holy discontent

Prayer.  Perhaps the singlemost important resource we most overlook is prayer.  John Piper defines prayer as "The heartfelt expression of holy discontent."  This strikes a chord.  If you've ever sat at the bedside of someone you deeply love and watched them suffer, you know that prayer for that one, in that moment, is a heartfelt expression of holy discontent.  Longing to see that dear one healed, free of suffering, propels you to cry out to God.

As we look around our church here in Nassau, we see deep needs.  Our dear Sister Keva, a single mom and caretaker of her extended family, only in her forties and dealing with severe kidney disease, has been very ill and in the hospital for some weeks now.  How we have cried out to God for her healing.  She has lost a tremendous amount of weight in a short time and has not eaten much since the New Year due to her sickness.  But yesterday, she got up from her hospital bed, got dressed, left in her car, went and got her hair done, returned to the hospital and began walking the female ward floor, greeting all the patients, and praying for them.  God is at work.

Today our Keaton was really struggling with her asthma.  After 4 days of flu-like symptoms, she's beaten down physically.  As I prayed for her today, I asked God to help us find relief for her.  Our dear pediatrician is actually a member of our church here.  I knew she was not officially in the office today, but I emailed her for advice.  A short while later, she called saying, come as soon as we could to the office.  She treated Keaton thoroughly and gave us a plan on how to watch her the next few days.  She ended the visit by giving us her cell number and telling us to call tonight if we were concerned.  God provided again.

God wants us to be content people because we trust his supreme rule in our lives.  So what is holy discontent?  Perhaps it is desiring to relieve the suffering of others, whether physically, financially, relationally, or spiritually.  And so, we pray.  Asking God to provide, to relieve their suffering.  I believe these are prayers that express the heart of God.  To rescue, to heal, to redeem, to restore.  As we pray along these lines, we acknowledge His perfect strength to do anything, to do above and beyond all that we can ask or expect.  May we avail ourselves of this effective tool, this gift he has given us to come to Him at any and for all time

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12 

"You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many."  2 Cor. 1:11

"For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance..." Phil. 1:19

"First of all, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." 1 Tim. 2:1

"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (the parable of the persisistent widow)  Luke 18:1

Show Us Christ

Things are in full swing here at Bunting Central.   Schooling, church meetings, and cantata writing!

Next up: the PRIVITERAS!!  We are even more excited after getting a taste of "tour guiding" with friends who've already been here.  Now remember, we're driving on the left down here.  If you come and want to borrow our van, we may make you take a driver's test first!  (Pete, We're sure you'll do fine!)

And in the meantime, between fun days out with Lancaster friends, we are putting our collective nose to the grindstone, writing and arranging our Easter cantata.  The opening song will be Doug Plank's "Show Us Christ" as we set the tone for our music and narration.  We are using quotes by historic men of God, such as Calvin and Spurgeon, as well as contemporary authors and pastors, such as Sinclair Ferguson, to weave the story of redemption throughout our musical experience.  A sampling of great songs slated to be used are: A Mighty Fortress is Our God, How Sweet the Day, O Sacred Head Now Wounded, The Power of the Cross, Revelation Song, and All I Have is Christ.    All in all, we are planning for a little over an hour of music and narration, along with a gospel invitation.  Please pray for us as we arrange and write, refine and rehearse.  We want this to bring glory to God as we clearly portray God's plan for saving sinners.  We serve a great God in the midst of a needy people.

We love you, our dear family and friends, whether in Lancaster, Butler, Florida, Nassau, or anywhere else you may be.  We feel the effects of your prayers for us!  Please keep it up!

grieving as those who have all hope

It was only 5 days after Christmas when Jackie Bunting went to meet her Lord and Savior face to face.  Our great loss, her infinite gain!  A few weeks before my mother-in-law passed away, I was bothered by thoughts of what she might be experiencing, what dark thoughts she might be taunted by.  I became suddenly afraid of the experience of dying, both for her and myself.  What if God didn't meet her in it all?  What if he left her alone in her suffering and grief?  I was forced to confront my own belief about what happens to the Christian when he/she dies.

Now, just a few weeks after she has passed away, I must tell of the peace of God that flooded all of our hearts and minds when she did slip into eternity.  As soon as I heard Keith's voice on the phone telling me the news, my heart leapt to think, "Mom is with Jesus!"  Since it was early, 3:30am, I just laid there for some time thinking of what she must be seeing and experiencing in those first minutes of eternity.  There was no room for dark thoughts, only light-filled wonder as this solid peace filled my heart, the assurance of the living hope we have been promised in Christ.  I KNEW Jackie was with God.  And I wept at the thought that she went first, before all the rest of us, and would be there one day to meet us. 

Now, as the days and weeks since her death pass, I continue to be more and more aware of how light and temporary this world is for the Christian.  All earthly things have an end, Peter writes in his epistle.  But there is no end of days with God.  No end of joy.  No end of peace.  No end of wonder.  Who can imagine such delight?  It is too wonderful for words.

My "Mother-in-love" has been given the greatest healing of all...she is with her God.  And so we grieve not as those who have no hope, but as those who know the living hope that is in Christ Jesus.

life with Kingdom Life

Seems like birthday parties kind of mark out the year for us.  It was a birthday party early in July where we got together with several of the ladies and children from Kingdom Life.  And again, this past Sunday, we celebrated another birthday among the children of our church.  Andre was turning 5.  and there must have been at least 20 children and their corresponding parents all under one roof to eat, fellowship and sing a Bahamian-style Happy Birthday to this little guy.  On the menu was chicken curry (A Bahamian staple), conch fritters, steam conch, steam fish, rice, coleslaw, corn, and or course, cake and ice cream.  We provided drinks.  (I try not to take it personally that they don't ask me to bring an entree!)  I really wish I could have recorded the Bahamian style Happy Birthday...just picture EVERYONE...adults and children, drumming on the table, and in a syncopated rhythm singing "Happy Birthday (Da da Da) to you (Da da Da) Happy Birthday (Da da Da) to you, ...."  I think you get the jist of it.  So cool.  Way cooler than the American style!!



Kara and Katie



Andre the birthday boy



some of the crew...

Ve'ondre, Keaton, Darnell

Doni and Ve' ondre



Kendall and the litte chicks she mothers...Darnell and Aniah

Here are some pictures to document the event.  Sorry they aren't clearer.  I was using Kendall's camera, and I think she had it on a setting that didn't fit the indoors.  Enjoy.

all is well...even when it isn't

In the Bahamas, it is very common to be asked, "All is well?"  And then you can nod and affirm, "All is well."  I love this.  It asks so much more than the usual, "How are you?" which people often quickly rush through with a "Fine, thanks...and you?" 

All is well with us.  Even though outwardly there is news we are not rejoicing over...  Keith's mom is being sent home from the hospital, possibly today, but not because she is all better.   Her leaking gallbladder issues are not going to be fixed by man's abilities.  Perhaps God will miraculously intervene and heal.  A nurse will be at the house on a daily basis to care for mom.  Chemo has ceased due to the gallbladder issues.  And her inner state?  All is well.  She knows the Savior.  She's walked with him all her life.

Last night at choir practice we rehearsed with gusto.  This little choir of 18 or so, singing to their fullest ability, was singing the praises of God as we reflect on Christ's nativity.  One of the songs we're singing is a modern, somewhat somber version of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."  I've only ever heard this song done the old way, Bing Crosby style.  But read the words and see their beauty:

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth good will to men."

Chorus:
But the bells are ringing, Peace on Earth
Like a choir they're singing, "Peace on Earth"
Does anybody hear them? "Peace on Earth...
Goodwill to men."

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!...
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on Earth, good will to men."

Then ringing, singing on its way
The night revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men."    poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

In our presentation, this song will be packed in between a dramatic monologue of a modern-day believer questioning the world he sees around him.  This song is a bit veiled in it's gospel proclamation, but the truth is there in the next to last stanza.  "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.  The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth good will to men."  This is a summation of redemption's plan.  We find these words echoing the angels announcement to the shepherds in the field, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased."  Luke 2:14

Peace on earth, among those with whom God is pleased.  And with whom is He pleased?  All those who take refuge under the cross of His Son, Jesus.  All those who believe that salvation is found in Him alone.  It is with them that there is peace, with whom "All is Well." 

some improvement and...perspective

Now it's Friday and we have heard there is a measure of improvement with Mom B.  On Wednesday afternoon the doctors were able to put in a better drain.  This seemed to help with some of the pain Mom has been going through.  This is only a temporary fix, but at least it's an improvement.    We thank God for it.  And we thank you for praying!  We know we have felt buoyed up the last few days, and we trust our Florida family has as well. 

Perhaps one of the best lessons we have learned in our 6 months here has been the impact of the prayers of the saints.  Many times, amidst a problem, "road block" or other form of discouragement, we will suddenly feel a shift in our hearts...a measure of faith gets added to our overall perspective, and we are able to move forward as we look to Christ.  This makes all the difference!  Thank you.

As we look forward to this Christmas season, we realize we will be missing family and friends, the Crossway Christmas Eve Service, and the cold temperatures and snow that help to signal the onset of the holiday season.  We spent last Christmas in Orlando with Keith's family, which helped to prepapre us for a "tropical" Christmas.  Looking back, we are glad we did that for several reasons!!
But as we continually remind the girls, Christmas is not about the "feeling" we get by seeing the snow or spending time with close friends and family.  It is about our Savior, who is ever near us.  He more than anyone, knows what it is like to leave his home, enter into another "world" and live apart from all He had known in heaven.  It is because He left his heavenly home and entered our world that we can now go to another land and tell His story.  He is our example.  And whatever we left behind is not even a drop in the bucket compared to what He left. 

Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
When thou camest to earth for me
But in Bethlehem's town there was found no room
For thy holy nativity

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus
There is room in my heart for thee.

Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang
Proclaiming thy royal degree
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth
And in great humility

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus
There is room in my heart for Thee

Thou camest O Lord, with the Living Word
That should set thy people free
But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn
They bore Thee to Calvary

O come to my heart Lord Jesus
There is room in my heart for Thee.

When the heav'ns shall ring and her choirs sing
At thy coming to victory
Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee."

My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus
When thou comest and callest for me."
                                                                              Thou didst leave thy throne by Emily E.S. Elliot

update on Mom B.

Yesterday Mom B. was scheduled to have attempt #2 at inserting a much needed stent in her gall bladder connector tube (I really need the term for that!).  But it couldn't happen, again.  And this morning, Keith has already been on the phone with his mom finding out that they also cannot put in a second drain, which was at least a temporary fix.  A "No" on all sides?  And what is this lady's attitude in the midst of all the "not possibles?"  She is at peace, greeting people warmly on the phone and speaking of how she must just take one day at a time, one hour at a time.  This is all of grace.  When she, Dad B., and our nephew Jesse visited here in July, we were amazed at her energy and resolve to make that trip happen, no matter what.  She wanted to make sure she made it to Nassau before any resurgence of the cancer came.  God was giving her that desire.  As the old saying goes, "Mama knows."  And what else does "mama know?"  She knows her Savior will be with her every step of this journey, and has been there for the 74 years of her life.  She knows life is precious and short.  She knows that family is priceless.  She knows that keeping a good attitude in the midst of trials is crucial.  She knows that there is a purpose in our suffering, even though we can't see it clearly.  She knows God is sovereign.

And with that, I'll close for now.  Please continue to pray for Jackie, Paul, and all of the Buntings.