Kuntz Family

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” – Frederick Buechner

We our honored and privileged to introduce ourselves, the Kuntz family: Josh, Erin, Hannah (13), Abby (11), Michaela (9), Caleb (4), and little Emma (2).

Since I, Erin, am writing this I want to begin with a quote from Mother Teresa in hopes that you might have a glimpse into our hearts and desire to return to Haiti. “Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. In the slums we are the light of God’s kindness to the poor. To the children, to the poor, to all who suffer and are lonely, give always a smile-give them not only your care, but also your heart.”

Josh and I were introduced and had our first date on the mission field. After we married we were excited to begin our ministry on the mission field, God had us wait until we had 14 hands and 14 feet. We lived in Haiti in 2014 for 5 months. We moved there because our Heavenly Father made us keenly aware that this was His will for our family, we did have to lay down our possessions, health care, and comfort to walk in obedience. That being said, God revealed Himself to each of us as our King. We loved through His strength when ours was limited and we saw His love for us in intimate ways. We learned that God always hears our hearts prayers and answers us, maybe not always how we might ask but enough so that one of the seven of us can recognize His glory. A personal example of this: Abby our second daughter loves soccer, leaving her team and ball in America was a sacrifice for her. A month or so into our stay in Haiti she came to me in tears missing her team and sport. I could not run out and fix this void in her heart. I explained to her that her Father in heaven loves and appreciated her obedience and owns everything. “Ask Him baby”, I suggested as my tears joined hers. We had not seen a single soccer ball in Haiti. That very day when we went to the market you would not believe we found one. That soccer ball became a symbol to her of the love of her Father, and her faith increased.

Then there are stories of relationships we formed. There was a man that waited at the market. His story I can only imagine as one of loneliness. Waiting with a mission to gain substance to bring to what he would call home. Desperation dragged him there day after day. Humiliation swallowed each time someone approached the store. Although persistence motivated him, the King of Kings had a greater plan. Josh first notice his smile and quickly began communicating with him. Through broken Creole the Holy Spirit spoke through my husband to this man. Soon this man would wait, guiding our car into the small parking lot, open our car door. His mission and desire to be there changed. Although food or money was welcomed his motivation in greeting our family began to meet a deeper need. This man became Josh’s friend. Our heavenly Father saw two of His sons and reached across culture to unite their stories and their hearts. This is not an isolated story for our family. For His glory, our King, used our hearts to intertwine in Haitians stories uniting us as friends.

Our reason for returning, leaving the comforts of America again with five children: we are motivated by love. We long to proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we might present everyone perfect in Christ. ~ Colossians 1:28-29.

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