Huldah Isobel Buntain
November 21, 1924 – July 2, 2021
At the age of 64, when ordinary folks are anticipating retirement, Huldah was just beginning another career that would span 32 more years. Her faith, courage, and tenacity are the hallmarks of Buntain Foundation.
After her husband, Mark, passed in 1989, Huldah continued the work in Kolkata, overseeing the vast enterprise, and jumpstarting many new compassionate ministries.
- 700 churches
- 200 primary, secondary, and vocational schools, institutions of higher education, children’s homes,
- Nutritional programs feeding countless families daily
- A school of nursing,
- Multiple medical clinics and
- A full-service hospital that has served more than 2.2 million patients, providing 40% of them with charitable care.
Huldah devoted her life to traveling the world speaking, inspiring others to join the cause, and raising funds to invest in lives.
Interwoven with her sweet, charming exterior, Huldah served God and humanity with courageous fire in her soul and the strength of her unmistakable voice, giving to her final days.
I was privileged to serve with Pastor and Mrs. Buntain 40 years ago for 6 months as part of the the Assemblies of God MAPS program. Although I worked mostly in Pastor Buntain’s office and with deaf children, I learned so much from both Pastor and Mrs. Buntain. Pastor prayed more than any person I’ve ever met – to the point that it was often difficult to tell if he was talking to you or to God – often it was both at the same time. He used to always say that Mrs. Buntain could run General Motors with one hand tied behind her back. He was very proud of her and grateful for her. Their obvious love for God, one another, and those who were suffering, spoke volumes to me and many others.
Mrs. Buntain was my inspiration to pursue an MBA after returning to the states from Calcutta – in the hopes of getting a specialist visa to enable me to return to India for longer than the 6 months maximum on a tourist visa. I have not returned to India long term, but have used my business skills in ministries serving national workers in India for the past 35 years, in addition to supporting the work of Mission of Mercy in Calcutta, and doing some short-term trips to India.
Both Pastor and Mrs. Buntain have influenced my life, and the lives of so many others, tremendously. The kingdom of God has expanded greatly because of their obedience to God’s call on their lives. Well done, good and faithful servants – now experiencing fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord. Your reward is great in heaven.
Looking forward to your celebration.
What a pleasure it was, in the 1970’s, to write the story of Mark and Huldah Buntain in the book, The Compassionate Touch. And then to hire Hal Donaldson and inspire him with the story and live to see his great book. They are both legends and an inspiration for generations to come. My love and thoughts go out to Bonnie and the whole family.
Doug: We owe you a tremendous debt of love. Your book catapulted Dr. Mark & Huldah Buntain from somewhat obscurity to world-wide fame. After that they started making appearances on Television & numerous District & other Councils. When you could not write any more books because of your responsibilities in Washington DC, Dr. Mark Buntain, one day after lunch asked me to suggest someone to help him write a sort of a sequel. That’s when Hal Donaldson came into picture with B.W. Corpany, former Director of Calcutta Mission of Mercy. We invited Hal to come to Calcutta. The result was ‘One Man’s Compassion’ & several subsequent books for Aunty Buntain. Of course, it does not end there. Hal met Mother Teresa in Calcutta among others and God gave him a new vision to help the poor & needy which subsequently led to ‘Convoy of Hope’ that has, is & will continue to touch MILLIONS around the world. ‘The Compassionate Touch’ lives on!!!
I have many fond memories of my times with Mrs. Buntain. But the ones I treasure most were the insights I gained from watching her in challenging circumstances. My wife and I were with her in Bangkok when her husband passed away and were able to provide some help as she had to rearrange things to return to Kolkata. In those hours and then in our interactions in the years after that I saw something modeled that I greatly value and have endeavored to build in my own life. I am not quite sure even how to express it, but there was a grit, resilience and courage to press forward no matter what the circumstances and all of this was directed towards the glory of Jesus Christ and seeing His rule extended. Pain, grief, and pressures that would have buried many people did not stop either Mark or Huldah. There was a reliance on the Spirit for needed strength for the day and for divine supply in every situation.
I am grateful for the chance to have seen this kind of faith and grit in action. Pastor Mark and Huldah served faithfully in their generation and we all very much need that kingdom focused endurance that helps us put our hand to the plow and not look back. Thank you Huldah for leaving us an example to follow of total dedication to Jesus.
We cherish great memories of Auntie Huldah at our Missions Convention at Calvary Assembly of God, Ozone Park, NY. I have wonderful memories of visiting with Auntie in Calcutta. We will miss her dearly. We are inspired by her life and work for the Lord. Our condolences to the family and church family. Gone but not forgotten.
Aunty Buntain has always been a mother figure to many people in Kolkata, showing the same compassion that a mother shows her son , a love that was pure and unconditional. I have known Aunty Buntain and Pastor Buntain for a period than spanned many years and still remember both of them with utmost fondness. Back when I was a stray youth with no one to look upto and no one who cared for me , I met with a serious accident on 2nd September, 1978. However , the Almighty sent Aunty Buntain and Pastor Buntain along with many other church members my way , who looked after me and tended to me when no one else did , she looked after me while I was hospitalized and even after, tending and reaching out to me whenever I faced any problem in my life.
Not just me , even my two daughters who were at the time of my accident 3 and 5 years of age, were always looked after and every aspect of their childhood, their education and other needs by Aunty Buntain. Aunty Buntain shouldered the responsibility of my daughters education even after we shifted to Bangalore , be it their school fees, their books or even my house rent; Aunty Buntain was always there to take care of it all. In fact , I was receiving medical assistance because of her up until last year due to the onset of Covid in the month of March and am grateful to the CEO of Mercy Hospital, Dr. Sanjay Prasad for the same.
No matter the request , never did she say “No” or was she hesitant in helping us. We were always charmed by her warm smile and heart of gold which touched not just me but countless people in Kolkata. This city will forever be in her debt and we , the Ryle family , hope and pray for the repose of Aunty’s soul. We also pray God provides her family with the strength to get through this time and carry on the blessed work she started.
I remember hearing Mark Buntain speak at a AG General Conference in the northwest many years ago. I believe it was Portland. He was such a humble man. I was in my late 20’s at the time. I’ll always remember that.
What could I ever say for someone who has been a mother figure, mentor, role model and so much more. Aunty Huldah Buntain, lovingly just “Aunty” for us.
I have been blessed to have Aunty in my life at different stages in different ways. The last time I spoke to Aunty was during my father’s illness and she was like a pillar of strength to me. I have loved her all my life. Yet the last few years we bonded very differently.
A lot remains incomplete that you wanted to see. But my pledge Aunty is to accomplish all we spoke about. Every single one of them.
I love you always Aunty. Will miss you.
(Excerpts from my full Tribute on Aunty
smitatoppo@blogspot.com)
Smita
I was introduced about salvation by
pastor Mark Buntain. Aunty Buntain inspired me to do Gospel work. After that, l prayed and went to southen Asia Bible College to become mineater of the Gospel.
The impact that Pastor Buntain and Aunty Buntain made on so many lives in Calcutta and beyond is overwhelming.
My parents used to attend the tent meetings at Royd Street. A revival took place in Calcutta after the arrival of the Buntains. Almost every family in the city had heard about them. At home, my parents would spend many evenings on their knees in prayer along with their tent meeting friends, Samuel Paul and Vickie Paul. My father loved to share testimonies of miraculous answers to some of their prayers.
My sisters and I, and many years later, my little brother, attended Sunday School right from the beginner’s class to the Youth Department. In the early 1960’s, there were buses on different routes to pick up the children. Occasionally, when the bus broke down, Pastor Buntain himself would arrive in a van to pick us up. How we enjoyed Sunday School ! The Quonset Hut was filled with the sound of joyful singing by the little children with Aunty Buntain as the Song Leader and Pastor Buntain standing in a corner with his hands raised in prayer and praise. Even after we returned home, we would sing the choruses over and over again.
After I completed my Postgraduate Studies, I had the privilege of serving in the Assembly of God Church School, Calcutta as teacher, Faculty Head, Senior School Co-ordinator, Vice Principal and Principal for almost 36 years. The School Song is unique. It is a prayer written and set to music by Aunty Buntain. I am so proud that God gave me the opportunity to serve in the AG Mission, Calcutta founded by the Buntains.
Pastor and Aunty were so genuine, so engrossed in helping others that they very often forgot about their own needs. Such sacrificial giving is rare. What a memory Aunty had ! She not only remembered your name but also the nicest things about you. I loved it when she would smile and greet me, ‘Elizabeth!….. ‘ whenever I met her and sometimes she would hold my hand with both her hands in a spontaneous gesture of affection. Once Aunty remarked, “Miss Thomas always rises to the occasion. ” I treasured these words. They lifted my spirits whenever I felt disheartened.
Once on her birthday, all the students and staff of our school sent her a beautiful package of hand-made heart-shaped cards with a thank-you message penned by each and every one. She was so touched. In a long thank -you e-mail she promised to
“treasure this gift”.
I last met her when she came as Chief Guest for the Founder’s Day Celebrations of our school before I retired. She recalled how their hearts broke for the children who were uneducated when they first came to Calcutta in 1954. It is amazing how she could remember in detail how each institution was started, the people they had to meet, and the obstacles they had to overcome with prayer to accomplish their mission. She was so happy that the AG Mission in Kolkata was now under the able leadership of a dedicated Indian couple.
After the function was over, Aunty went back to her office. Later in the day, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from Aunty. She had called to personally express her appreciation for the love that had been showered on her that day. Her melodious voice will remain in my heart forever. She was the epitome of grace.
What a celebration there must have been in Heaven when Jesus stood at the door with open arms to welcome her and reward her for so many years of faithfulness!
May God continue to bless the Buntain family and the institutions they founded.
Miss Elizabeth Thomas
TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND
Aunty had been an influence on my life from a very early age.
I joined the Assembly of God Church School in 1964 which the Buntains had founded, being one of the 250-300 odd students this institution had started with and it was indeed a privilege.
After completing school in 1974 Aunty encouraged me to complete my Graduation in Commerce , which I did by 1977 at the St. Xaviers College.
She then inducted me into the Accounts Dept. of the School at Royd Street as she did likewise with the other Church boys in various Depts. of the church ministries.
She was a mother like image to us all. Always caring for us and seeing to it that we started on the right track with our careers.
Later on as I matured into a young man , I joined the Youth Choir as the drummer, which was under the able leadership of Dr. Ronald Shaw the then Associate Pastor of Dr. D .Mark Buntain.
Later on the CCYC (Calcutta Christian Youth Choir ) was formed by Dr. Shaw and the Buntains and we all went to Delhi the Capital of India (all 45 plus members ) to minister to the President of India and to others at the YMCA, Vigyhan Bhavan Auditorium, Ashoka Hotel and the Rashtrapati Bhavan respectively with Aunty, Pastor Mark and Dr. Shaw as our Director.
The Buntains were so much involved with the Youth and that made us Special.
Aunty was instrumental along with Pastor Mark to host and create a musical extravaganza entitled the Songs of the Season in Kolkata.
Aunty was the First Lady Music Director of the 1st event held at Rabindra Sadan Auditorium.
Later on I took part as a drummer in the later years of 1977 onwards when Dr. Shaw took over from Aunty as Director.
It was a privilege to work under her as the Finance Director in the Accounts Depts.
She was a strict, no nonsense and to the point Boss to us, yet she had a beautiful guiding nature , correcting us if we did anything wrong , she taught us in our youth to be efficient and thorough.
I will always cherish those days.
When we moved to the new premises on Park Street. I continued to work at The A G School – Buntain Education Centre building as the School Senior Accountant for 11 odd years under Aunty Buntain’s leadership as Finance director.
My second tenure under her was when she became the Chairman/Finance in Charge after the sad demise of our Beloved Pastor D. Mark Buntain.
She gave me the opportunity to join her staff as the Asst. Purchase Officer in the year 1997 recalling me back to join the mission from Shillong after 10 years away from Kolkata.
It was there in Shilllong Meghalaya, that I could help Aunty to set up the A G Church at Keating Road. It was a great privilege to serve the Lord through her .
The last remembrance of her was in April this year , when she obliged and sent a video message of her Blessings to my eldest daughter for her wedding ceremony, this message will always be treasured and cherished by our family.
She had been an Angel of God, always looking after us , caring & providing for us and guiding us every step of the way in our lives.
Words do fail me to express my gratitude to her for the indebile mark she has stamped on our lives. She will live on in our lives and in the lives of our children.
She Is GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Rest in Peace Aunty
We will cherish your memories forever.
From
Clarence Manuel
Rev. Patrick Joseph from A. G. Church, Kolkata informed that our dear Aunty Mrs. Huldah Buntain had been promoted to glory on July 02, 2021. When we heard the news, all of the school was saddened, our thoughts and prayers went out to Mrs. Bonnie Long and her family members.
Our relationship with Aunty Buntain started in 1994 when she first came to visit the Blind School with USA Mission of Mercy team and Mr. D. Bansaria, seeing the blind and visually impaired children, she fell in love with the school and the children.
It was such a privilege to work with her, she loved all the staff and children, on her visits to Kolkata she always visited this blind school paking along people from different ministries. The school became very important for her, she would send two to three emails every week always with suggestions on how funding for the school could be provided through various Churches and funding agencies.
Aunty Buntain also helped us to get free medical treatment at Mercy Hospital, Kolkata, many of the children received eye operations and various other treatments from the Mercy Hospital.
Aunty Buntain also helped us to start Vocational Training Centre for the older children. 175+ older children were able to gain employment and are living fully independent lives in our society, many of them have since married and have children.
A large number of children also got to know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, two of them became evangelists and are working with Churches.
On a personal level she treated me as a son and always helped me when I came across a problem and was always there to help and encourage me and staff.
Aunty Buntain, you will never be forgotten, your loving touch is everywhere in the school campus.
We thank you and know that one day we will meet you at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy your company again for ever and ever in the presence of our Saviour.
We got many memories with Aunty since 1994. Here are some of the pictures in honour of her.
On 3rd July I received the news of the home going of my dear friend and mentor sister Buntain. This gave me a great shock that I will be seeing her no more. Sister Buntain had promised me that she will come in January for the golden jubilee celebration of the Shyamnagar church, but because of the covid travel restrictions she could not come. I was looking forward to meeting her but God has his plans. He saw it fit to call her home to be with Jesus.
I had the opportunity to work with the pastor Mark and sister Buntain for 61 years. There always considered me as one of their family members. Pastor Mark Buntain would never address me as pastor or brother, he always call me by my first name, Hanok. This gave me the feeling that I was special for him.
When I joined as a new pastor of the Hindi church, sister Buntain would help me In the Sunday school by playing the accordion and she loved singing, “Bolo Jai milkar Jai”, and other Hindi choruses. I can never forget those days of how pastor and sister Buntain taught me everything about ministry. My relationship with Jesus became strong because of their life example.
Sister Buntain was always a great help to me in the ministry after the passing away of pastor Mark. She would regularly inquire about the progress and needs of the ministry. Some times she would say some funny Hindi words and we both would laugh loudly. She may not be able to speak Hindi but she understood a good deal.
When I became the superintendent of EDC, sister Buntain and I travelled to many places. She could eat any food set before her and could with ease adjust to any situation. Many times I would feel bad thinking what I’m putting her into. But she would gracefully adjust to any village setup or be it a small town. She was truly humble and kind.
She was always very concerned about the churches and the pastors in EDC. She would travel to all the outreach churches and schools and try and raise funds to improve their facilities. Whenever I visited her in her office, she was always busy doing something. I never saw her sitting idle.
When I was admitted in hospital in 2017, she would visit me daily and encourage me in the Lord. I would watch her visit with all the patients regardless of who they were.
I really Thank our God for sending pastor Mark and Sister Buntain to our country. In my lifetime as a minister In the AG mission, I have seen many pastors come and go but non can take the place of this wonderful God like couple. Their life, dedication and sacrifice in the ministry says it all.
There is just so much that comes to my mind but I am forcing myself to stop. Of the many years that God has graciously granted me, 61 years was spent in awesome ministry and friendship with bro Mark and sister Huldah. Iam what Iam because of the cross and the influence of the Buntain’s in my life.
Bonnie May God bless you and Dr. Long as you carry the work forward. We may not meet on this side but someday soon we will all together, sing and rejoice in what God did with our small insignificant lives for his kingdom.
It is indeed a very sad time in my life and that of my family with Aunty Buntain’s passing. Aunty was not only my boss but also a mother figure in my life. My mother left for England when I was 10 years old (and my dad a few years earlier) so Aunty’s presence in my life became important and I am indebted to her for all the assistance she gave me to make me who I am today.
I worked with Aunty for the last 40 plus years so the bond we shared was very special. She was super efficient in everything she did, and I always say that I got good training from her. In recent times, I would have to tear myself away from doing emails for Aunty as she did not want to stop, and I would get tired; but tiredness did not exist for Aunty. At her age she had so much energy that I would tell her “Aunty, we are normal people as we feel tired – you are not”. Truly she worked tirelessly!! At her age, she could have found many excuses and it would have understandably been accepted but that never happened. That was our Aunty!!
She was an amazing lady and most compassionate. I would witness her helping needy people with money from her own pocket.
She also never hesitated to give a listening ear to someone who had a problem and needed help. She would see how they could be assisted by phoning different people. The “personal interest” that Aunty showed was remarkable.
A lot of you will know that Aunty loved receiving emails and also replying to them. Writing and receiving emails were her lifeline. Even a simple email would not be ignored by her. An email reply was sent almost immediately.
Although Aunty was the Co-founder of the Mission, she was most humble and never made anyone feel that they were not important.
We run a Care Cell at our home on a Friday, and Aunty whenever she came to Calcutta, made sure she attended, inspite of the fact that she had to climb two flights of stairs. One of her sermon titles at Care Cell, which she emphasised on a lot was “We can’t, but God can”. This is her testimony when we see how God helped the Buntain’s to start from a tent with 50 people to the huge ministry that we have now, spread far and wide in different parts of India.
When asked what her main
accomplishment has been, her quick reply would be “investing in lives”… she was always so proud of her sponsored children who had done well in life by becoming doctors, nurses, CEO’s, School heads, teachers, engineers, etc. etc.
We knew Aunty was up in years but we did not want her to leave us. We so wanted her to live till at least 100, however, God had other plans for her.
I am thankful to God for giving me the privilege of working with Aunty and having her in my life for so many years. She would phone me faithfully every Saturday evening and in between I would receive emails from her. I will therefore miss her very much and there will always be an aching void within. We will not have her with us physically again, but she will live on in our hearts, even as we cherish the many memories and good times we had with her.
We all know that Aunty’s life was well lived and there is no doubt she was welcomed into the arms of God with the words “well done thou good and faithful servant”.
I would like to end with these words
“In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill.“
————
Aunty was a very caring and loving person to me and my family. Till last month June 2021 she phone and asked how I was doing. I remember when John was sick in hospital in 2019 she would make time to come and see him and was very concerned about him.Aunty loved my family and was always very concerned, especially with John being sick.We are going to miss her very much.Today whatever we are is because of her, she always took interest with every family. Aunty will always be remembered for her love, support and kindness, she was a Awesome Lady.
I know Pastor Buntain, John and the other Church families must have been so happy to welcome her.
My prayers are with Bonnie and the family . Loretta.
Aunty was a very caring and loving person to me and my family. Till last month June 2021 she phone and asked how I was doing. I remember when John was sick in hospital in 2019 she would make time to come and see him and was very concerned about him.Aunty loved my family and was always very concerned, especially with John being sick.We are going to miss her very much.Today whatever we are is because of her, she always took interest with every family. Aunty will always be remembered for her love, support and kindness, she was a Awesome Lady.
I know Pastor Buntain, John and the other Church families must have been so happy to welcome her.
My prayers are with Bonnie and the family . Loretta.
I have great respect for Ma’am Buntain, thus am blessed and privileged for my acquaintance with her. Touched by her invariable kindness in our shared moments, I have always enjoyed listening to her simple & sincere talks. She had quite a repository of inspiring real life stories exemplifying Gods abundant grace. She sang so well, breaking out into wonderful harmony (alto I think) with ” Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus…” in a morning devotion. We know the pride of place we, representing Mercy Hospital, had in her heart, as well as her passionate commitment to Kolkata.We will cherish her memory and celebrate God’s love in her life and work. Saddened as we are with her demise, we can hope to meet up again beyond.., ✨
Known Aunty Buntain from childhood since I joined the School at Royd Street in 1967.. she was like a Mother to each of us .. grew up in AG’s and also completed my Secretarial Course at the Vocational School at Park Street.,Thank you Pastor and Aunty Buntain for all your love and compassion.. will miss you tremendously..
Oh, how I wish I could attend Aunty Huldah’s memorial service in Tacoma, as that is where I first met her. My husband, Don Galloway, was Associate Pastor with Pastor Fulton Buntain there at Life Center, and it was such a joy whenever Mark and Huldah visited, spoke at the church and shared their deep burden for Calcutta. Years later, at a General Council in Florida, I spoke with Huldah. She wouldn’t let me leave without giving me a stack of CDs. They were Mark’s sermons; I listened to each one in the car. No one preached and bared their heart like Mark. Huldah became a speaker in her own right. I began sending her birthday cards each year, and she always wrote such an endearing thank you letter. I wondered how she had time to respond with so much on her plate. Huldah’s so inspiring and has always been my hero; such an amazing woman who has done so much for the cause of Christ that only eternity will reveal her impact.
While serving as missionaries in Ghana, West Africa, our family was given a book introducing us to the Mark Buntain family. I corresponded with Huldah, to discuss family connections. What a beautiful life well lived. I think my husbands grandfather and Mark resemble each other.
“Aunty” Buntain 1924 – 2021
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up… To more than I can be
You and Uncle Mark came to Calcutta, India 6 decades ago, touched millions of lives around the world and continued doing so right to the end.
While it is our loss that you have gone, it would be tragic to mourn you – instead I’m proud and standing tall today because YOU touched my life and I’d like to celebrate your life in words, mere words that will never do justice to who you were and what you have done for me, my family and the millions of lives in India and across the world.
My earliest memory of you Aunty is looking up at you and being in awe of the kind, smiling and wonderful person that you always were. You always remembered and acknowledged me by my name. Because of you I was able to go to school and college, because of you, I was exposed to all that I know and amount to today. You did little things that have been monumental in my life. You’d call me out of classroom during school to your office and ask me “why were you not in church on Sunday” or “why have you pierced your ears” or sometimes late night and tell me “stop dating white women” and when you went out of your way to ask me, “have you signed up for youth camp, tell them to take the money from me” or “do you have clothes for Christmas” and even as far as telling me to “go to the dentist and get your chipped tooth fixed”.
You saw, you noticed, you cared, you reached out, you reprimanded and you loved! A lot of people say things to show they care but that is not enough most times. You said and you did, in both little and big ways, and always and in all ways.
You taught me to love, to care, to be kind and to be generous all by example and all that I am today has been from a few people in my life, monumentally it’s been you.
As I write this, I can’t help but tear up and thank you enough for ALL that you did for me and my family. Every time I met you and said thank you, you said it was God’s doing but God used YOU to do what you did and so with all my love for you, I want to say THANK YOU and as Uncle would preach, I’ll keep “pressing on”!
My first memories of Mrs Huldah date back to the 80’s in Missouri, with her daughter Bonnie and family – for they would all become as near and dear to my heart as my own family.
I spent many weekends/evenings and several summers at the Long House babysitting those 3 wonderful boys. Times when Huldah would visit MO were few and very very precious to all…simply being in her presence was remarkable.
I am honored to have known her and been granted the special memories I will forever keep in my heart of time I was fortunate to have had with her.
My heart is broken, and I extend my sincerest condolences to the family. However, we can all find comfort in knowing she is singing and holding Jesus’ and Mr Buntain’s hand strolling along the streets of Heaven-that image fills my ❤️.
My love and prayers to all of you.
It was a great joy and honor to serve as her chauffeur on two visits to our church. A wonderful lady whose reward is great.
We are extremely sad to hear about the passing of your dear mother.
She was an amazing woman who achieved wonderful works in the name of Jesus.
Her kindness to me and my family will forever be remembered.
May her good work continue to live on.
Rest in peace beautiful angel of God.
Auntie your the most wonderful person I have ever known. Love you so much!!!
We met Hulda in Calcutta, India in January 2020 on a missions trip with our church, Faith Chapel (San Diego, CA). She was the sweetest person I think I’ve ever met. The presence of God just seeped out of her pores! It was so neat to hear her heart for India and all the things her and her husband had done there. It was so inspiring. Before we left, I asked her if she would pray a special blessing over my husband and I so that we would have a baby :). Needless to say, her prayer was heard and our baby boy was born in March 2021. It was an honor to have been prayed over by her. She will be missed but her legacy lives on in so many hearts and lives.
Heard the sad news of your dear Mum’s passing from a friend in UK. I write to let you know how much your parents meant to me and my Mum’s walk with Christ. We were just saved when Sis Huldah asked me to take her Sunday School in AGchurch and encouraged me; she would help me, and play the piano. She was instrumental in our walk with Christ and a blessing. Years later it was a great Sunday morning when we met our beloved Pastor Mark at a church in Croydon, UK where he ministered, and have a video.
Their love reached out to millions. You have given your best gift to the Lord. Your Mum and Dad’s blessings be upon you.
In Christian love
Jeanette (Johannes)
I met Dr. Huldah Buntian on 24th May 2019 at her office in Mercy Hospital, Kolkata. The purpose of my visit was to interview her on the ministry she and her late husband started among the tribals in Jharkhand. I had the privilege to talk to her for a long time and finally when it was time for us to depart, she invited me to join her on her next missionary trip to Northeast India. Though I met her only once we had email conversations quite often. She was always there to help me with all the information I needed for my research.
I found in her a heart that beats for the people of India. She and Rev. Mark Buntain’s services and ministry will never be forgotten or extinguish. They live in the hearts of hundreds of thousands whom they served both physically and spiritually. Yet no words to express our grief. Praying for God’s peace and comfort on all those who miss her.
My heart is deeply saddened by the passing of my precious and dearest Aunty Huldah Buntain. As I was growing up in Calcutta, India, this beautiful and amazing woman of God and treasured friend touched my life in more ways than I could ever describe. So did her beloved husband, Mark Buntain….my pastor, mentor and friend. Aunty Buntain’s unending love, compassion and commitment to serving God and others will be the incredible legacy that she has left behind. She was my hero in every sense of the word and inspired me to give God my best in the things He called me to do in my music ministry, and in later years ministering together with my husband, Steve.
My parents, Samuel and Vickie Paul and my brother David were also greatly blessed by the ministry of Mark and Huldah Buntain from the beginning of their ministry in Calcutta in 1954 when I was four years old. As I look back at my time growing up under their ministry at Calcutta Assembly of God Church, I am so grateful for the impact they had in my life and also for the opportunity I had to be the church pianist there for many years until I was 19 when my family and I immigrated to America. Even after that, through the years I continued to be greatly blessed by the love and friendship of both Uncle and Aunty Buntain.
Steve, my mother and I were so blessed with the times we had with Aunty Buntain and her daughter, Bonnie, my childhood friend, when they were sharing their ministry here in the Los Angeles area, and until just recently, Aunty and I had been keeping in touch. I will miss her voice and her sweet emails….so full of love and the things of God. Even with her demanding schedule, she took the time to keep in touch, even remembering my birthday and our wedding anniversary.
There is only one Uncle and Aunty Buntain! What great warriors for Christ!! We rejoice in knowing that they are now back together in God’s presence, celebrating the One who called them into His service in 1954 to go to India. How blessed I am that they did! What these two amazing servants of God did for Christ impacted my life in so many ways, and the lives of countless others all around the world. Thank you Aunty and thank you Uncle from the bottom of my heart. “Thank you for giving to the Lord…..I am a life that was changed”. I will be forever grateful!!!
Praying for you, dearest Bonnie, Jim and family and all your loved ones as you go through this great loss. We share in it and hold you all close to our hearts. May God comfort you and fill you with His strength and peace as you continue to carry the torch….shining His light to a lost and dying world….a world that so desperately needs a Savior! God bless you all! You are greatly loved and cherished.
With my deepest and heartfelt love, sympathy and prayers,
Rachel Ragsdale (aka Dolly Paul), Steve Ragsdale and Mom, Vickie Paul
I met Mrs Huldah and Mark Buntain first time at the opening of the Assembly of God Hospital in Kolkata in 1976. The Hospital had got beds and other equipments from in Sweden. Me and my husband and two daugthers came to Kolkata in 1976 and lived there until 1979. My husband worked for Lutheran World Federation and I worked as a nurse/ midwife and I came accross abandoned children. Mrs Huldah helped me to start a Foundling Home “Noa’s Ark” at Elliot Road, Kolkata in a flat she arranged for me. She always had time and gave love and advice. She had so many things to do and was so busy, but never I found her angry or irritated. She was so loving and had a lot of patience. She helped out when we as a family was in trouble and assisted us in all ways. I want to mention here also that Mr Mark Buntain came to Sweden , I think it was 1980 and my husband took him around to visit people in our car. But, our car was old and Mark had to push it to start. But, he all the time said , Thank God , Praise the Lord. I told this to Mrs Huldah and she laughed and said that was my man. I know many children and families that has been helped through Mrs Huldah. She was a Mother of many in Kolkata, India, USA and Sweden and many more places. Rest in peace! We will meet soon!
My association with Aunty goes back to 1961 when I was just one year old. My Parents Late Mr. Julian Edgar & Mrs. Olivia Edgar were one of the first Members of The Assembly of God Church. My life has been impacted by Pastor no doubt, as well as Aunty. Whenever Aunty would come to Kolkata if I would not meet her the very first Sunday in Church, she would keep it in mind and when she would meet my husband she would ask him about me and of course when I would meet her she would tell me that she missed seeing me the first sunday. Her memory was just so sharp. She remembered every detail about my parents, 3 brothers and myself and we would often talk about those years. Her emails were so detailed and she would always answer my emails even if it was after a few days, but reply she would. Aunty and myself sang in the Combined Choir many years ago when we used to have our Services in the G D Shaw Hall. I have many memories of Aunty and I will never forget the love, compassion, concern that she showered on us. I have one regret that I do not have a photograph with us together. I always took it for granted that Aunty would come back the next time and then I would click a picture with her. That did not happen though, but, my husband Michael and myself had the privilege of Aunty Dedicating our Son Isaac in September1991 and Daughter Sharon in December 1992. Aunty has gone to her Creator but she lives on in the hearts of many lives whom she has impacted and one of them is me.
Our hearts are grieving and saddened, but our souls rejoice, for she is with her beloved husband and in the presence of Jesus!
I had the blessed privilege of being parented by the Buntains since I was a child. I have many stories to share, but I will pick five which impacted my life the most.
Mother’s Touch
In 1960, she enrolled me in a small English Medium School called Bolton Day School on Ripon Street, before the AG School was established in 1964. I remember her walking me daily to the church and from there someone would walk me to the school, which was few blocks away. I remember one morning as we were walking on Wellesley Street, and in the middle of the pavement, she stopped and said, ‘Look at your hair at the back, it is sticking up, she tried patting the hair down but to no avail, so she licked her fingers and patted my hair down, ‘Now it looks better, she exclaimed. I did not understand a ‘mother’s touch,
since I was so young.
Mother’s Kiss
I was twelve years and was stricken with malaria. It was late in the evening, my mother sitting beside my bed applying a cold towel on my forehead, hoping the fever would come down. I heard Aunty’s voice while she was climbing up the wooden staircase to the apartment. She sounded weary and I wondered whether she would come up to see me. For you see, she would leave for the church office at 6 AM, work tirelessly in the office and then attend the evening service. Shortly, there was a knock on the door. My mother opened the door, she asked “How is Krishna doing?”, to which my mother replied that he still has a high temperature. As she tiptoed into my room, I closed my eyes as if were asleep. In a hushed tone, she asked my mother, “Has he eaten?” and my mother said that I was not eating. So, she said that she would make me a bowl of hot chicken noodle soup. She touched my forehead and told my mother who had happened to be a Hindu at that time, that she was praying, and that Jesus will heal him. She then kissed my forehead and walked out of my room. After she left, I buried my face in my pillow and cried with tears of joy and happiness. Apart from my mother, now there is someone else who also cared for me. It changed my young life and I started reading the four Gospels and gave my heart to Christ.
Mother’s Love
Their daughter Bonnie, left for Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri. Aunty Huldah asked me to move to Bonnie’s room which was adjacent to their room. I was eighteen years old at the time and just graduated from the AG High School which the Buntains had established. She enrolled me at St Xavier’s College. My classes started from 6 am to 9:30 am Monday through Friday. She would knock on my door at 5 am each morning, ‘Krishna, time to wake up, college time’. I would attend the classes and rush home to freshen up, and there at the breakfast table on my plate would be a note. She would either enclose a 10 or 20 rupee bill and the note would say ‘Have a wonderful day, love, aunty’. A ‘Mother’s love for me.
Father’s Love
It was December 1980. Bonnie and Jim left for Calcutta to spend Christmas with mom and dad. I resided in Bonnie’s house while attending the University of Missouri. When Bonnie returned, she informed me that they spoke with my girlfriend (Roxanna) and her family and a wedding date was set ‘May 30th, 1981. I was in 7th heaven. Two months before the wedding, Bonnie’s dad visited Bonnie and stayed for a couple of days. One afternoon, I came home, and Uncle Mark asked me whether I was free for the day as he wanted to go shopping. He wanted to go to the mall, which surprised me because he would only shop at Kmart. Once we got into the mall, he checked the map and said, he wanted to go to the Zale’s Jewelry store. I was happy that he was going to get something special for his’ dear Huldah’. He told the salesman that he wanted to see the manager of the store. Shortly after, the manager came to us and Uncle Mark told the manager, “This is my son and is getting married in two months and looking for a wedding ring for his wife”. At that moment, my heart skipped a beat. Being a student with about $100 in my checking account, I was not even close to buying a ring from Zale’s above all places. The manager started showcasing various wedding ring sets. He asked the manager if he could bring the velvet blue bag (a bag containing diamond stones).
The manager looked surprised and soon brought the blue velvet bag and the diamonds were sparkling under the bright lights. He asked for the eyeglass and picked five-diamond stones and asked me to pick the one diamond I liked. I nervously checked the stones and picked the one of my choice. Then we picked the ring design and Uncle Mark asked the manager what the cost was and how long will it take to be picked up. The manager assured us that it would be ready within two weeks. He paid the manager the full amount and gave Bonnie’s phone number to call when the rings were ready.
As we walked to the car, he put his arm on my shoulder and said ‘Son, when I was getting married to Huldah, my dad did the exact same thing that I just did for you in the store. I prayed that when my son gets married that I will do the same. God did not give us a biological son, but He gave you to us. We love you!’
Mother’s Joy
I arrived in Calcutta on Mother’s Day in May 1981, two weeks before my wedding. Aunty Huldah and my soon-to-be wife met me at the airport. We three sat in the back seat of the car. I gave the ring to my girl and asked her to marry me. Aunty Huldah said, ‘It’s too late to say no’ and we had a hearty laugh.
If the Buntains did not care for me from an early age, maybe I would have never been introduced to the Lord as I was still being raised in a Hindu family. I am deeply indebted to them because of what I am today.
It has been difficult during this time to put into words what I have been feeling since her homegoing. There is a deep sadness at the loss as I will no longer have those phone conversations. But I rejoice in the legacy and lasting effect that she has left behind and deeply grateful to Aunty (mom) for her tremendous contribution to me and my family.
Krishna Venkanna
Thanks Krishna what a great tribute to Huldah!
Thank you, Pastor Inman..she would call me, when you would invite her to minister in your great Harbor AG in Fremont, CA for a Sunday morning service. She would say, I am going to see your family and you’, with such happiness. Since I was a member of the church board, after the service the board would take her out for lunch and much of the conversation was about the work in Kolkata. My gratitude is to your wonderful church and you, because the church faithfully supports the ministry, people like me can hear the glorious Gospel…Glory hallelujah!
Hi Krishna,
I am unsure if you remember me, I also was in Columbia, MO and attended Church with the Long’s – in the 80’s. I also spent some time with you and your wife in the summers – when your daughter Sharlene (I apologize if I am spelling it wrong) was a baby/toddler, I too was young then – a preteen.
Your words about Huldah, have moved me to tears and while reading through your stories, I recalled the times I spent in your home – with your family learning from you and Roxie about different Indian cultures/food/drink/many others things. I was young but that exposure and education would open my eyes to see people and love them so much more openly.
I am so grateful to you and Roxie for that time, I had always heard about India from Bonnie/Huldah/others who traveled there. Though I never was able to make the journey to Calcutta, I was still able to absorb my own experience during our time spent together.
Many thanks to you & Roxie and Mr & Mrs Buntain for that opportunity of having you there in Columbia. (I still think of you and Roxie each time I put milk in my tea?)
My love and prayers to you during this time as I mourn with you and your family for your Mother Huldah.
Thanks, Julie.. Roxie and I remember you..in fact, we have pictures of you holding Sharlene in the Church nursery. Sharlene is married and someday, we will visit Columbia, MO along with Sharlene..blessings!
Beautifully said, Krishna. And so true.
Thanks, Teri..I remember you so well, staying at 2C, singing in the Youth Choir , etc..she took you under her wings, showed you what the ministry entails… we had such joyful time growing up in Calcutta..blessings always!
I met Dr. Huldah Buntian on 24th May 2019 at her office in Mercy Hospital, Kolkata. The purpose of my visit was to interview her on the ministry she and her late husband started among the tribals in Jharkhand. I had the privilege to talk to her for a long time and finally when it was time for us to depart, she invited me to join her on her next missionary trip to Northeast India. Though I met her only once we had email conversations quite often. She was always there to help me with all the information I needed for my research.
I found in her a heart that beats for the people of India. She and Rev. Mark Buntain’s services and ministry will never be forgotten or extinguish. They live in the hearts of hundreds of thousands whom they served both physically and spiritually. Yet no words to express our grief. Praying for God’s peace and comfort on all those who miss her.
In 1955, I was 12 years old and a new person in Jesus. Ed and Alice Southard at the Assembly of God church in Walla Walla, WA were my pastors. I understand Alice and Huldah were sisters.
I remember the joy of donating my meager offerings to my first missionary project and it continues to this day.
Fast forward 50 years. I was privileged to go to Kolkata and serve at the hospital for 2 weeks. The growth and impact of the mission was beyond my wildest dreams. I remember a quote from Huldah’s book, “Before it was amazing, it was impossible.”
Huldah’s faith in God to guide her after Mark’s death was a testimony of God’s faithfulness. It encouraged me when my husband died.
The continued growth of the mission is evidence of their faith in God and God’s faithfulness to them.
Huldah will be missed.
My name is Jeff Ketcham. My grandparents, Maynard and Gladys Ketcham, were missionaries in India with the Assemblies of God. They invited Mark and Huldah Buntain to join the ministry there. How moving and powerful it is to see how Huldah and her husband have served the Lord and loved others into the Kingdom of God for all these decades.
in Him and for His glory,
Jeff Ketcham MD
I met the Buntains when they were very young, in their twenties. What a privilege to follow their blessed ministry all their lives. How much they loved God! I will always cherish her letters, especially her latest.
My name is Pastor Amar Rai. I serve as a Pastor in Mountain Fellowship, AG Church, Darjeeling, West Benga, India.
I met Mrs. Huldah Buntain in 1993 in Darjeeling. She told us not to call her Mrs. Buntain, but Aunty Buntain as she was affectionately known. Thus, hereafter I mention her as Aunty Buntain.
Aunty Buntain visited Darjeeling times without numbers to travel to Bhutan and Sikkim with Rev. Claude Barua. I used to be her interpreter whenever she preached in our church. She almost in every preaching mentioned how Late Rev. Mark Buntain once had prayed, raising his hands, from the balcony of Planters’ Club saying, “Give me these Mountains”. Of course, Rev. Mark Buntain did not live long enough to see the mountains given to him, but Aunty Buntain did. She along with Rev. Claude Barua traveled length and breadth of Jaigaon (Bhutan Border), Kalimpong, Siliguri, Doors, Sikkim, and tea gardens and villages of the Darjeeling Hills. She helped buy lands, build churches and schools, bible schools, literature programme, and raise support for pastors in these areas. God used her tremendously to enhance God’s kingdom in these Himalayan regions. Her partnership for the Gospel for these Himalayan regions will be written with golden letters.
She often patted on my shoulder and talked to me affectionately. She always called me by my name and believed that I would continue the works started by my pastor Rev. Claude Barua.
We cherish her legacy !!!
Amar, Srijana and Samara
What a joy it was to have Sis Huldah share her passionate ministry multiple times with our church in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her impact will live on in the congregation for generations to come. Carrie and I send our love and prayers for God’s peace and comfort during this time. Heaven’s getting sweeter all the time!
Our Precious Aunty,
We love you and miss you so much. Bryan, Jill, Sydney and Sherwin Atkins
Words are insufficient to express what I feel in my heart today.
Thank you Aunty, for investing in us, for loving us and for Impacting our lives.
You will continue to remain in our hearts and the memories, we have of you will be with us forever.
Love you dearly and you will be missed terribly Aunty.
Having worked, loved and lived in the same city of Calcutta for the past 10 years. We had multiple conversations over dinner and coffee. My love for India and Calcutta grew after hearing stories of the streets we walked on daily. You were a steady rock in a ever changing company, a voice of truth and love in times of uncertainty. You life of love and dedication has been impactful on me and my family.
When I was in my 40s our church made donations to the Buntain ministry. We had the Buddy Barrels that our children would fill each Sunday. Little did I know that the ministry God would bless me with was also in India. I was 55 at the time. I was there for 13 and a half years in the Himalayan mountains working and living in a children’s home. I always wanted to meet Hulda. She emailed me and said her employee who does her scheduling booked her so much that there was no time to meet. I was really blessed that she took the time to email me herself. Her and her husband were a great inspiration to me and Mother Teresa too. I hope there are many who will carry on the ministry for the Buntains. God bless you all who do.
Huldah always made a huge impact on my life. She was what I labeled a “modern-day hero” in my books. She set an example for all the women out there because as a child and having grown up at Pastor Fulton Buntain’s church (Mark’s brother), I was able to see the impact and lives they had changed not just in India but in the United States. I will never forget her story and how she struggled at first going to India. Her faithfulness proved to be so much greater than anything I had ever witnessed. After Mark passed, it was evident that God had even bigger plans for Huldah on earth. She stayed obedient to his calling and as I looked at my own life, sometimes as women our calling can be outweighed or seem insignificant but God proved that by showing the example Huldah lived, that’s not the case. Huldah and I exchanged emails here and there and although I know she struggled with Mark’s passing for years and years, the joy she must have felt when she met our savior face-to-face, the lives that were impacted in India, and the family who met her with open arms (Her Mark, Myles, Tim, and Fulton). Thank you for remaining faithful to His calling, for putting Christ first, and for being obedient. Your work is finished now and your reward is great. Thank you for remaining a constant example and inspiration in my life.
I sat in her office at mercy hospital and listened to her talk about the faith walk she and Mark had. Her assistant tried to end our meeting after the agreed upon 15 minutes. Shoo she said I want to tell this young man some things. I smiled and sat down for another 45 minutes of stories. Her openness and just plain being real was so refreshing and encouraging. She told me Mark had the faith. I had the ulcers. We laughed and talked about the goodness of God and sticking to the plan he’s made. It was a time I will never forget. I was privileged to speak in church that Sunday about Philips journey in Acts 8. I’ve never thought of it that way she said, thanks for an encouraging word Pastor. She was something else. Thank you Aunty for treating me like a friend.
Met her in PURI
Orissa India
Dear Bonnie,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the passing of your mother, who truly was a great woman of God. I was born in Calcutta and our family lived there until I was seven years old, when we moved to the U.S. My parents would send my two older brothers and I to Sunday school at your parents church. I’m fairly certain that your mother was one of my Sunday school teachers. I also believe that you were in either my or my brothers’ Sunday school class, the only blonde-haired girl in a sea of black hair and brown faces.
My brothers and I are eternally grateful to your parents. I am convinced that the teaching we received at their Sunday school made our hearts receptive to the gospel, which all three of us accepted later in life. We mourn with your family at your mother’s passing but also celebrate a life well lived and rejoice that she is with her Savior.
Blessings
Tom Chacko
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Auntie Buntain… I will never forget the first time I meet you in 1963 as a scared 8 year old little boy looking for a school to attend and learn. The Lord sent you for that very moment in my life and I am so grateful to you and Pastor Buntain for answering God’s Call to come to my rescue. You are always where God wanted you to be! I know you wanted to be a missionary in China but God called you to India to minister to a little Chinese boy and as they say -the rest is HIStory. He made all the impossible things possible in my life because you obeyed Him. I will always obey HIM and I hope I can follow your amazing example. You are free and home now resting in the presence of the Lord whom you severed so faithfully for so many years. I rejoice with you ! I will always remember your kindness and love ! How can I just say “Thanks” for all you have done for me… ? I promise you that I too will serve Him wherever He takes me just like you did.
Psalm 116: 15-16
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
I serve you just as my mother did;
you have freed me from my chains.
I love you!
Ian Chang
Aunty,
Love you soo much! Words cannot express what you’ve meant to my family and I. I will always remember your kindness and love for India! Your bravery as you and uncle Mark touched many lives in India. Then when uncle Mark passed how you continued on without him. I won’t forget the sacrifices you made. I’ll miss your emails back and fourth. Miss you soo much!
Your Calcutta Kid,
Melody
The Cornelius family has been privileged to know the Buntains for many years. My father and mother, Bill and Lil Cornelius were good friends and fellow servants of the Lord in God’s mission. It has been our privilege to get to know Huldah Buntain over the past ten years. We were together in Jaipur for a pastors and leaders conference of the Assemblies of God of North India. We were amazed by her stamina as she was present in all the sessions. But more notable was that she knew nearly everyone by name. She was truly a “Mother” or “Aunty” to so many pastors and leaders. Her love for people and her care for their spiritual, emotional, social, and material well-being was evident to all. The Cornelius family has been enriched by this dear lady. She has certainly earned the welcome of Jesus as she enters her reward. Murray and Cindy Cornelius.
MEMORIES OF TIMES WITH HULDAH AND MARK BUNTAIN:
In 1968, As the State Youth and Education Director for the Assemblies of God in Oregon, I traveled with Rev. N.D. Davidson, Superintendent of the Oregon District to Taiwan and South Korea to meet with church leaders, missionaries and do some speaking.
After this part of the trip, I was joined by my friend, Attorney and Judge Rich Curtis, and we traveled to Calcutta, India where we visited Mark and Huldah Buntain, the church and the Mission of Mercy Hospital. To me Mark and Huldah were my missionary HEROES. What they were accomplishing in Calcutta was outstanding and such a needed ministry in Calcutta and throughout India. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, while I was the Oregon State Assemblies of God Youth and Education Director (DECAP) , Ward Tanneberg was DECAP of Washington, Jim Argue was DECAP of Northern California, and Paul Bruton was DECAP of Southern California and we combined out efforts of fund raising to try to help draw support to the wonderful work Mark and Huldah Buntain were doing in Calcutta.
I had the privilege of having Mark, and sometimes Huldah traveled with him, speak at the church I pastored for 17 years, Christian Life Center in Santa Cruz, California. When Mark passed away, people were concerned about whether their mission would continue. Not only did it continue but grew as many pastors and people in the U.S. began to support Huldah in greater numbers.
In 1990 I began the organization Assist International and after communication and discussions with Huldah, in 1993 I returned to Calcutta with a team to equip the Mission of Mercy Hospital with a critical care department. Huldah and the hospital were allowing Mother Teresa, her nuns and orphans to use their hospital free of charge, so Huldah graciously arranged a time to meet Mother Teresa and we actually ended up spending a couple of different times with them. Since then, it has been the privilege of myself and Assist International to return an additional three times to do medical projects for the Mission of Mercy Hospital in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
Huldah Buntain was an exceptional leader up until her death. She truly was an outstanding servant missionary and follower of Jesus Christ. We thank God for her, want to honor her and are praising God she now is with Jesus Christ and her beloved husband, Mark.
Bob and Charlene Pagett
Bob Pagett
Founder
PO Box 66396
Scotts Valley, CA 95067-6396 USA
Office: 831.438.4582 Fax: 831.439.9602
bpagett@assistinternational.org
“Addressing the needs of the world’s most vulnerable people.”
http://www.assistinternational.org