who spends 2 months a year in the US, doing enough shopping to last the rest of the year.
One funny moment for us was racing through The Florida Mall, trying to find Build-a-Bear, get the toy, stuff the toy, and dress it, then race back to the car in time to still fill up the rental car with gas, make it to the airport, and be on time for check-in. One not-so-funny moment is when we finally reached our gate, only to hear the lady at the desk ask to see everyone's return flight ticket to the U.S. or their Bahamian passoport/visa. Guess what? Those immigration issues.... are still not worked out for me. I was so grateful when I realized I did have proof of a return ticket, since my parents are flying the girls and I (Kristin) back to Pittsburgh for two weeks after Christmas. Without that ticket confirmation, I would not have been allowed to board the Nassau-bound plane. Again I was reminded of the unwelcome one can experience when not in or headed to their homeland.
Pray that we can get the immigration issues worked out. It just seems like there are many roadblocks in this area. Most likely, we will need to ask for another extension, as the original extension ends on Nov. 25th and we still have paperwork that cannot be tracked down. We know God has a plan, but as we enter our sixth month here, it would be good to have finality on this. Thank you! We know that your prayers are what support us in those moments when we can be tempted to anxiety over big and small issues, when we are tempted to doubt in so many ways, and when we may be in harm's way without being aware. God uses you to bless us! You are part of this gospel mission with us.
Friday, 26 October 2012
the day before and the day after...
As most of you know, we lived through our first hurricane last night. Posted are some photos of the day before the storm (the sunset...taken from our front yard) and some photos and video of this morning as we attempt do som clean up from the storm. Thankfully, there was no major damage to our home, we now have our power back, and it looks like our island and church building fared well. For those of you that prayed, thank you. Of course, our Bahamian friends act like this is no big deal!
Going through this last night reminds me of God's promises all throughout scripture, particularly the Psalms, to protect His children. The fact that we were inside our home with canned goods and bottled water, protected by windows, a roof and walls, gives us a vivid illustration of God's protection over us in the midst storms that come in and out in our lives. Some, like this one, come in and out quickly. Others beat down for extended periods and can tend to ravage our souls. In all of them, God's promises are true for His redeemed!
Psalm 18:2 - "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my Rock, in Whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear..."
Psalm 62:5-7 - "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my might Rock, my refuge is from God."
Thank you for praying for us!
The night before the storm. These photos were taken from our front yard...
Going through this last night reminds me of God's promises all throughout scripture, particularly the Psalms, to protect His children. The fact that we were inside our home with canned goods and bottled water, protected by windows, a roof and walls, gives us a vivid illustration of God's protection over us in the midst storms that come in and out in our lives. Some, like this one, come in and out quickly. Others beat down for extended periods and can tend to ravage our souls. In all of them, God's promises are true for His redeemed!
Psalm 18:2 - "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my Rock, in Whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear..."
Psalm 62:5-7 - "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my might Rock, my refuge is from God."
Thank you for praying for us!
The night before the storm. These photos were taken from our front yard...
Today, the day after. Pictures of our backyard (only minor damage). The bamboo roof blew off our back porch and lots of branches down. God knew what trees to plant on a tropical island where storms come in and out! It is amazing what these trees are able to withstand. The trees in PA wouldn't last long!
Brief video of clean-up.
Thursday, 18 October 2012
new mercies I see
This past Sunday, Kingdom Life Church had "Friends and Family Sunday," which is an ongoing (quarterly) event. The church is asked to invite as many people as possible: friends, co-workers, neighbors, and of course, family. This week we had 23 visitors. We had hoped for 50, but still 23 visitors makes a wonderful turnout. And even though this number was reduced quite a bit from our last quarter's event, there was something special about it. At Care Group last night we all agreed that the Spirit of God seemed more obviously at work this past Sunday; in the music, in the preaching, in the fellowship.
Before our meeting, at prayer, one person prayed specifically that the music would affect hearts, and that phrases from songs would linger in peoples' hearts, drawing them to the gospel. Later, we heard from one member that a friend who attended Sunday called her on Monday to ask for the words of a song we used in our worship. She said she couldn't get one of the phrases out of her head and she'd like to have all the words to look at. God is faithful!
Another visiting friend mentioned that he was affected by the fact that we have children playing instruments in the service, and that he'll be back. This man in not a Christian. We wonder why seeing children up front made such an impact on him, yet we know the Father works through many means to draw us...
As the visitors' reception was coming to a close, I was talking with a visiting family. I mentioned that we'd only been here a few months. "Really? (the wife asked, shocked) You look as if you'd been here for years. You fit right in and look so comfortable among the people here." WOW! God is truly aiding and assisting us! As the only white family in the church, it is hard to imagine how we look as if we "fit right in," but God can do that! Amazing grace.
Friends, God is at work here in Kingdom Life Church, Nassau. The gospel is going forth. Hearts are being pricked on many levels. Including ours. Living in a new country and culture is very disarming. We see God at work despite our weaknesses. In our weaknesses. Please continue to pray that these contacts with visitors will bear fruit. That many will return in subsequent weeks and be drawn not just to Kingdom Life, but to Christ, ultimately.
Before our meeting, at prayer, one person prayed specifically that the music would affect hearts, and that phrases from songs would linger in peoples' hearts, drawing them to the gospel. Later, we heard from one member that a friend who attended Sunday called her on Monday to ask for the words of a song we used in our worship. She said she couldn't get one of the phrases out of her head and she'd like to have all the words to look at. God is faithful!
Another visiting friend mentioned that he was affected by the fact that we have children playing instruments in the service, and that he'll be back. This man in not a Christian. We wonder why seeing children up front made such an impact on him, yet we know the Father works through many means to draw us...
As the visitors' reception was coming to a close, I was talking with a visiting family. I mentioned that we'd only been here a few months. "Really? (the wife asked, shocked) You look as if you'd been here for years. You fit right in and look so comfortable among the people here." WOW! God is truly aiding and assisting us! As the only white family in the church, it is hard to imagine how we look as if we "fit right in," but God can do that! Amazing grace.
Friends, God is at work here in Kingdom Life Church, Nassau. The gospel is going forth. Hearts are being pricked on many levels. Including ours. Living in a new country and culture is very disarming. We see God at work despite our weaknesses. In our weaknesses. Please continue to pray that these contacts with visitors will bear fruit. That many will return in subsequent weeks and be drawn not just to Kingdom Life, but to Christ, ultimately.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
unrelenting
Good afternoon...or Gudaftanoon (say that with a bit of a British accent and you'll have it about right!) Greetings from Nassau. Sorry for the "grand pause" in our posts, but life is chugging along here at a much brisker pace than it did this summer. Blogging is back-burnered at times!
Unrelenting...that's the title for this post... And what is unrelenting, you may ask? For starters, THE HEAT! It is just plain hot here. Currently, it is 88 degrees, with a relative humidity of 70%. Maybe that's why I can't get my laundry to dry? The short little rain shower we had around lunchtime provided a few minutes of relief. But "out came the sun and dried up all the rain," leaving it hotter than it was. For this Pennsylvania born and bred family, a constant high 80's climate is taking alot of getting used to!
But perhaps what strikes me in the midst of this unrelenting heat is that God is far more unrelenting in his love and grace for me. He is far more steadfast, far more holy, far more faithful, far more generous, and far more powerful than the heat of the sun, which is a mere creation of His. This is intense. When I am tempted to complain about the heat or the striking rays of the sun, I can remember God's unrelenting love and faithfulness to me...a sinner. Here in Nassau we may at times miss the changing seasons, but we live with an ever-present reminder that God never changes. He does not age and grow weary as a man, but remains steadfast in His character and attributes at all times.
"Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not, as thou hast been , thou forvever wilt be. Great is thy faithfulness...Lord, unto me."
Unrelenting...that's the title for this post... And what is unrelenting, you may ask? For starters, THE HEAT! It is just plain hot here. Currently, it is 88 degrees, with a relative humidity of 70%. Maybe that's why I can't get my laundry to dry? The short little rain shower we had around lunchtime provided a few minutes of relief. But "out came the sun and dried up all the rain," leaving it hotter than it was. For this Pennsylvania born and bred family, a constant high 80's climate is taking alot of getting used to!
But perhaps what strikes me in the midst of this unrelenting heat is that God is far more unrelenting in his love and grace for me. He is far more steadfast, far more holy, far more faithful, far more generous, and far more powerful than the heat of the sun, which is a mere creation of His. This is intense. When I am tempted to complain about the heat or the striking rays of the sun, I can remember God's unrelenting love and faithfulness to me...a sinner. Here in Nassau we may at times miss the changing seasons, but we live with an ever-present reminder that God never changes. He does not age and grow weary as a man, but remains steadfast in His character and attributes at all times.
"Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not, as thou hast been , thou forvever wilt be. Great is thy faithfulness...Lord, unto me."
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
christmas is coming...
Last night we hosted our first planning meeting for our Christmas season presentation. We will, Lord willing, present a night of gospel-centered choral music, worshipful dance, and carol singing on Saturday Dec. 22nd and Sunday Dec. 23rd this Christmas season. We are gaining excitement as we think of the ways Kingdom Life can impact the Nassau community evangelistically throughout the year. Music is always a draw at Christmas, and our prayer is that God will use these two nights of presentation to bring people from the community who need to hear the gospel.
Though the Christmas presentation will be fairly involved, the bigger thrust for us in the area of music and arts will be at Easter time. Our goal is to write our own Easter musical, including all original drama as well as the music and or/musical arragements. We have one couple at Kingdom Life who is gifted in the area of script-writing and drama, Clarence and Demetria Rolle. (Clarence is the man who put together our update video last month.) For a small church, the Lord has blessed Kingdom Life with various gifted individuals. The Dance Ministry, under the direction of two ladies, begins rehearsing this Saturday. This is a ministry that has held a place at Kingdom Life for many years, and we are excited to see young ladies in the church use their gifts to augment our worship through dance.
As soon as things are reasonably in place for Christmas, hopefully by October, we will begin the writing for the Easter presentation. We appreciate your prayers as we seek to rightly present the gospel through music, drama, and dance to the best of our little church's ability!
Though the Christmas presentation will be fairly involved, the bigger thrust for us in the area of music and arts will be at Easter time. Our goal is to write our own Easter musical, including all original drama as well as the music and or/musical arragements. We have one couple at Kingdom Life who is gifted in the area of script-writing and drama, Clarence and Demetria Rolle. (Clarence is the man who put together our update video last month.) For a small church, the Lord has blessed Kingdom Life with various gifted individuals. The Dance Ministry, under the direction of two ladies, begins rehearsing this Saturday. This is a ministry that has held a place at Kingdom Life for many years, and we are excited to see young ladies in the church use their gifts to augment our worship through dance.
As soon as things are reasonably in place for Christmas, hopefully by October, we will begin the writing for the Easter presentation. We appreciate your prayers as we seek to rightly present the gospel through music, drama, and dance to the best of our little church's ability!
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
small churches stay busy!
Good morning friends...Kristin again. As I wake to the sounds of dogs barking, birds calling, and the whirring of the ceiling fan, I recount our busy schedule for the week. For a small church, Kingdom Life stays very active! I'll give you a window into what is packed into this week.
- Sunday past, we had 20 or so students from The College of the Bahamas at our meeting. We prepared and served them dinner directly after the meeting. I know it's unfathomable from a U.S. perspective, but the expectation in the Bahamas for these students, who are from the "Family Islands" (aka the other islands of the Bahamas) is that they at least attend a local church once while they are here. We were thrilled to be able to run a bus ministry to have them picked up from their dorms, have them at our meeting, and serve them a good meal. (There is no cafeteria at the college, and students must do all their own cooking!) Over our meal together, Cedric had strategically placed members of our leadership around the tables in order to make personal contact with these students. We distributed a pamphlet about the Parable of the Seeds and had conversation with them about what they thought the different types of ground represented. Their answers revealed that many of them had no true knowledge of God's Word or His gospel. Pray for more gospel opportunities with these students.
- Monday (yesterday) 7:30 pm was Corporate Prayer, a once a month occurrence. Note here: I was so affected by this prayer time last night. No timid pray-ers here! These dear saints pray with passion, armed with scripture that has been committed to memory. We prayed for the lost, our need and desire to be more out-ward focused, healing for the sick, and for a fresh movement of the Holy Spirit on our people.
- Tuesday: no meeting agenda
- Wednesday: 7:30pm -Special class on how to personally study your bible. Guest Speaker to address us. This class will alternate with Care Group Meetings, which also meet Wednesday nights.
- Thursday: 7:30pm--Worship Team Practice (for the Buntings, this is an all-family on deck night!)
- Friday: 7:30pm--Counter Culture Youth Meeting
- Saturday: Dance Ministry Practice (This will at least involve our Kara, who is bursting with excitement at the opportunity to use her gifts in this way!)
- Sunday: 10 am Morning Meeting
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