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. 

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!

Breakfast, Bathrooms & Bishnupur

Monday. January 23, 2012.


Breakfast at hotel: Omelette and Idly. This Southern Girl loves a fluffy biscuit and the Indian equivalent is Idly (eed-lee). If I were to describe it as a rice biscuit, you'd wrinkle your nose. Right? Idly is light, crustless and a good vehicle for anything that needs to be sopped!

Airport Squat Toitee

After a long journey to or through India, one needs to refresh herself. One being me makes her way to the nearest bathroom India calls "washroom" or "toilet." Doing a little "dance," I open 3 stalls discovering "toilet" means "hole in the floor" with these weird foot grips on either side. God, please give me a real toitee! YES! The last door opens to the familiar white, porcelain throne. Aaaah, the pause that refreshes.


Today, Team USA is going in two directions: Orissa and Bishnupur. My team is on the van traveling north-ish out of Kolkata (toward Mt. Everest) to the small town of Bishnupur where we'll tour a Mercy Clinic sponsored by Calcutta Mercy Ministries.

North to Bishnupur

Paddies w/ Rice Plugs

This country in the Nadia District is green, agricultural land with neat rows of orange and yellow marigolds, banana trees and rice paddies where I see people stooped over working in ankle-deep water. On the side of the road, mats are rolled out with rice spread thinly and drying in the warm sun. I remark to my honey, "This looks like the Mississippi Delta." For the first time, I realize I haven't seen blue sky since arriving in India. Kolkata has so much dust and smog and pollution the sky has a constant haze. 


Halfway to Bishnupur, it's time for a pitstop. Uh-oh! Door 1 reveals the scary little hole. No way! Behind Door 2 is my throne. I discover much too late there is no toitee paper. Instead there is a spray nozzle and a measuring cup. Hmmm. I'm at a loss. Wait a minute! I packed Kleenexes! Indians call these "face papers," which I find humorous at this point. I'm good to go!

Bishnupur Mercy Clinic

Mercy Clinic is a modest store-front structure of 4 rooms, 3 beds, 1 doctor and a host of patients! The doctor comes twice a week. The pastor comes everyday making a 2 hour trip by train and leaves by the same. The clinic needs a computer for records, medicines for low-level care, continued funds for rent and the doctor. We pray for those who are awaiting medical assistance. It feels slightly awkward. The villagers stare at the white people. The white people smile at the villagers. Time to break the ice.

Patient Intake & Records

While Sompa, the beautiful Hindu medical assistant, distributes forms and questions the patients, I pull out the iPhone I received for my birthday during Youth Camp #4 at Camp Jackson. Time for pictures! Spin the camera and watch the smiles! It's fun taking pics with the white lady and seeing yourself on the screen!

The doctor has arrived as patients line up in Bishnupur

My first subject was a little old lady who had traveled roughly 6 miles from a nearby village. The young pastor decides we should head to the village and give a ride to this little old lady. Disembarking my new friend grabs my hand and away we go down little paths through a wooded area. Word quickly spreads of our arrival. Men and women, boys and girls of all ages run up and stop short to shyly regard this group of pale skins. She must have let them know all was safe, because we dart from hut to hut meeting and greeting and praying for the villagers, who want to show me life in their village!


Before leaving the USA, I learned of the extended families in the Indian culture. As a point of respect, older women are referred to as "Aunty" or "Mossi-Mossi." Realizing she has claimed me, I address her in the appropriate fashion. OH MY GOODNESS! You've never seen anyone so proud as this petite, little old lady who petted my hand as we visited other "Aunties."

Me & my Bishnupur "Mossi-Mossi"

It's getting dark and time for us to make the drive back to Kolkata. All of my new mossies are reluctant to let me go, which is just fuel for Team USA. 


"Do you wanna just spend the night? We'll come back for you!"
"I believe you're the new queen of the village!"
"I think they want to erect a statue of you!"


Silly boys. From this point on, I am "Sam" Allen, Goddess Divine...who requires a white, porcelain throne and "face papers."

Radiant Grace

Sunday. January 22, 2012.

We join part of Team USA for the early service at the Kolkata Assembly of God Church with Pastor Ivan Satyavrata. It is the first of two English services, today, with sweet worship. Our team leader recently named as President of Calcutta Mercy preaches of God's grace and mercy. On campus there are 8 services in 8 different languages!

As you may have heard, Terry and I have resigned as the District Youth Directors of the Tennessee Assemblies of God effective at District Council in April. We will represent Calcutta Mercy raising awareness and funds to further the efforts associated with CM; such as, Mercy Hospital and village clinics in the West Bengal and neighboring states, Nursing School, School for the Blind, Kolkata AG Schools and Bible School, Home of Hope, Kolkata AG Church and feeding 10,000 every day. Our goal at CM is to FEED, EDUCATE and MEDICALLY ASSIST all who have need.

Altar Call in Nepali Svc

At the beginning of the second English service while the choir of Bible School students lead in worship, Terry and I are escorted to the Nepali service held in one of the gyms of the school. Pastor Phillip is a gentle and godly man. He explains that many of the people in his church came to Kolkata for a better life only to discover it rivals what they left in Nepal. We are traditionally honored with silk scarves. Twelve beautiful people give their hearts to Jesus when Terry gives the invitation!

Sheila serving lunch!

Lunch is with Team USA in the home of Pastor Ivan & Sheila Satyavrata, two people who radiate grace and compassion. Sheila has prepared a groaning board of savory, spicy Indian fare, most of which I can't spell. Bengah or Begun Bartah is my new fave: Roasted eggplant blended with chilies and coriander (You and I call it cilantro)! 

Benny Prasad - Musicianary

Most of Team USA takes the evening to recover from jet-lag. NOT US! We join about 200 students at church for a concert of worship with "musicianary" Benny Prasad from Bangalore and his custom designed guitar/harp/drum and a blended band from America featuring Dilip Kurian and Brandon Bee. Look up all 3 on Facebook & iTunes! It is comparable to our worship services at Camp Jackson and youth convention! We jump and sweat and praise Jesus with all our might!

The Holy Spirit, again, reminds me of my theme verse, Matthew 5:14, when Brandon Bee stood alone singing of the redeeming grace of the Radiant Son. "The Light overcomes what the darkness has done." God, use every part of me to illuminate hope to those who think darkness has won.

Chai for the Fearless!

To cap off the night, I enjoy Chai on the street. We are fearless! 



Tomorrow: 

• Bathrooms
• Bishnapur Mercy Clinic & Village
• Hi, I'm Queen "Sam" Allen. You can call me "Goddess Divine."

What Day is It?

"Waka-Waka-Waka"

So much Indian culture is in my face and all up in my space! Just shy of 25 hours of travel and delays and one international date line, I stand on a curb in Kolkata at 2am and wonder, "Did we arrive the same day or the day after?" We are whisked away by a taxi driver and his buddy in a funny, little car that could have been driven by "Fozzy the Bear" of the Muppets. Our suitcases are somewhat shoved in the mini-trunk requiring the hatch to be tied down with a red work rag. God, please don't let us lose our luggage on a bump.



"Tom and Jerry," our cabbies, are friendly and attempt to communicate about the Holy River of India (more on that) and the suspension bridge (2nd largest in the world) joining the two parts of the West Bengal state. Ultimately we are deposited 40 miles/60 km from our intended destination at a hotel where gracious hospitality is a warm welcome to two very fatigued travelers.

Smiles, this morning! I still don't know what day it is and I have to wear a ponytail. The young men are attentive and seem to address most of their conversations toward me. I enjoy pleasing everyone with my Hindi. "Dhanyavad" (Thank you) and "Namaste" (Hello).

Mark Buntain's Well-Worn Tool

Namaste. Such a beautiful word spoken with palms together. Translation: I see the divine in you.

My prayer and scripture theme for this trip reflects Namaste. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."
(Matthew 5:14-16)

What else, today?

Rollin' on the River

1. Get to our real hotel and connect with Team USA!
2. Tour the Volunteer Centre at Calcutta Mercy Hospital Campus and touch the well-worn tool belonging to Mark Buntain used to preach countless sermons and winning people to Jesus!
3. Hang on for a treacherous drive through Canal Slum just minutes away from the hospital.
4. Kiss my honey while floating down the Ganges, Holy River of India, at sunset!
5. Enjoy the best Indian food, EVER, with Team USA and Team Kolkata (you'll meet them, this week).

By the way, it is Saturday and Terry will preach in the morning during the Nepali service just in time for you to go to bed on Saturday. Crazy, right? 


Shubh Raatri (good night).
~"Sam"
P.S. Don't miss a day of our adventure! Follow us for updates!

Taste and See that the Lord is Good!

Being a Center-of-the-Pie kind of girl, I love, love, love to travel, taste & see a new culture! Keep your jewels, fancy cars and fat bank account, GIVE ME THE WORLD!

Destination: KOLKATA (formerly known as Calcutta), INDIA. Departure: January 19, 2012. Yes, this Thursday!

Daily meet me, back here (code for "follow my blog"), as I invite you to travel where I travel, taste what I taste and see what I see. You won't need your passport, yet, and I already got the all the necessary shots! So, c'mon! It's gonna be life-changing!


See ya, later, this week!
~"Sam"