Darrell & Laura Lee Bustin
Darrell and Laura Lee Bustin have been integral members of the CBM team since 2002.
In April and May, I (Darrell) made my first trip back to Africa since our move to Canada last year. It was a time of contrasts. I spent two weeks with one partner in West Africa (Togo) and one week with a different partner in East Africa (Kenya). It was only my 2nd visit to Togo, so the experience still felt quite new. But I have been to Kenya numerous times, so much of it felt familiar. CBM’s partnership in Togo with the Convention of Baptists in Togo (CBT) is a young partnership, so we’re still getting to know each other. On the other hand, CBM’s partnership in Kenya with the Africa Christian Church and Schools (ACC&S) is over 50 years old, so I guess we could accurately be described as old friends. Despite the differences between the two parts of my trip, both were tiring but also very rewarding. The time in Togo involved several pieces. There was a 3-day training seminar on Integral Mission. It was with a team of ten people who are being trained this year with the goal of being able to take what they learn about Integral Mission to all of the CBT churches throughout the country over the next couple of years. There was also an opportunity to do a 
Leadership seminar with two different groups of pastors, as they reflected on the Leadership of Jesus. And, of course, being in Togo over two weekends meant preaching at two of the CBT churches. It’s always a joy to see God being worshiped in different cultures and languages.
Heaven is certainly going to be a fascinating place, with our Lord being praised with every tongue on earth! In addition to the larger meetings, it was important to have time for personal face-to-face conversations with numerous colleagues while I was there. From Togo, I continued on to Kenya. While there, a group of regional pastors gathered together again for Module 2 of the Integral Mission in the Workplace curriculum. They had done the first half last year, so this time they were able to finish the rest of the topics and complete the program. I was able to team up with several ACC&S colleagues in teaching the various sessions. For example, one of the topics I taught was “How Does ‘Ordinary Work’ Become ‘the Work of the Lord’?” It was a great time of interaction and learning.
Speaking of learning, I was also given two days to teach students at the Bible School of ACC&S. What a privilege it is to spend time with these young men and women who are at the early stages of being pastors and church leaders! Of course, all the time that I was away, Laura Lee was busy at home, becoming more familiar with the administrative tasks that the CBM office has asked her to do. Thankfully it is gradually becoming more comfortable for her. And, after three weeks apart, we were happy to be together again once more! We continue to be very grateful that, in spite of moving back to Canada, we are both still part of the CBM family, using our gifts, experience and passions in meaningful ways.
The Power Centre: Connecting Thru Prayer
Reasons to Praise:
We are grateful for our partners, new (like CBT in Togo) and old (like ACC&S in Kenya). It is truly a blessing to walk beside them, joining hands in the work that God has given to us which is transforming lives.
We’re thankful for strength and protection during Darrell’s 3-week visit back to Africa, both for Darrell during his travels and for Laura Lee who remained home. Ongoing Prayer Items:
- Continue to pray for our partners (CEBC and CBCA) in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two largest cities, Goma and Bukavu, remain under the control of rebel militia groups. The hardships and trauma being caused by this situation are very difficult and, at times, dangerous.
- Pray that CBM’s annual Active in Mission campaign is successful in raising funds for food security projects done together with partners in Canada and in 13 other countries.
- For both CBT in Togo and ACC&S in Kenya, this year will see a change of denominational leadership. That is always a crucial time for a church. And it has a great influence on the effectiveness of their partnership with CBM. Pray for smooth transitions and for godly, wise leadership for the ones stepping into those roles
- Pray for strong relationships with our colleagues in Africa (both CBM staff and partners). May the physical distance from one another not detract from our ability to work together to “embrace a broken world through word and deed.”
