THE BUNTAINS

 In 1954, Mark and Huldah Buntain traveled from Canada to Kolkata, India on a 3 month journey by ship with their one year old daughter, Bonnie, in their arms. Their intention was to spend just one year in India serving the poor. What they found though was a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. A commitment of one year of work turned into a lifetime of humble service.

 

SIDE BY SIDE

For 35 years, Mark and Huldah lived and served together in Kolkata. By investing in compassionate care, the Buntains helped thousands of children to break the gripping cycle of poverty through healthcare, education, and nutrition programs. Not only did they permanently alter the course of whole families, they also planted the seeds of sustainability for future generations. 
Legacy

SIDE BY SIDE

For 35 years, Mark and Huldah lived and served together in Kolkata. By investing in compassionate care, the Buntains helped thousands of children to break the gripping cycle of poverty through healthcare, education, and nutrition programs. Not only did they permanently alter the course of whole families, they also planted the seeds of sustainability for future generations. 
Legacy
“Everything changed for us when a man said: Preacher, first feed our bellies then tell us there is a God in heaven who loves us.” – Huldah Buntain
“Everything changed for us when a man said: Preacher, first feed our bellies then tell us there is a God in heaven who loves us.” – Huldah Buntain
Legacy

Innovative Compasssion

Partnering with his brother, Fulton Buntain, Mark innovated the model of compassionate care by creating registered non-profit businesses in the United States and Canada to serve as the fundraising vehicles for his humanitarian programs in India.
In 1989, after the sudden death of her husband, Mark Buntain, Huldah chose to stay in Kolkata and continue the vision and mission. In a country that was predominantly run by men, as a woman, Huldah exemplified the meaning of strong and courageous leadership. 
Legacy
In 1989, after the sudden death of her husband, Mark Buntain, Huldah chose to stay in Kolkata and continue the vision and mission. In a country that was predominantly run by men, as a woman, Huldah exemplified the meaning of strong and courageous leadership. 
Legacy
Today, many of the hospital administration staff, doctors, nurses, and project leaders were students of the Buntain programs. As adults, they have taken on the compassionate care mantle and are expanding the Buntain legacy by making it their own. 
Today, many of the hospital administration staff, doctors, nurses, and project leaders were students of the Buntain programs. As adults, they have taken on the compassionate care mantle and are expanding the Buntain legacy by making it their own. 

The Tradition continues

Huldah diligently worked to carry on the compassionate care the Buntains started over 65 years ago. Today, her daughter Bonnie, other family members, and an international team, press on to ensure the mission continues. 
Legacy
Legacy
Since the passing of Bonnie’s father, Mark Buntain in 1989, Jim and Bonnie Long have been extremely involved in the mission and the operations of Mercy Hospital. 
The passion for caring for all people is deeply ingrained in Jim and Bonnie’s spirits. This compassion was born from their parents, Mark & Huldah Buntain and Jim & Velma Long, who dedicated their lives to serving the people of India and the Philippines.
Bonnie and Jim both followed the professional paths of healthcare. Bonnie became a registered nurse and Jim became a thoracic surgeon. Their combined compassionate upbringings and professional skills have uniquely made them invaluable partners to Mercy Hospital.
They are committed to continuing the Buntain legacy that her parents started over 65 years ago.
Legacy
Since the passing of Bonnie’s father, Mark Buntain in 1989, Jim and Bonnie Long have been extremely involved in the mission and the operations of Mercy Hospital. 
The passion for caring for all people is deeply ingrained in Jim and Bonnie’s spirits. This compassion was born from their parents, Mark & Huldah Buntain and Jim & Velma Long, who dedicated their lives to serving the people of India and the Philippines.
Bonnie and Jim both followed the professional paths of healthcare. Bonnie became a registered nurse and Jim became a thoracic surgeon. Their combined compassionate upbringings and professional skills have uniquely made them invaluable partners to Mercy Hospital.
They are committed to continuing the Buntain legacy that her parents started over 65 years ago.

Today, the Buntain’s legacy of work consists of: 

  • Over 700 churches

  • A six storied hospital that has served more than 2.2 million patients, providing 40% of them with charitable care

  • Regional medical clinics

  • 200 primary, secondary, and vocational schools

  • A top-ranking School of Nursing

  • Children’s homes throughout the region

  • A daily meals program serving more than 25,000 people each day