Gustafson Highlights of 2016
Hi friends and family,
It has been awhile since you last received a proper update from us and we apologize for not being better at communicating. Just wanted to update you now on some of our highlights from this year so far. Below is just a sliver of all that continues to happen around our part of the world and our lives and we are so privileged to be serving Jesus and the Cambodian people!
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YWAM/ U of N Battambang 10th year anniversary:
It’s so hard to believe that over 11 years ago, Garth moved to Cambodia as a young single guy, and never in his wildest dreams did he think the ministry would grow the way it has. In January, we had a special time to celebrate the last 10 years of what Jesus has done in this place, celebrating His faithfulness, and His commitment to see His kingdom come to Cambodia. What started out as a group of 5 has grown into a family of 90 full time staff, and 50+ students in this Fall quarter in our training schools!
ASEAN DTS:
What is ASEAN?
———The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an alliance promoting economic and political cooperation by fostering dialogue among its ten members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.——-
Our base hosted a collaborative DTS(Discipleship Training School), with 10 DTS’s mostly from Southeast Asia. We had over 200 staff and students join us in Battambang for 4 corporate weeks of lecture and worship for 2 weeks in March and 2 weeks in April, and it was so encouraging to see lots of Asians, mostly first-generation Christians gathered together to learn together about Jesus and from each other.
Teachings:
Caroline had the privilege to teach twice in our Battambang School of Ministry Development, which is an internship for those wanting to join long-term on staff with us. She taught on “The Un-offendable Heart,” challenging students to walk out in a culture of honor, forgiveness and choosing to believe the best in people.
Garth continues to teach in all our training schools we offer: Discipleship Training School, School of Biblical Studies, School of Missions, DTS Equip, and our School of Ministry Development. He also had the opportunity to teach a week with YWAM Ships in Kona, Hawaii. He also continues to preach at our church that we started in October 2014 called Community Light Church.
Family Visits:
Although we live halfway around the world from family, we’ve seen our family a lot this year, including Garth’s parents here for the month of January and February, as well as a short visit in July. We were also able to see Caroline’s family in September, as we went to the States for a short visit to attend an international YWAM conference, and visiting some churches around the States, sharing about what Jesus is doing in Cambodia. Thankful for both of our families that continues to walk alongside us and the effort they make to spend time with us and our kids.
New Campus:
We are in a very exciting season of our ministry, as we are set to move to our new campus by the end of the year, when Phase 1 of the buildings are finished. Our family will move homes from our current rental to an apartment on the campus as well. Thank you to all of you that has made this dream of God’s a reality by partnering with us by giving sacrificially, come to Battambang to help build, as well as stood with us in prayer!
Pioneering to Pioneer:
One of the original words of the Lord for us at YWAM/U of N Battambang has been that we will be a place that “pioneers to pioneer.” This year we have seen Youth Development Centers(teaching English and other skills to youth, offering after-school programs) in Poipet and Pailin, which are both border towns of Cambodia-Thailand and both 1.5 hours drive from Battambang. We also will have teams headed our to start new ministries in Laos and China!
Our Kids:
Lyla just turned 5 years old(October 10th was her birthday) and Gunner will turn 3 in November. Lyla is currently on break from her preschool, but she will start up again in November and hopefully Gunner will join her too at the preschool that is run by our staff. They continue to thrive and enjoy each other’s company. Lyla has learned to ride her bike this summer without ever using training wheels and is currently very eager to learn how to read. Gunner is starting to use his words A LOT more and is a very energetic boy, loves to collect sticks and rocks, and play catch with his dad!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, ENCOURAGEMENT, FINANCIAL SUPPORT, AND BELIEF in our family to do life here in Cambodia, for the Gospel to move forth in this place! We could not do what we do without your partnership with us and we cannot emphasize and thank you enough for all the ways you have been a part of our journey.
With Gratitude,
Garth, Caroline, Lyla and Gunner