- MY MENTOR IN THE MINISTRY OF THE PEN

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A Celebration to Remember

John Bueno greeting Guillermon Izaquirre from El Salvador with Lois Bueno and Bob Bueno looking on.



Assemblies of God World Missions Executive Director L. John Bueno and his wife, Lois, retire October 3, 2011, after 50 years of missions ministry. Nearly 2,000 people gathered August 3 at the 54th General Council in Phoenix, Arizona, to honor their ministry in El Salvador and John’s seven years as Latin America regional director and 14 years as AGWM executive director.



The evening featured “south of the border” food, a video presentation of the Buenos’ ministry, a mariachi band, a worship team from Bethesda Community Church in Ft. Worth, Texas, and guests from around the world. Dr. Thomas Trask, former U.S. AG general superintendent, opened in prayer, and David Lee, AGWM director of U.S. Relations and coordinator for the event, served as emcee.



Representing the AGWM Executive Committee, Africa Regional Director Mike McClaflin said, “John has been a friend and mentor to Assemblies of God leaders around the world.” He also noted that significant changes were made in AGWM during the past 14 years, including realigning the AGWM regions, changing the method of processing missionaries, and adding a woman to the AGWM executive committee. Worldwide, the number of people attending AG churches overseas more than doubled, and 34 new fields opened to missions outreach.



John Bueno spoke about significant people from his early ministry. Since his first assignment had no salary, he took a construction job with plumbing contractor Roy Thorpe. Throughout the ensuing years, Mr. Thorpe and his family became significant contributors to the Buenos’ ministry. Although Roy is now with the Lord, members of his family attended the celebration. Bueno also introduced Cristobal and Luisa Ramirez who were co-pastors with John and Lois for 25 years in El Salvador.



The Buenos’ eldest son Robert represented the family. In his remarks, he commended his parents for their commitment to God and their Christlike example, especially during times of hardship and loneliness.



To show the impact of Latin America ChildCare, Robert told of one specific child: Guillermo Izaguirre. Hearing-impaired and unable to speak, Guillermo began attending an LACC school at age 12. Two years later his father died. When his mother could not afford to continue her son’s education, John and Lois became Guillermo’s sponsors until his graduation. God healed him as a young adult, and today he directs an LACC school with more than 5,000 students. As a surprise, Guillermo was introduced as a special guest at the celebration.



Dr. George Wood, U.S. AG general superintendent, noted the great missions advancements during Bueno’s leadership. He said, “Every
Lois and John Bueno during the celebration

season of the Buenos’ lives was marked with tremendous growth. God has blessed them, and the fruit is the evidence.”



Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, AG general superintendent in Malawi and secretary of the World Pentecostal Fellowship, spoke of the Buenos’ contribution to him personally. Dr. Byron Klaus, president of Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, announced that the Buenos would be honored with a Pillar of Faith in their name. The Pillar of Faith initiative will enable their legacy to continue through a scholarship program.



Greg Mundis, newly elected AGWM executive director, said, “The heritage and shoulders that we stand on are well known. We look to the future anchored in the Word of God and in the 1914 General Council resolution in which we committed ourselves to the greatest evangelism the world has ever seen.”



The celebration ended with prayer for Mundis and his wife,