Bonjour de YWAM Chatel (Switzerland)

Bonjour de YWAM Chatel (Switzerland)

Time flies so fast, MMBC (Models and Methods of Biblical Counseling) is coming to an end. We are now entering to Week 10. The last weeks teachings made a great impact to me (Christina) personally and to the whole class. We were blessed with the Speakers we had and the staff at the base too. We want to thank all of you for all your prayers and support in what we are doing.

In October, Christina was able to pay for the whole school and also for Benjie's staff fees too. What an amazing God we serve! We were not really expecting that big blessing but God has His ways of surprising us through His children. Thank you so much and Big Shout of Praise to our Big God!

On Week 8, Benjie was able to join the whole week's teaching. Our teacher requested that couples should come to the class together since we will be talking about Sexual Wholeness. Mike Sytzma, a Counselor and Therapist by profession shares his knowledge on this. We have seen that many people, including the Believers struggles in this area. We would like to share one of the best thing we got from this teaching and that is the illustration of the Tent of Meeting (Holy of Holies).

Holy of holies the second or interior portion of the tabernacle. It was left in total darkness. No one was permitted to enter it except the high priest, and that only once a year. it contained the ark of the Covenant only.

The inner chamber of the sanctuary in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, separated by a veil from the outer chamber. It was reserved for the presence of God and could be entered only by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement.

What is the connection of this topic to sexual wholeness? The illustration speaks of the covering before entering the Holy of holies, and not everyone can come in there, only the Priest, and if the priest is not pure, then he will die inside. That speaks about us being pure and having boundaries. We just don't allow people to just come to us anytime they want.

Wholeness in sexuality is not just in the physical aspect but it involves our minds (what's going on there), our mouth (what we say) and our actions. Many people didn't think of it as a big thing but those matters. In 1 Corinthians 6:12 it says, "I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything."


We also want to share the great books we've been reading through the school, maybe you would like to go get a copy of it too.

Healing Presence by Leanne Payne
Setting Love in Order by Mario Bergner
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
Mood Food by Melvin W. Hanna
Falling Upward by Richard Rohr

Update from the Philippines:

As you may all know, the Central part of the Philippines is devastated with the super typhoon in the beginning of this month. We were also moved but we know that the only Hope we can hold on to is God. We thank the Lord for all the Nations coming and sending their help and love to our country, we were so blessed and we want to thank you all for standing on behalf of our land. 


The whole YWAM Philippines is united and taking part of helping people. We put some updates on our facebook from time to time about them too, let's keep them in prayers.

As of now, the main thing we should keep praying for is our Government. Pray that righteousness will prevail. Its very sad watching our local news on the web, hearing how the Government and other People in positions are not united. I don't want to say corruption is happening but it seems like it because many people are still waiting for the relief and we know for a fact that our country have received a lot of help already.

TAKE NOTE: If you still want to help, the best way (just a suggestion) is to give to Christian Organizations you know in the Philippines and the people you trust.

Thank you Lord!

- Christina's whole school fee is paid
- Benjie's staff fees were paid until December and (thinks) he is fully recovered from his surgery
- Christina's Case Study and Book Report Presentation (Till We Have Faces) went well. Written Report and Final Exam will be done soon :)
- We got all tickets we needed to go back to Norway and to fly to our Workers gathering in January.
- Our families back in the Philippines are doing well, but haven't heard a lot yet from Benjie's family

Calendar of Activities:

November 27 - School trip to Geneva
December 4 - School Love Feast
December 5 - Benjie leaves for Norway
December 12 - Christina leaves for Norway
December 13 - DTS Love Feast @ YWAM Skjærgårdsheimen
December 16 - Staff Christmas Party
January 2-5, 2014 YWAM Norway Worker's Gathering



Prayer Points:

- You can pray for our next step. We are thinking of extending our Norwegian Visa this coming February, a lot of our next step will be depending on the result of it. We felt that God is really preparing us here in Europe to be establish in a certain ministry. We already have some things that we are considering. Pray for God's wisdom and guidance along the way.
- Pray also for the good result of the school to be able to apply it in the ministry we are in right now and also for our health.
- Also in March, a possible opportunity to join Plumbline Teaching in Portugal with my MMBC Leader, Euneim :)



Please let us know if you have any prayer concerns too that we can pray for.


Thank you so much for standing and partnering with us. You are all God's amazing gifts to us.



Blessings and Love,

Benjamin & Christina Bustos 

email: benjiechris.bustos@gmail.com
contact numbers: +47 47948657 and +47 94479637

Bustos' Adventure in YWAM Switzerland

We took a walk to the vineyard...

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every  branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
John 15:1-2



The 2 months we had back in the Philippines was great! 

We were able to visit our families, friends, churches and YWAM Families. We had some challenges physically but God showed His faithfulness again, not just in the area of finances but also in healing. The scripture above also speaks a lot to us during our time and now in here. We feel how God is leading us in every was as we abide in His Word. 

Highlights in the Philippines

1. Great time with Christina's mother and family

2. Special time with Benjie's family
3. A one week visit to YWAM Bukidnon
4. Christina joined the Plumbline Teaching at YWAM Antipolo
5. Benjie joined the FEED RIZAL (a feeding program of our church) several times
6. Benjie's surgery and of course recovery :)
7. Christina's birthday celebration with her family and Airah's surprise 18th birthday celebration (Christina's niece)

and not to mention the visits and meetings our good friends - it was all great and we thank the Lord for making it happen.

Families and friends are our treasures and we are so thankful for their lives. We also pray that God will continue to reveal Himself to our friends and family members who haven't met Jesus yet.




We left Manila the 10th of September for Bangkok. We stayed there for 2 nights before flying to Norway. We had 10 days in Norway - great time to be in Skjærgårdsheimen again. We got the opportunity to visit some friends in the island and in town too.

 The 22nd of September - we arrived in Geneva, Switzerland for my (Christina) school "Models and Methods of Biblical Counseling (MMBC) and Benjie started with some work at the base. YWAM Chatel is like a small family. We are 10 students from different parts of the world (South Korea, India, USA, Switzerland, Hungary and of course Philippines). Last Saturday, we have joined one of the popular event here - Des Alpes (not sure with the spelling) but this tradition is for the herders when they move their cows to the barns in the villages before the winter comes - so we watched the parade of cows with decorations on their heads.

The First Week of MMBC

Speaking the Truth in Love

What a great topic! Yves Jacques shared about some very important tools that can be used not just in a Counseling session but also in our everyday lives. We tackled these things: Concreteness, Information, Confrontation, Immediacy and Self-disclosure.

This week's topic will be Plumbline with Dr. Bruce Thompson. And we are going to teach one session each in front of him so I need your prayers here :)

Benjie's Recovery

It seems like no surgery had happened! He's back to work but this time its here in Chatel - a little bit different from Norway but same same :) He's helping in the kitchen and some other things were they needed help but of course with some limitations.

Thank God for His continuous strength and for all of you whose been with me in prayers and support.





Prayer Concerns:

1. The expenses in Switzerland is almost the same as Norway but since Christina is in the school - we are praying for people who would like to help towards her school fees. My (Benjamin) staff fee is also a bit more expensive than what we used to pay in Norway.

* Christina's School Fee Balance - 2,160 chf (about 14,000 kr/ 2,300 USD)

2. Teaching Plumbline is a big challenge for me (Christina), so please keep me in your prayers.

3. And an open heart as MMBC Lecture continues...

4. God's wisdom and guidance for the next steps we will take.

5. Our Visa Extension (again) on the first quarter of 2014. We don't know if Christina will still get the same answer as last time but were hoping...


What's Next?

* It's going to be YEAR 2 for the BUSTOS COUPLE next month :)
* MMBC will end on 13th of December and we will go back to Norway (Skjærgårdsheimen)
* UiO Skjærgårdsheimen Christmas Party is on the 16th of December
* UiO Workers Gathering in Hamar will be from 2nd to the 5th of January 2014.

Thank you so much for all your prayers, love and support to us. We appreciate it a lot and we pray for more of God's blessings upon your lives and you will experience God's love in a deeper level. Please don't hesitate to write to us if you have some prayer concerns too, we would love to pray with you.

Blessings and Love 

Benjamin and Christina Bustos

serving in YWAM Norway, currently in YWAM Switzerland

email us @ benjiechris.bustos@gmail.com

Thank you Lord!

"with a grateful heart, with a songs of praise, with an outstretched arm I bless Your Name, Thank you Lord, I just want to thank you Lord..."

That song reminds me again and again how GREAT GOD IS! 

We got to know Benjie's situation before we left for Davao in August. We prayed about it and asked God whom to share it with. We asked the Lord to give us friends who will understand our situation. To be honest, we felt frustrated to have another Physical testing. We are raising funds for our ticket, we have some challenge with some family who doesn't know Jesus yet and so we thought we already had enough.

We are not prepared for any of those challenge. We only thought of coming back to the Philippines and enjoy our time here, but it didn't happened that way.

Benjie needs a surgery. We thought it was not an urgent thing to do but it actually is. After some weeks of contemplating and asking God about it, we finally decided to share it to our friends and ask for prayers. After finally giving up control to our Father, then He started showing how HE can do things once again. What a Loving Father we have!

September 3. Benjie had undergone a surgery. One day in the hospital and then went back home to recover.




God's Surprises:


1. His Doctor helped us find a (cheaper) hospital where He can do a surgery 

2. We finally have used our Philippine Health Insurance and got a good discount with our bills.

3. Last but not the least, God has used YOU as an instrument to bless us, not just in finances but also and especially in prayers.








Our Last Challenge before we go back to Norway is our return ticket. We have purchased our one way ticket to Norway already but found out the difficulty of leaving our country without showing them a return ticket. We have already purchased a good deal Manila to Norway for only 6,000 kr.

We still need about 8,000 kr (1300USD) to purchase our return ticket from Norway to Manila.

You can pray about it and feel free to communicate to us as God speaks to you about it.

"Count it all joy,my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.And let steadfastness have its full effect,that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 

Thank you Lord for increasing our Faith!We give you all the Glory.

Blessings,
Christina and Benjamin
email: benjiechris.bustos@gmail.com
call us @ +63915-2045124

Summer Update (June-August)

Praise the Lord in all circumstances...

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” 

Psalm 103:1

 

VISA!!! Never ending Visa process from January to June. 

 

With all these things, what did we learn? 

Our God, who is forever loving and faithful has taught us a lot of things all these months.

PATIENCE - yes patience is a virtue - it really is! As our patience stretches, we have learned to relax and rely on the Lord’s strength, not ours.

TRUST - when you seat on a couch, you don’t usually check if the couch can carry you or not, you just trust that it will hold you as you sit down. That’s how trust is - you just know that God can!

BEING THANKFUL - In the midst of challenges, whether small or big, a cheerful heart makes the big difference. We have learned to Thank the Lord even more. We praise God while waiting, though hard at some points, He still strengthens us.

In June 7th when we both went to UDI (Norwegian Immigration), they told us that we both got another year (Mar 2013-Mar 2014)! I (Christina) was so surprised so I asked the lady if she can say it again and not really satisfied, I asked again if they can send me a mail that verifies it and they said yes. Exactly a week after, our Permit arrived and it proves it right. WOW! I think I am the first foreign YWAM staff that will stay more than 4 years, I can’t explain how it happens, we just know that God can surprise us. He can do things the way we can’t even imagine. 

He is indeed sovereign, more powerful than the Norwegian Embassy :)

 

Praise Reports 

Praise the Lord our Living God for:

1. All the people we’ve met in the ministry in Norway and for the great experience both with the foreigners and Norwegians.
2. The Kitchen experience and all the learnings we’ve got from it. We loved it!
3. The chance to stop in Amsterdam on our way to the Philippines for 9 hours and meet our good friend, Eva.
4. Christina’s health improvement
5. Christina’s mother and her improving health situation
6. Financial Provision over the year living in Norway which includes all our staff fees, visa fee and other things.
7. Benjie’s brother in Canada and sister in law who opens their heart for the Word of God. 

 

 

Funny Experience (Late Spring News)

In the beginning of the Spring, Kristine & little Benaiah (left), asked me to join them to Kristiansand Hospital for some pictorial. It will be for the hospital’s brochure. I thought its fun and I didn’t know it will come out before I saw it. I just thought this is such a funny experience to be a part of it :)

 

Den Nye Veien

Rupen from Sri Lanka

  In June, we ended the Bible Group with a Summer Grilling Party held in YWAM Skjærgårdsheimen base. We had a short program explaining what YWAM is, its function, mission and vision. About 30 people came, from 5 different nations. We also have shared some facts about the Philippines since we are going home for the Summer. We were so blessed with this group and looking forward  to join them again when we go back to Norway.

Here's some more pictures of them...

 

Loren Cunningham, Mission Adventures, Summer Camp and Trip to the Philippines 

 

 

JUNE is a really busy month!  

Loren Cunningham, the founder of YWAM came to visit our base, and we were able to hear him and be in some of the meetings in some churches he’s been. He inspired us so much with his passion and love for the Word of God and Missions. Imagine, an 80+ year old man, who started this organization 53 years ago still travels around the world, to encourage people to do missions. What an inspiration!

 

 

 

 

Mission Adventures 

Team left for Romania to help build a church there and to expose themselves in Missions after some days of training in YWAM Skjærgårdsheimen. 

Christina and I volunteered to serve them in the kitchen while they are on their training. We were able to participate in some of the meetings and fellowship with them.

 

 

 

Golden Age Camp / Skjærgårdstreff 50+ 

(former Gyldene Aldersleir) held in the beginning of July was a great start of the month. 

We, the team of 8 served this camp through preparing their food from morning to coffee and cake in the night. They have a prepared program for themselves. 

They are about 70 older people (ages 50 and above). We were so blessed to be in that camp. They are not just lovely people but they have inspired us to be thankful and also to appreciate even the smallest things.  Sometimes the work can be too much but when you see how happy and thankful they are, those tiredness vanishes away. 

What a great way to be inspired!

Our Time in the Philippines ...

Manila so far, it has been so great. We went to visit both our home churches in the area and have some fellowship with our family and friends. We went to visit YWAM Antipolo too. We will stay more with Christina’s mother after our time in the South and while waiting for our time to leave the country again. 

Samal Island  

a beautiful island in Mindanao. We went to visit the ministry and catch up with the Pastor and workers in the church. Please continue to pray for this island. They really need the word of God and as they receive it, they will experience transformation not just in their lives but also in the community. Also, as we are staying here, we met some DTS Outreach Team from Australia. Please pray for more missionaries to come and spread the Word of God in this island.

YWAM Bukidnon 

after a week of spending time with family (Benjie's) in Davao City, we went for a 5 hour bus drive to Malaybalay, Bukidnon where Christina used to stay. It's been so close to our hearts and gives a lot of good memories for both of us. Well, to tell you about it, that's the place where I asked Christina to marry me (3 years ago).

Aside from all those good memories, we enjoyed our time with our YWAM friends. We stayed in Nasuli with the pioneering YWAM base. We joined them in some of their ministries. We really enjoyed our fellowship with them and of course the good fruits, fresh air and so on. Christina said she almost enjoyed everything except one morning when she saw a snake right outside our room :) it was a creepy experience but she's still ready to go back to that place whenever God permits us...

Benjie’s Health Challenge

We decided to do a general check up when we get home from Norway and found out that Benjie needed a surgery. After several tests, some veins were found blocked in one part of his body and surgery is needed, it is not a major nor minor but in the middle as his doctor told us. 

To take medicine is not really an answer because it will just be useless to take without correcting the main problem.
We thought the best way is to have it done so we don’t have to think more about it especially with the kind of work/life we have chosen.

Our challenge now is the amount we needed for the surgery:
about 10,000 kr / 1600USD and hoping to have less after we use our insurance or maybe find a cheaper hospital to do it.
If you want to assist us in this need or you want to know more about it, please write us back and we will let you know more details.

Models and Methods of Biblical Counseling (MMBC)

 

In September, I (Christina) will be joining the next level of Counseling School which is MMBC. It will be in YWAM Chatel in  Geneva, Switzerland. Benjie will be working as a volunteer in that same base  while I am doing the school. 

The main focus of this school is to develop a bible centered counseling world view in counseling and to learn to develop lifestyle of practicing the presence of Jesus. 

MMBC will be a great tool in the future as we continue with what the Lord wants us to do. My heart for Counseling and Benjie’s passion in studying the Word of God will be a great combination for future ministries ahead of us.

I have been desiring to take this school since 2010 and only this year that it seems possible. We’ve been through the process of praying too before I apply for the said school. We are asking you to continue to back us up in prayers.

For more information:

You can visit www.ywamchatel.com 

What’s Next?

 

August - Fund Raising Month 

• Garage Sale! We, together with our whole family have gathered all the things that we don’t need anymore and we are going to do a garage sale by the end of the month. The money will be for the funds of all the school children in Samal Island. If you are nearby and wanted to donate some of your old clothes/things, feel free to contact us at +63942-8312810
  
• For our personal funds, we are selling home made chocolates in different designs, we accept orders too :)

• We are targeting to purchase our plane ticket before the end of the month

September

• we are also planning to go back to Norway (to YWAM Skjærgårdsheimen) for 2 weeks and then fly to Geneva, Switzerland for MMBC
• Sept 22 - December 13 MMBC Lecture Phase
• December - going back to Skjærgårdsheimen

 

 

 Prayer Concerns 

1. Our quick decision about Benjie’s health 
2. Our hearts to be united all the time especially as we meditate in God’s Word and trust in His promises.
3. Christina will be part of the Counseling Team who will be teaching Plumbline to our 17 DTS students in YWAM Antipolo. Her topic: Revelation. Please pray for God's heart, knowledge and wisdom as she teaches, as well as the whole team.
4. Airfare back to Norway 
5. MMBC School Fee 
6. Continuous wisdom and guidance regarding our future decisions.

 Should you desire to assist us in anyway, please feel free to communicate to us. 

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”
Matthew 6:7-8

Please include us in your prayers and May you continue to see and walk in God’s righteousness.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
+47 94479637 (C) +47 47948657 (B)

Philippine Mobile Number:

+63942-8312810
 

ACCOUNT INFORMATION:
Christina Bustos: Skandia Bank 9722.19.63621
Benjamin Bustos: Bank of the Philippine Islands Account#4179195017

or you can send your help through paypal account: benjiechris.bustos@gmail.com                                         

you can also check our blog: bcadventuresoflife.blogspot.no

Do not worry about tomorrow...

SPRING UPDATE (March-May 2013)

 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

VISA PAID!!!

In January, we’re surprised that we have to pay “again” for our visa but we’re even more surprised with the Lord’s provision to pay for it. Our Father knows exactly what we need before we ask Him. Thank you for all of you who have prayed for us and to those of you whose been a channel of God’s blessings.

As of now, we are waiting for the result of it. Please pray that it will arrive soon. They didn’t gave us any date when will it come but we are hoping to get it soon.



March has been a lot of Cooking :) We were in charge of making food for about 100 people for “Verdens Middag” (International Dinner) with KIA, the organization where Benjie learns Norwegian. It was a great experience since they featured the Philippines that time. We shared not just “Chicken Adobo” but also our History and Culture. We did the same on the first weekend of April with Kristiansand International Church Social Weekend and were encouraged to see how people enjoyed it.






KITCHEN EXPERIENCE

In April, we took over the Kitchen Ministry since our Cook left for

a school in YWAM Switzerland. We are enjoying it! Its good to work together as a couple although we have challenges but were learning how to work it out. Team Work is one of the great value God has given us.

When we started in the Kitchen this April, we started making food for the National Leaders of YWAM Norway. Were about 70 people during that time but it went great and indeed it was a good start.
We also just had a “Father Heart Week” Seminar with 70 people signed up from different places. I think were almost 100 people here during that time.
It was a great experience for us as husband and wife. We learned to budget food and we also learned that we can work together even better :)




BENJIE TURNED 30 :-)

March 10
We celebrate Life & God’s faithfulness as my best friend & partner turned 30. I asked the Skjærgårdsheimen Family and friends to cooperate to the surprise celebration I prepared for him and he was indeed surprised!
Thank you, Lord for your faithfulness in the last 30 years of my life!





GOOD FRIENDS

 “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” 

(C.S. Lewis)

 One thing were so thankful to God are the gift of friendship. Over the last months we were here in Norway, I (Benjie) was able to establish new friends at the base and outside. Its good to meet Christina’s friends too.
We really thank the Lord for the opportunity to establish new friends and also with the bonus of meeting good old friends. With this thought, it makes me feel excited how Heaven will be. What a great reunion!



TIME OF TRANSITION AND EQUIPPING

VISA situations will never be a hindrance to what God wants to fulfill in our lives as husband and wife. During the last months’ seeking the Lord, we have seen how we wanted to start something new but then we were cautious on God’s timing. We felt God would like to take us deeper in our relationship with Him as individuals and as a couple.

In September, Christina is going to pursue the next level of Counseling (Methods & Models of Biblical Counseling) in YWAM Chatel in Switzerland while I (Benjie) volunteers as a staff. Early next year, I will also take a school that we’ve been praying for if they offer it in Skjærgårdsheimen.
Please pray for all the processes Christina has to do with her visa for Switzerland, it will only proceed as soon as she gets response from Norway. As for me, my visa will be extended for another year and it is  valid to Switzerland too.

Please pray also for school fees and another airfare we will need this coming September.

Should you wish to help us, please keep in contact with us and may the Lord leads you. We are targeting to pay half of the school fees in August before the school starts and pay the other half in September.

Please include us in your prayers and May you continue to see and walk in God’s righteousness.


WHAT'S NEXT?

• May 17 - Norway’s National Day! Benjie’s First Experience of 17.mai!!! 
• June 21 - Summer Vacation in Skjærgårdsheimen starts..
• June 26 - 30 - We’ll help with Mission Adventures Training and Preparation
• July 1 - 6 - We will be working on the First Camp at Heimen
• July 10 - We are flying from Sola Airport
• July We hope to visit the ministry in Samal Island too.
• In August until we leave for Switzerland in September - we will be in Manila area

Blessings and Love,

BENJAMIN & CHRISTINA BUSTOS

Is Integrity that important?

Personal Study on Integrity

What is Integrity?

In Dictionary it means the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, moral uprightness: the state of being whole and undivided.

In Youth With A Mission, to communicate with integrity is one of our foundational values. It says, YWAM affirms that anything exists because God communicates. Therefore, YWAM is committed to truthful, accurate, timely and relevant communication. We believe good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, communities and effective ministry.

As I read the Book of Job, I wonder about his integrity. What is it with integrity that he cannot let go of? Is integrity more important than comfort or anything else?

In Job 2:3 it says, have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.

…Far be it from me to say that you are right, till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. (Read Job 27:1-5)

Job has strong moral principles. He holds fast to his integrity even when his wife asked him to deny God because of the suffering he is experiencing. As I read his story, I have seen how he talks to his friends. They could judge him as a self-righteous man but for Job, he knows his stand, he knows it deep in his heart that he does what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed.

Samuel is also a good example of integrity (1Samuel 12:1-4). We can see that Samuel shows integrity in his possessions, his business dealings and his treatment over people. Samuel hold himself accountable to the people he led.

Integrity does not apply to one area but to EVERY area of our lives. People want to know that we can be trusted and we follow through commitments. It also applies in keeping our words. It’s doing what we said. We walk the talk not just talk.

Biblical Integrity is not just doing the right thing, it’s a matter of having the right heart and allowing the person you are inside to match the person you are outside. It is doing the right thing even no one sees you. 

Integrity is one of the characters of our God. He never changes. When He speaks, he fulfills. In Hebrews 6:18 where is says God did not lie, that means He is the reliable source of our Hope. God’s commitment towards His people extends from generation to generations.

 *Image is from Google.

Praise the Lord in His Sovereignty

WINTER NEWS

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Workers Gathering: January 3-6

 We started the year joining the YWAM Norway Workers Gathering in Grimerud base. It was a great start to worship the Lord and hear from Him as YWAM.
We have also met Filipinos during the program when they called our country. We are not that many but 4 is a good number :) Also, to Benjie’s surprise, he also met Antonio from Mexico. They met sometime ago in  YWAM Philippines. When you are in YWAM, the world seems smaller :)

When we came back from Grimerud, the base seems so empty since all the DTS are on their outreach but it didn’t last that long. There were 2 weekends. We invite the base’ Partners to come and fellowship with us. As staff, we all worked together, prepare rooms for them, make good food and welcome them with a grateful heart. They have been partnering the ministry here for a long time.

January seems a bit calm.  We joined (and still join) some of the Mission Adventures Team Activity like Reading the Bible in a coffee shop in town where we read it loud (enough) and then discuss it afterwards. We truly believed this will bring such a great atmosphere in that place. Our heart is for people to go back to God. We continue doing our normal ministry in town as well. 

In February 17-28, Benjie joined the Mission Adventures Trip to the West Coast of Norway where they travel to visit different schools and Christian Youth Groups to take part in their Bible Study and Devotions and also they share about YWAM and DTS. They have been driving almost 2,000 km. With a lot of good people to meet, very beautiful sceneries in the West Coast and great opportunities to share the Word of God, they really had so much fun.

This is Benjie sharing on a morning devotion in one of the schools they have visited.

He shared from 1 Timothy 2:8 saying, “I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.”

 KIC Bible Group

Teaching How to Study the Bible

 We had the opportunity to share a certain tool we learned from YWAM to Kristiansand International Church. Benjie did most of it and Christina continued some of it. It was a good team work. We really cannot limit how the Lord can work.

No matter how much knowledge of the Bible we have, if we fail to apply it - its useless!

Are you assured of your visa to heaven?

VISA seems to be a common challenge for many people working in Missions. Its so great that our VISA to HEAVEN doesn’t have to be approved by anyone else but GOD and JESUS paid it all, what an amazing truth!

VISA SITUATION in January, we got stressed of the news that we have to pay for our visa (again!). We have paid before we arrived here in August 2012 and its suppose to be good for 1 year. They started giving this ID which I think is new. We saw that the validity is only to March 2013, we asked about it before they even print it and they said, we can go back to the Embassy  1 month before it expires so to that understanding, we thought that’s just what we have to do. When we called them in January, they are requiring us to pay the same amount for extension which will costs us 6,000 kr (about 1000 usd/800 Euro). We sent our complain and they said to wait for 1 month, and now 1 month after, it seems that we complain for nothing because we still have to pay. We don’t feel its right, but we have to pay. Its still cheaper compare to buying a plane ticket in March.

Should you wish to help us, please keep in contact with us and may the Lord lead you. We are targeting to pay as soon as we can since its already March, we have sent our application and we’ll be schedule the 12th of March as soon soon as we have paid the fee.

Please include us in your prayers and May you continue to see and walk in God’s righteousness.

 

What's Next?

March 10 - Benjie’s 30th Birthday!!!!!!!

March 12 - Please pray for our visa interview

March 22 - Philippines will be the featured country for the “Verdens Middag” (International Dinner) in KIA (our partner in Ministry). This time, Benjie will be responsible to cook Filipino Food :)

Starting April - we will be responsible for the Kitchen (Cooking and Ordering) since our Cook will be gone by then for a YWAM School in Switzerland.

BENJAMIN & CHRISTINA BUSTOS

CONTACT INFORMATION:
+47 94479637 (C) +47 47948657 (B)

ACCOUNT INFORMATION:

Christina Bustos                            

Skandia Bank 9722.19.63621

Benjamin Bustos                                 

Bank of the Philippine Islands 

Account#4179195017

or you can send your help through paypal account benjiechris.bustos@gmail.com                                          

Sola Gratia

Why Sola Gratia?

Sola Gratia is from the Latin word meaning “by grace alone”. It is teaching that salvation comes by divine grace. This means that salvation is unearned gift from God for Jesus’ sake. In Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.”

Short history

This project started 6 or 7 years ago by Rodel Estrebor, in partner with Pastor Jeovanni De Los Reyes of the Green Pasture Baptist Church in Samal Island. Their desire is to see young people grow in both spiritual and physical. Supporting them to be able to finish their education. Rodel, together with some other friends funded this project while Pastor Jeovanni and his partner Pastor Michael helps in keeping the kids spiritual growth by regular Bible Studies and follow ups.

In August 2012, both Rodel and Ptr. Jeovanni went home to the Lord. The project was left with unknown future but by the grace of God this project will continue.

You can be a part of it by sending a one time gift or even regular gifts to help these kids in Samal Island finished their schooling. 

  
Samal Island

Samal Island is an island outside Davao City. It is known as tourist place due to its good beaches. You can check for more info here:(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samal_Island) The church is currently supporting 11 students from 2 different schools in the island. These students are in primary and in high school years. They are from a not so privileged family who strives hard to earn a living. Our heart is to continue to help them until they finish their education.


The government school in the Philippines is not expensive. The amount of 2000-2500 pesos (250-350 kroner/50 USD) depending on their school projects should suffice their needs for a year. 

The students usually walk from their houses to the school so it doesn’t cost them that much.
Helping them to go to school means helping a Filipino to have a good future.

How can we help?

The School Year starts every June and ends in March. For this upcoming school year, you can start sending your help if you wish to. Enrollment for the students will start in May.

If you wanted to help. You can send your help to any of the following:

Any money transfers like xoom, western union or cebuana lhuillier. 
Recipient will be Ptr. Michael Emperado in Samal Island

Skandia Bank Account         
Ma.Christina Estrebor Bustos    
9722.55.29616                            
Swift Code: DNBANOKK  

paypal account is benjiechris.bustos@gmail.com

Bank of the Philippine Islands 
Benjamin B. Bustos         
4179195017                                
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Should you send some help, please notify us through our email account
benjiechris.bustos@gmail.com

or you can call or text us:            
Benjamin and Christina Bustos
+47 94479637 or +63927-6984612

Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

This scripture reminds me of my brother.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Growing up as the youngest and surprised child, kuya has always been present in my life. When our father died 1 month I was born, he took the responsibility and helped Nanay earned a living. He’s a very responsible person.

No one’s perfect as we all know and I have seen kuya’s “life in the world”. I was young then but I remembered it. He got a lot of friends in our place and most of the weekends they’re gathered in the “kubo” in front of our house with some drinks and endless stories. I have never seen him picked up a fight but I saw him mediating when the alcohol hits some of the “tropas” brains.

I was 9 turning 10 when I first got a nephew. Kuya and Ate Rose’ first born, Sydel. He was named after their names. When Sydel was growing up, I remember Kuya’s time of searching for the truth. He tried to join another sect but he didn’t find the truth in their belief. There was one time when we got visitors from this sect, and my cousin Susan was there too. They were discussing about the truth. I knew I was present by then. That was the first time I heard the scripture from John 8:32 “the truth will set you free” and that was the very time (I think!) Kuya was set free. I didn’t know so much details but I remember he started going to Agape and we followed after him.

He’s a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come. Transformation happened in the life of my brother. I noticed his change. There’s no more Friday Night happening in front of our house. He got new friends but I don’t think he’s forsaken his old friends. He remained friends with them but he was too busy discovering the new life he’s found. He found the greatest thing in life. He’s a lost sheep found by the Shepherd of his soul. He found Jesus, his Lord and Savior.

I have seen his devotion to God. He sought God continuously and blessings followed him. Of course, he has ups and downs as well but he lived a life that trusts the Lord.

There was a crucial time in my life when he really made me realized what kind of life do I want. It was a special time we had in Hong Kong. He told me how my decisions and choices would affect my future. His life showed me how important it is to be faithful in the Lord and to have the fear of God. I have taken it in my heart and forever will I be grateful for that moment.

You’re my “online” and “on call” counselor, a very caring and thoughtful son to Nanay, a loving and funny husband to ate Rose, a good brother and supporter to ate Mel and kuya Allan. A generous tito Rodel. You are a faithful employee and a humble boss. You are Denan’s number 1 fan, Airah’s caregiver and Sydel’s encourager and friend. You have shared your wisdom, love and even resources to us.

I miss you so much Kuya and I know you are enjoying your life now with Abba Father. Maybe you are having the best coffee now that no one has ever seen.

I want people to know that your life impacted me so much and I am grateful to God for allowing us to have you and to experience a life with you.

I miss you kuyakot!

--Tinz--