CMM (Calcutta) URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT

me. Huldah. Terry.

Dear Blog Friends~

As most of you are aware, my husband, Terry, and I have been working for the past year to bring awareness and raise funds for Calcutta Mercy Ministries (CMM). This ministry was founded by the late Dr. Mark Buntain and Huldah Buntain in 1954, when they arrived in one of the world's most destitute cities where poverty and suffering hasn't changed much in hundreds of years. 

The Buntains and Mother Teresa were best of friends with the same objective of being God's hand extended to those of Calcutta (Kolkata), India, who are physically and spiritually hungry and in need. The Mercy Hospital and Clinics, built by the Buntains, treat over 100,000 patients annually. Of those receiving medical care, 40,000 men, women, and children are treated free of charge due to our many friends and donors!

Huldah & Mother Teresa

This morning we received notice of a fire in our hospital. The time difference is roughly 10-11.5 hours. So, it would have happened late in the evening for India. The following is a statement from our ministry leadership team. 

I request you read, pray, donate and share the link to this post with others. Time is of the essence! Thank you for your concern.

Samalee "Sam" Allen
Samalee@buntain.org

_____________________::::_______________________

Calcutta Mercy Ministries

Mercy Hospital Fire

Calcutta, India

Urgent Announcement

Contact: Calcutta Mercy Ministries
Website: www.buntain.org
Phone: 888.MERCY.US
Address: 101 North 8th Street, P.O.Box S, Griffin, GA 30224

FIRE OUTBREAK IN ICU AT CALCUTTA MERCY HOSPITAL
Hospital Issues an Urgent Call for Funds

Calcutta Mercy Hospital today sent news of a fire outbreak in the hospital’s ICU unit at approximately 10 p.m. in Calcutta, India. Hospital personnel immediately began the evacuation of patients. The fire is now contained, and two patients are reportedly receiving treatment for injuries.

Our wonderful hospital in Calcutta
providing medical attention to the impoverished.

The cause of the fire is being determined so as to insure the protection of patients. Due to previous catastrophic fires in neighboring hospitals in Calcutta resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people, any fire outbreak of this nature is heavily scrutinized from all officials.

Although Calcutta Mercy Hospital has been the leader in fire safety and up-to-date equipment, the wiring in the hospital building has been due for replacement. We are now in urgent need for this repair costing $100,000.

If this need it not met within 7-10 days, the hospital faces the possibility of being shut down by officials. Calcutta Mercy Ministries is issuing a call to its worldwide supporters for donations towards this urgent need.

To make a donation, you may do so via Calcutta Mercy Ministries’ website at https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/ValueMissions/CMM_Giving.html. Alternatively, you may call the CMM office directly at 888.Mercy.Us.

Calcutta Mercy Hospital provides quality healthcare at an affordable price with 173 beds and 30 multi-specialty centers. Serving over 100,000 patients a year, 40% are treated free of charge irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion. Since its inception in 1977, the hospital has provided medical services to over 2.2 million people.

Further inquiries may be directed to info@buntain.org or 888.MERCY.US.

_____________________::::_______________________

Again, I request you READ, PRAY, DONATE and SHARE the link to this post with others. 

Calcutta Mercy Ministries: Hands & Feet

Calcutta is approximately 9 miles long and 4 miles wide roughly the square mileage of the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport with a major difference: 18-20 million people. It is easy for one to feel overwhelmed when the needs are many and the scores of people in need are many. One out of three children aren't just hungry, they are starving.

Shortly after Mark and Huldah Buntain arrived in 1954 by steam freighter, Mark quickly got to work preaching the Gospel to all who would hear. On one such occasion a starving beggar in the crowd shouted, "Feed our bellies and then tell us there is a God in heaven who loves us." This inspired the Buntains to launch a feeding program which, today, feeds 25,000+...one meal, six days, each week, every year. 

Amazingly, it takes so little to do so much!

Since April of 2012, when Terry and I began working with Calcutta Mercy Ministries, the Lord continues to bless us with numerous congregations and individuals who take a step of faith to assist with the needs of the poor and suffering in Calcutta. Priscilla Choate is one of those blessings!

Priscilla & me, 2012

Priscilla, as a student, loved going to summer camps at Camp Jackson in Tennessee. She couldn't wait to be old enough to serve as a "Counselor-in-Training" during Kids Camp. Ever eager to be a blessing to others, she engages with her church's outreach programs. However, now, stretched pretty thin between nursing school and work, Priscilla's desire to remain active with her church is intact even when the schedule does not always permit. 

It is in this busyness of life, she felt God challenge her to do something for those in Calcutta.

Priscilla shared with me, "God says in Matthew 25:40, 'The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brother and sisters of mine, you did for me.' God has really been dealing with me about being His hands and feet on earth and the fact that sometimes we are the only representation of Jesus that some will ever see."

By telling others she encountered on a daily basis about those starving in Calcutta, people began giving her cash and checks. Priscilla was able to raise over $600 in a short amount of time!
"God spoke to me and said, 'Your little can be turned into what I need it to be when you simply give it to me. ...I have seen through this experience of raising money for Calcutta that it is so much more than just the money; it's the prayers and the blessings that people obtain from giving, as well...people were so thankful for the opportunity to be a blessing."

After graduation from nursing school in August 2013, Priscilla hopes to go to India, but wanted to contribute in advance: I wanted to plant a seed before my feet walk across Calcutta, India. This is not about me, but about the calling God has placed on my life. We have the opportunity to change a life everyday.

Thanks, Priscilla, and to those anonymous donors who made it possible for children to have, at least, one meal...today.

If you'd like to know how to be part of this and other opportunities, please contact me at this blog OR via email.

"Calcutta Village Feeding" in Decaturville, TN!

In 1954, Mark & Huldah Buntain and one year old baby, Bonnie, steamshipped to India, thinking they would give one year of their lives until the real missionaries would show up allowing them to pursue a post in China. Soon after arriving in Calcutta, they discovered the deplorable conditions and severe poverty which forces millions of men, women and children to pick through dumps and slums for their next bite of food. Mark knew he must start a feeding ministry. 

Today, Calcutta Mercy Ministries feeds 25,000 people six days of every week! I have a feeling that number receiving one modest meal of rice and Dal is conservative. 

Last Wednesday, Scottie & Stephanie Adams - Youth Pastors of Trinity AG in Decaturville, Tennessee, hosted a simulated village feeding in their student ministry service! I prepared a huge pot of basic Dahl to be dished out to each student with special instructions to eat using only their right hand. Terry shared stories and videos of Calcutta. At the conclusion, Scottie challenged those 30 students to fast for 1 day while raising $1650 which will feed 25,000 people in Calcutta for 1 day.

For 24 hours starting Wednesday, November 14, at 7pm, the students, their youth pastor and leaders have chosen to refrain from eating and raise $3300 to cover 2 days of feeding 25,000+ adults and children in villages, schools, dumps and clinics! 

Scottie explains why he and the students will fast:

God's word tells us in Isaiah 58:6-7 that a fast that God accepts is one that loosens the yoke of wickedness and shares bread with the hungry. I read in a John Piper book that if you ate 1 meal today and own a car you are one of the richest people on the planet. We eat 3 meals and have 2 cars so we are already blessed beyond measure. God has dealt with my heart to show me that as an American there is not much reason for me to ever ask for more materially, but it is my goal to MAKE MORE GOSPEL in the world with what God has given me. If we love mercy then we will make more of it, and that is what this fast is about. In Calcutta, people are like the slave girl in Acts 16. Her future is lead by other evil people and she is tormented by demons. Our fast can break those bonds through prayer and giving of the money that we all have so much of already. My prayer in life is becoming more and more not that I will be leader of this or executive that (which is where my heart was a few years ago) but that when I die there will be more mercy in the world and less lost people. I get my students on board with this by reminding them of 3 things. 3 reasons why we fast: 1.) Jesus loves Calcutta, and His blood is for them. 2.) Jesus deserves worshippers all over the world. He emptied himself for us (Philippians 2) so the only proper response is that we do it back. The Moravians said as they sold themselves into slavery to reach people "Let the lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering". The very lifeblood of the Christian life Jesus! 3.) Jesus suffers to identify with and reach those who suffer. We are like Jesus when we sacrifice to bless others. On the cross, Jesus is in darkness in the middle of the day for 3 hours. This is a powerful way of showing that He enters our darkness, our isolation, our hopelessness to have us. We want the people of Calcutta to find Jesus in a dark place, because those are places where Jesus goes. We know it because of the cross. I don't drive them with condemnation (you spoiled brats!), I pray that they are compelled by grace (look at Jesus!). 

Terry and I believe in you and plan to join your fast!

If this sounds like something you'd like to be part of, please contact me for additional info. Your group could host a village feeding night, too!

~"Sam"

Book Review: Pathway to the Impossible

Pathway to the Impossible
By Huldah Buntain
India: Devtech Publishers & Calcutta Mercy Ministries, 2009

Always I have loved missions. It seems I have always raised funds for missions. Missions will always be close to my heart. Closer, still, are missionaries --my heroes-- always. Apart from the Bible, if I could encourage you to purchase a book which practically and marvelously demonstrates just how much our loving, living Heavenly Father loves us, it is this collection of memories and miracles fondly recounted by Huldah. For example:

Little Bonnie's Christmas Surprise
Construction of the Hospital: Waters Recede
Vegetable Garden Miracle
Meningitis Healing Miracle
The Blue Dodge Station Wagon & Speed the Light

"It was easily understood that if one only looked at the negative side of Calcutta with its high pollution, disease, poverty and poor living conditions, that staying in Calcutta would definitely be a hardship. ... Calcutta will always remain our greatest challenge, but also our favorite task." --Huldah "Aunty" Buntain

Increase your faith to believe God for the impossible! Proceeds from this book enable Calcutta Mercy Ministries to feed, educate & medically-assist those in need. 

The FLIP-FLOP DROP! Kolkata, India

"God, where do I fit? How can I make a difference? Please speak to me." Can't tell you how many times these questions have been cried out in prayer by me. After we arrived back from India in January, so many of our friends in Tennessee wanted to know how they could get children involved with our new focus, Calcutta Mercy (CM). To make an effort or cause tangible to children, I've learned you make it just that, tangible or touchable. Certain my prayer was answered with the idea, I quickly pitched the  flip-flop idea to ministry friends who spun it with their creativity to form the plan and run with it! There were the questions as to how the flip-flops were to be shipped and of the shipping cost. God worked that out, too! Our CM Team Member was to accompany the founder to Calcutta the end of July. <ding, ding, ding> Suitcases stuffed with flippy-floppies from Tennessee, they were off...even through history's largest power outage affecting 670 million people in India, including Calcutta! The following are excerpts from the experience capturing both the heart & the moment...

The Assembly of God Tennessee district boys and girls sent LOADS of flip flops for the Calcutta Blind School...

But they weren’t just any flop-flips… they were texturized with balloons, ribbons, charms… all things the kids would enjoy feeling since they could not see.

There was a huge open space and plenty of room to spread them out… so why not let the the students choose the ones they want?

And that’s what we did. We lined them up and kept some nearby in a suitcase while we invited the kids to come down.

...the children shyly began coming forward holding each other’s hands…

When the girls first touched them they giggled with delight… Then the boys– they were like kids at Christmas! I’ve never seen such a frenzy when they realized what was happening…. and then the discovery of the suitcaseIt was so sweet– they were all crowding around trying to see which ones I hadn’t pulled out. (Which  they immediately assisted in distributing)

I noticed the boys had a pair of flip flops pulled out to the side and were crowded around… I have to admit I was a little worried when I saw the pair of light-up flip flops and wondered why  these were packed… was I ever wrong.

I was stunned to see the kids hitting the bottom of the shoe and placing it close to their eyes. (The director) explained that some of them have very little vision but can see flashes of light. These flip-flops were PERFECT for those who could!

Thank you Tennessee for helping bring joy into the lives of these children!

Now that you've seen some of photos from the blind school, please take the time to record your thoughts in the comment section below. And, if you'd like to know more of how you can help, visit Calcutta Mercy.

~"Sam"

T.I.I. - This is India! (part two)

(part two)...

After lunch at Kolkata Assembly of God Church, Team USA boards the Mercy Hospital bus bound for a quick trip to the Kolkata Blind School. Director Jabesh Dutt greets us as the children are dismissing from class. Moving in pairs several boys have found their way to us. Their fingers are light as butterfly's wings touching my fingers and wrists and pressing all of the buttons on my watch. Another group has encircled Terry finding his bald head amusing!

The campus includes a boys dorm, a girls dorm, a chicken house remodeled into classrooms, a small farmyard, a front lawn for recreation and a building being constructed to serve as the new chapel and school. The new building is a 3 floor structure, but only 2 floors have been completed. The top floor will be a dorm for the boys, but presently there aren't enough funds to complete the structure. God, I don't know how nor how much it'll cost, but I believe it's possible for us to raise the money for this project.

The students have planned a special assembly with flowers, songs and a rockin' percussion section! These 161 blind children know, here, they are fed and clothed and Someone loves them. Their backgrounds are tragic. Some are nightmarish. Being born into a low caste system is a strike against One. Add to that being born blind and a female usually seals One's fate: left for dead in the dump or becoming the financial bread-winner of the family by begging on the streets of Kolkata. This is India.

I choke up as one group of older girls sing, "...I once was lost, but now am found. Twas blind but now I see." Then, with arms raised high, the entire school sings, "Yeeeeeees, Jesuuuuuus loves meeeee!" It's almost too much for this momma. They can't see it, but I'm smiling and tears are about to breach the levee.

The middle portion of my theme scripture for this trip comes comes forward, "...Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house." These children have received the Light. I could stay at Kolkata Blind School for the remainder of the day.

But, it's time to go.

Huldah at Wedding Reception 

I've showered and have attempted to have pretty hair for tonight's wedding reception for Bonnie & Jim Long's youngest son (Huldah's grandson) and his new bride. It's a traditional Indian affair. I've got 12 minutes to slip into my new selwar kameez and dupatta and be downstairs. I'm sweating. My hair is frizzing. Good Grief! I can't get my size 9 foot through the bottom of my fancy, red britches! Slight panic. No! Plan B: Leggings. I've never worn leggings until this trip and, now, they must serve as my pants! Oh, well. As the saying goes, "T.I.I. - This is India."

T.I.I. - This is India (part one)

UT Orange?

"HAPPY NATIONAL REPUBLIC DAY!" is the greeting of the most popular of the three major holidays in India. For, today, the nation celebrates it's official Constitution and it's independence from British rule only a short 63 years ago. We clap as India's flags are hoisted and unfurled with streamers showering those below who sing the country's national anthem. Um, I don't know the words, so I'm gonna stand right, here, and look as patriotic as a Non-Indian can. Hey! That flag has a stripe of Tennessee Orange!


Also, we celebrate Founder's Day on the main campus downtown for this would have been Mark Buntain's birthday who came to Kolkata in 1954 by ship with his lovely wife, Huldah, and their toddler, Bonnie. Planning to stay only one year, Mark quickly set his pace to full-steam-ahead to work in a country branded as the "Missionaries' Graveyard," because of the harsh conditions and seemingly impenetrable reception to the Gospel of Jesus.

Buntain Education Center - Founder's Day Celebration

Over 1200 students, friends and faculty are gathered in the assembly hall of Buntain Education Centre to hear of the history and the loving gratitude expressed by School Principal Victor Singh and Headmistress Bansria, both raised in Kolkata and educated at the school. I am caught off-guard when our name, "Reverend and Mrs. Terry Allen," is called and we are welcomed with the traditional garland. CRUD! Why did I wear the cargo pants and ponytail, today!

"Building A Better India by Building Better Boys & Girls
My Utmost for His Highest" - Founder's Day Celebrations

Each grade level performs a song and dance in national costume as praise to God! I whistle and hoot for the high school students who present a human video complete with a heaving Jesus! HA! It's just like being in the Tennessee Fine Arts Festival! Just as the President of Calcutta Mercy, greets everyone, a pigeon invites itself to the celebration flapping it's wings low and over the heads of giggling students! A few girls shriek as it decides in mid-air whether to land on them or keep moving. Oh, yeah, this is funny stuff! We just need a redneck to pop the pigeon in the rafters!

Huldah with grandsons in front of Mark Buntain's Grave

At the conclusion of the celebration, we parade out with the Buntain Family to the church's courtyard where floral wreaths have been placed to mark where Reverend (Dr.) D. Mark Buntain is buried. The inscription reads "Only One Prayer I Ask. Only One Good I Crave. To Finish My Task And Then To Lie Within An Indian Grave." The three grandsons, Mark, Daniel and Paul, speak of "Grampy" while Huldah silently dabs at tears.

A view of Kolkata from the
Buntain Education Centre 

God, This is India. I can't believe Terry and I are standing in the middle of Kolkata with this family remembering a hero of the faith. It's surreal. It's humbling. Thank You for this new bend in my journey.

"T.I.I. - This is India  (part two)" 

to be posted...

Meet Team USA: 2012

~Namaste~ Two things I've learned in (2012-1982=30) 30 years of ministry: (1) I can probably accomplish a task better and faster in the time it takes for me to explain it, (2) BUT, ministry is sweeter when shared!

Each summer while conducting the camp program in Camp Jackson in Tennessee, Terry and I had the honor to work with 12 students known as the Crunk Crew. Behind the scenes, it was this team who kept summer camps running smoothly, poised the kitchen and concessions for the yearly health inspection, cleaned the toitees, setting-up chairs in the "Gymernacle-Tabernasium," prepared meals, organized the shirt shack and so much more. It was with these students --even though the faces may change each year and I miss them dearly-- we tried to create FAMILY.

Family equals people related to one and so to be treated with special loyalty.

**Team USA pictured in Mark Buntain's office set-up complete with desk, typewriter, his Bible and memories capturing his life.

**Scott M. of Alabama (We won't hold that against him.) The Kolkata side of CM operations & newly named president of Calcutta Mercy pictured floating on the Ganges River.

The spirit of compassion unites us to raise awareness and funds for the children and families and ministries sponsored by Calcutta Mercy Ministries.

I'm thinking there sure are a lot of Georgia Bulldawgs on this team, Billy.

Each member brings a specialized tool and calling whereby God blends talents and passions into a dynamic team.

**Pictured in New Market, Kolkata. Jason K. (with the surprised look) brings leadership and a heart for the medical community...as he should, because he's married to a doctor! Boomer Sooner! Robby B (behind Jason) a great leader and mentor.

"Christ has generously divided out His gifts to us." Ephesians 4:7 CEV

**Justin Fennell, President of Just-in-Time Communication, Inc. in Georgia, travels most of the year as public speaker/comedian/chef...you name it, he's probably done it and done it well! He is pictured in the bowels of New Market purchasing Indian spices & Darjeeling Tea! 


Although not related to one another by the blood flowing through our veins, the hearts of each member of Team USA are united through the blood of our Savior which flowed on Calvary for our sins.

**Allen A., also of Georgia, pictured with Scott M. (I taste Lemon-Pledge)  journeyed into India to see Calcutta Mercy at work in several villages and in the lives of hundreds of children receiving education,  food and medical care.

**Pictured with Terry (My handsome man!), is David M., and Pastor P. C. Hota (in the middle)! Pastor P. C. has started over 200 churches! Approximately 18 months ago, God stirred him awake and to lead congregation members to safety during a flooding storm! Miracles still happen!

**Lastly, Terry & "Sam" Allen, the  then-current Assembly of God District Youth Directors (DYDs) of Tennessee until April 2012, pictured with Huldah Buntain in her office at Calcutta Mercy Hospital on Park Street.

Mark & Huldah Buntain, planning to spend just one year in Kolkata, became friends with a godly woman, Mother Teresa, and began to make an impact on one of the biggest cities in India by loving people! More than 60 years into the process, the mission continues because two people were willing to go!

God, please call people to give and others willing to go to Kolkata to become FAMILY to little boys and girls of India!

Tomorrow:

• Feeding in Kadomtala
• Baboo Ghat on the Holy River
• Chai for Everyone!