Author & Pastor Emeritus
Pastor
Emeritus
Paul Buntyn
From the streets of Harlem to the bush of Vietnam — a life forged in fire, redeemed by faith, and devoted to legacy.
Harlem, New York · San Marcos, Texas · U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
The Man Behind The Words
A Life Written
in Blood & Grace
Paul Buntyn was the fourth of eight children born to William and Bernice Buntyn on August 12, 1948, in Harlem, New York — raised by his grandmother, Emma Lee Buntyn, on streets that would become the lexicon of his life. He was graduated from the New York public school system as an aviation mechanic in 1966, having played in the famed Rucker Basketball Tournament.
Recruited to attend Maryland Eastern Shore University on a basketball scholarship, his trajectory was interrupted by a different recruiter: the draft into the United States Marine Corps. While serving a tour in Vietnam, he was engaged in combat where a single gunshot wound to the head left him paralyzed from the neck down.
"Through this tragedy, Pastor Buntyn experienced the miraculous healing power of God — a testimony that would become the cornerstone of his ministry."
He was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Vietnamese Citation of Valor, a Bronze Star, and an Honorable Discharge. From Vietnam to the pulpit — to San Antonio, to San Marcos, to 64.68 acres of vision. Married to Jo Ann (Queen) Buntyn. Father of six. Still building. Still teaching.
The Book
Life Lesson From
The Streets of Harlem
& The Bush of
Vietnam
What survival teaches — what faith cements — what legacy demands.
This is not merely a memoir. It is a testament — a lexicon forged in the alleyways of Harlem and the dense canopy of Southeast Asia. Pastor Buntyn draws from a life of extraordinary contrast: the basketball courts of the Rucker Tournament, the foxholes of Vietnam, the hospital bed where God intervened, and decades of pulpit ministry.
Each lesson is an offering — a disciplined, articulate transfer of hard-won wisdom to those willing to receive it. This is a text for the stubborn, the struggling, and the seeking. A nerdish linguist in love with the English language, Pastor Buntyn lets his mastery of words serve those who need them most.
Documentary
Watch The Story Fold
From the alleyways of Harlem to the dense canopy of Southeast Asia, witness a testament of duty, faith, and pulpit ministry in this short documentary.
The Mission
A Purpose Spoken Plain
"To be an authentic, reachable resource — to empower all to live a life of fulfillment; knowing that God loves us that much. And to provide the opportunity to pour into others what experience has taught me for the benefit of others."
Pastor Emeritus Paul Buntyn
Chapters of a Life
The Legacy Arc
Born in Harlem, New York
Fourth of eight children, raised by grandmother Emma Lee Buntyn. The streets of Harlem became his first classroom — a city encoded in his marrow, shaping the voice that would one day pour into thousands.
Rucker Tournament & The Draft
Aviation mechanic. Rucker Basketball Tournament. A scholarship to Maryland Eastern Shore University by Dr. Warren Morgan — interrupted by the United States Marine Corps. One trajectory ended; another, ordained, began.
The Crucible — The Miracle
Shot in the head in combat. Paralyzed from the neck down. Then healed — through an act that defies medical explanation. Two Purple Hearts. A Bronze Star. A man irrevocably changed.
Called to Greater Bethel
After ministry in San Antonio, called as pastor of Greater Bethel Baptist Church in San Marcos, Texas. Five years of spiritual and numerical growth. Holy Spirit. Praise. Worship. Relationship with the Savior made tangible.
The Vision — ALCC
64.68 acres purchased. The plan: a Central Worship Center, an accredited Christian school and seminary, a Drug Rehabilitation Center, and a facility for the homeless. Nothing, it is promised, will be impossible.
The Book — The Pour
Married to Jo Ann (Queen) Buntyn. Father of six. Still teaching. Still building. Still moving the needle on those who resist. The book is the latest offering — for the stubborn, the struggling, the seeking.
Get In Touch
Connect with
The Pastor
Whether you seek a word, a book, a speaking engagement, or simply a conversation — reach out. The door has always been open.
2B Our Harlem Legacy LLC
San Marcos, Texas · Rooted in Harlem, New York
Available for speaking engagements, church services, and educational seminars