About Us
Our Mission
Calcutta Mercy is a non-profit organization on a mission to feed, educate, and medically assist the deserving of India.
Our Story
A LEGACY OF COMPASSION IN ACTION
The story of Calcutta Mercy began in 1954 when Mark and Huldah Buntain arrived in Calcutta for a one-year evangelistic mission.
What started as a short-term assignment became a lifelong commitment to the people of India. From the first school they opened in 1964 for 200 children, their efforts grew to impact over 400,000 students through a network of schools across Northeast India. Their work expanded to include feeding programs in slums and streets, a nursing school, Bible colleges, vocational training centers, and pastoring a multi-language church in Calcutta.
In 1977, they launched what began as a small clinic and became a 173-bed multi-specialty hospital—the first major medical facility connected to the Assemblies of God worldwide. Despite early resistance and funding challenges, Mark, along with key leaders, helped establish what was then called the Cry of Calcutta (later Mission of Mercy, now One Child), to support the hospital and ministry work.
Following Mark’s passing in 1989, Huldah continued leading the mission with tireless dedication until her own passing in 2021. In 2001, facing a crisis, Mission of Mercy assumed temporary hospital ownership. During this time, leaders like Jim and Bonnie Long (Mark and Huldah’s daughter and son-in-law), and Bob McGurty, provided critical spiritual and operational leadership. When Mission of Mercy stepped back, Calcutta Mercy was founded in 2005 to carry the work forward.
In 2011, Pastor Randy Valimont became President and Chairman, building support and leadership capacity. After his unexpected passing in 2019, Bob McGurty, who had served on the hospital board since 2001 and had been involved in the region since 1989, stepped into leadership.
Today, Calcutta Mercy exists to feed, educate, and medically assist the deserving of India—with dignity, compassion, and the love of Christ. With strong partners on the ground, we continue the Buntains’ legacy: offering practical help and spiritual hope to the people of India.
Our Model
Over 60 years, Calcutta Mercy has remained a leading non-profit in India.
While hundreds of charitable organizations have shut down for lack of funding, overbearing politics, or failing leadership, we have deepened our roots, expanded our projects, and helped more people.
This doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a passionate team, faithful supporters, and continuous flow of partnership. It requires intelligent national leadership, a mission worth pursuing, and measurable results.
Calcutta Mercy is going 60 years strong because we believe in what we do and refuse to stop doing it.
Our Team
BOARD
David Cawston
David Cawston was born in Sri Lanka and has dedicated over 40 years to global missions. He has held key leadership roles including Director of Teen Challenge Europe and Senior Pastor of the International Christian Assembly in Hong Kong. David is the founder of Cry of India, a child sponsorship initiative that grew into the educational arm of Calcutta Mercy. His pastoral leadership in Ben Salem, Pennsylvania, was marked by significant growth and outreach. Additionally, David played a pivotal role in establishing over 100 churches and schools across North India. David is married to Nancy. Together, they have three children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
John James
John James has served Bethany Church for over two decades in roles ranging from youth pastor to campus pastor before becoming Senior Pastor in 2020, following in the footsteps of his father, Pastor Don James. Under his leadership, Bethany has grown into a vibrant multi-campus church across northern New Jersey, united under the vision of being “one dynamic church.” Pastor John is known for his practical, Spirit-led teaching and a deep commitment to leadership development and global missions. A unique aspect of his ministry is the launch of the Bethany Community Center in Washington Township—an 88,000 sq ft facility offering holistic outreach through wellness, arts, sports, and community connection. Pastor John leads with a focus on discipleship, five-fold ministry, and community transformation. He and his wife Susie are passionate about advancing God’s Kingdom through both spiritual growth and tangible service.
Scott Marcum
Scott Marcum is a seasoned real estate professional and the owner of a successful real estate firm based in Dothan, Alabama. With over three decades of real estate investment experience, Scott brings deep knowledge of real estate development, strategic planning, and local economic trends along the Southeast. Known for his integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to community growth, Scott has built a reputation for delivering client-centered service and fostering long-term relationships in the real estate sector. He is actively involved in regional business networks and has supported various philanthropic and faith-based initiatives.
James Marocco
Dr. James Marocco has served as the Senior Pastor of King’s Cathedral & Chapels in Hawaii since 1980, leading one of the most influential Spirit-filled ministries in the Pacific. Under his leadership, the church has expanded into a global network with hundreds of extension churches across the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Marocco holds advanced degrees in history and theology, and is widely respected for his expertise in pastoral counseling, church growth, and spiritual formation. He is a published author and a board member of Church Growth International, contributing to global discussions on revival and evangelism. Dr. Marocco is known for combining biblical scholarship with apostolic vision, mentoring leaders and mobilizing congregations for kingdom impact. He and his wife, Pastor Colleen Marocco, minister side by side and are devoted parentsand grandparents, blessed with three children and six grandchildren.
Bob and Twyla McGurty have served in international ministry for nearly 40 years, including 30 years as career workers with the Assemblies of God in Southern Asia before joining Calcutta Mercy. Bob currently serves as President and Chairman of Calcutta Mercy, whose mission is to feed, educate, and medically assist the deserving of India. The McGurtys have been married for 42 years and are the parents of two sons, Bobby and Josiah. In 2017, they experienced the tragic loss of Bobby—a journey they continue to walk out. Bob holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, a master’s in educational administration, and a Bachelor’s in Bible and Theology. He has traveled to more than 70 countries and previously led the compassion and relief efforts for Eurasia Assemblies of God, covering 44 nations. In 2004, the McGurty family survived the Indian Ocean Tsunami in Thailand, experiencing compassion from the other side.
Bob McGurty
Sanjay Prasad
Sanjay Prasad serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Mission of Mercy Hospital & Research Centre (MoMHRC), a leading charitable healthcare institution based in Kolkata, India. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare sector and a prior 14-year tenure in banking, Sanjay brings a unique blend of financial acumen and mission-driven leadership to his role. Since joining MoMHRC, Sanjay has spearheaded transformative initiatives to enhance the hospital’s operational efficiency, financial resilience, and social impact. His leadership has been instrumental in repositioning the institution to meet evolving healthcare needs, especially for underserved communities, through accessible and compassionate care. Recognized for integrating corporate rigour with a deep commitment to social service, Sanjay continues to advance MoMHRC’s long-term vision - delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare while fostering sustainable community well-being.
Darryn Scheske
Dr. Darryn Scheske is the founding Senior Pastor of Heartland Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, multidenominational church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Darryn is a third-generation pastor who inherited his love for people in the islands of the Caribbean where he was raised. Heartland Church, which began in the Scheske’s living room in 2001 with 17 in attendance, has grown to more than 8,000 people. In addition to serving on the Board of Calcutta Mercy, Pastor Scheske is the Chairman of Converge, a relational network of 1,700+ churches in the U.S. and Caribbean, together starting and strengthening churches, and sending global workers to unreached people groups to advance the gospel. Darryn and Loree, his wife of 35 years, are blessed with three married children, three grandchildren, and a long-haired, miniature dachshund. Darryn is a PADI Divemaster and enjoys leading scuba diving expeditions all over the world.
Tyler Sollie
Tyler Sollie serves as the Senior Pastor of Life Center—a vibrant, multi-site, multilingual church helping people know Jesus and make Him known. Born and raised in Tacoma and at Life Center, Tyler graduated from Life Christian Academy, earned his undergraduate degree from Northwest University, and holds a master’s degree in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. In 2018, he and his wife Amber became Senior Pastors, leading with authenticity, humility, and a deep love for their city and church family. Tyler’s leadership is marked by relational connection, gospel-centered preaching, and a passion to see every generation encounter Jesus. He and Amber are proud parents of Judah, Justus, and Faith—and have extended that love through foster care. Life Center continues to grow under their guidance as a welcoming, life-giving, and mission-driven church for all.
Chad Stafford
Pastor Chad and Jennifer returned to their hometown of Daphne, Alabama, in 2009 after more than 20 years of full-time ministry across Colorado, Georgia, and Arkansas. A Daphne native, Pastor Chad has long been rooted in the community, having served as a youth pastor and coach at both Daphne High School and Bayside Academy. In 2010, following a clear calling from God, Chad and Jennifer launched Coastal Church with a vision to reach the Eastern Shore with the hope of Jesus. Their ministry is marked by authenticity, community engagement, and a passion for discipleship. Together, they bring decades of experience and a deep love for people to their pastoral leadership. Chad and Jennifer feel a lifelong call to serve the city of Daphne and have committed to raising their son, Evan, in the same place that shaped their own journey of faith. Their hearts beat for seeing lives transformed by God’s grace.
James Watts
James Watts is the founder and principal broker of J Watts Properties, a trusted real estate brokerage serving the southeast region. With deep roots in the community and a strong knowledge of the local market, James specializes in investment properties across Southeastern U.S. Known for his integrity, personalized service, and strategic market insight, James has built J Watts Properties into a client-focused firm committed to helping individuals and businesses find their perfect home or investment. James, his wife Shannon and family (Jessica, Brooklynn, Kaitlyn and Thomas) previously served with AGWM in India and served on the leadership team there helping with business endeavors.
Our Team
LEADERSHIP
Robert McGurty
PRESIDENT
Bob and Twyla McGurty have served in international ministry for nearly 40 years, including 30 years as career workers with the Assemblies of God in Southern Asia before joining Calcutta Mercy. Bob currently serves as President and Chairman of Calcutta Mercy, whose mission is to feed, educate, and medically assist the deserving of India. The McGurtys have been married for 42 years and are the parents of two sons, Bobby and Josiah. In 2017, they experienced the tragic loss of Bobby—a journey they continue to walk out. Bob holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, a master’s in educational administration, and a Bachelor’s in Bible and Theology. He has traveled to more than 70 countries and previously led the compassion and relief efforts for Eurasia Assemblies of God, covering 44 nations. In 2004, the McGurty family survived the Indian Ocean Tsunami in Thailand, experiencing compassion from the other side.
Brent Galbreath
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Erin Rogers
FINANCE MANAGER
Stephanie Slater
OFFICE MANAGER
Kathy Lamastra
CHILD SPONSORSHIP REP
Youtham Ibrahim
INTERN
Our Team
LEGACY HEROES & LEADERS
Huldah Buntain
David Burdine
Jim & Bonnie Long
Randy Valimont
Internships
We are seeking passionate and talented individuals to spearhead new and exciting projects to empower the people of India.
Note: Internships may count towards college credit or required intern hours, upon approval by your learning institution
AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY
Social Media Interns
You’ll help us grow our social outreach. Enjoy campaigns? We’ll hand you the reigns! Manage Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and more.
Graphic Design Interns
You’ll work with our creative team to build our brand and tell our story to a worldwide audience of thousands.
Storytelling Interns
You’ll dive into the lives of some of the greatest men, women, and children in India and collect their stories. May allow travel to India.