David Bussau: Facing the World Head-on

Christian Heroes: Then & Now #32

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

David listened to what the others said and thought for a few moments. He didn't often talk to the other boys about what he was thinking, but this time he opened his mouth and said, "I'm going to be a millionaire and retire by the time I'm forty!"

David Bussau grew up in New Zealand boys' homes where expectations of the young men were grim. David shattered those expectations, emerging as an enterprising teenager running a rented hot dog stand. Numerous business ownerships and financial success followed, and with that success, a vision to provide natural disaster relief and aid to the poor in Australia, Indonesia, India, and beyond.

Today David's work continues through Opportunity International, a worldwide aid organization that offers small business loans to help the poor start and grow their own businesses. Certain of his direction, this hero to the world's poor is looking ahead, using business to advance the kingdom of God.

Genres: Biography, Christian, History, Nonfiction, Religion, Audiobook, Faith

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Janet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Reviews

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

David showed entrepreneurial business skills at a young age. He would identify a business need and build a small company to provide that need and then sell it for a profit. He was an idea person. After starting a family, he had 3 successful construction companies in Australia. When a hurricane hit Darwin hard, he took 20 of his men to help. They fixed up damaged houses. After that, he felt a calling to help people especially those in the greatest need. He sold his businesses and put the money into a trust fund to be used to provide small business loans to help the poor help themselves. He worked through the local churches. For example, in the 1970s Bali fell in love with the small motorcycle to get around but there were no repair shops. He made loans to people the church recommended and he hired people to train them to make the repairs in shops they owned. He had a 98% repayment rate. From there, he travelled the world for 33 years doing this and helped millions of poor people get out of poverty. Inspirational and part of the Christian Hero’s Series.

[Kim Pace · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointment! This was the final Christian Heroes book I had left to read. After enjoying the other 49, I was excited. However, this book really missed its mark, as the focus detoured from the traditional emphasis on God’s faithfulness and power in an individual’s life to the praise of a single man’s accomplishments with a couple of Christian references sprinkled in. What a missed opportunity to give God the glory and inspire believers to step out in faith.

[Elizabeth Pace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. David clearly accomplished many impressive things, but God was scarcely mentioned throughout this whole book. Momma P and I were expectant that this story would encourage our faith as other ‘Christian Heroes: Then & Now’ books have… but the pen-ship missed the mark completely of giving God glory & leaning into the Lord for our successes.

A boring, disappointing read that I dare say did not paint the picture of a Christian hero.

[Rebecca Ernst · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read these books aloud to my kids, but this was my least fave we’ve read so far. Just a lot of boring parts.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

David was a talented entrepreneur, outgoing guy and a visionary. He had a tough upbringing in some small towns in NZ, often being sent to a home for boys as his mom could not care for him.

He actually had good experiences there.

He ended up in Sydney after starting then selling some companies in Auckland. He was a successful contractor, had 3 or 4 businesses. When a cyclone destroyed, Darwin, he organized some volunteers and flew them to rebuild.

Eventually he went to Bali and rebuilt a church in the Balinese style as it has fallen down in a storm. He stayed in Bali for many years, starting a school for hotel workers as that industry was just starting in the 1970s. He had a burden for the poor. Seems like he was from a Methodist church?

[Shana OkieCozyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There is a part of us that is designed to help others. Find that part. Create some space for it in your life. It’s probably not going to be your whole life. But I guarantee you, when you get to the end of your story, you’ll be glad you did.”

Don’t look back. The past is behind. It is what it is. All that remains is what is ahead.

I read this with my son for a missionary book project. I wasn’t familiar with him before but his life is so interesting. I love how much he gave in micro finance loans and I think we may consider a gift to his organization Opportunity International. Grateful for people like this in the world!

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where is God? Where is the Savior? Where is the Gospel? Did any souls get snatched from the flames of hell through David's life? At every page, I waited for the Gospel, but it was never spoken of. Church attendance was spoken of, but only in passing. Instead, it was a long chronicle of business deals before it moved on to charitable works that led to more business deals. If I had been reading a secular book about helping the poorest among us, this would have been a good book. But any Christian biography that doesn't point the reader to Christ is a failure, and that surprised me coming from the Benge's. I have loved all their previous books. This one was a disappointment.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe that what this man has done with his life is wonderful and glorifying to God. Very inspirational and he has truly changed so many lives for the better.

That being said the early years were more interesting to read about than the latter. A few interesting escapades along the way. Worth reading for sure.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. It was a bit different than many of the YWAM Christian heroes we have read about. He wasn't necessarily going to spread the gospel. However, he used his God given entrepreneurial skills to help millions of poor people out of poverty out of his love for Christ.

[Melissa B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about how one man, who was a successful entrepreneur, did so much to help so many others also become successful. However, I would have liked to have known what happened to David's brother, Bruce.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dry toward the end, but it is fascinating how a man can live his life (and spend his money) in such a way as to positively impact so many people!

[Karina Heng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant, especially at this point in my life.

[Robert Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring book of a man that is from the least with whom God used for the most important thing in the world. All glory be to God.

[Jayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

A lot of philanthropy, not a lot of Christian heroism. This book was a disappointment.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for:

- microeconomics, small loans program
- modern missions
- addressing poverty through building construction and wealth creation rather than wealth redistribution
- an atypical missionary

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book discusses the life and career of David Bussau, who was still alive during the writing of this book. He is best known for his work on microfinance, which allowed those individuals in poverty to receive loans to start business enterprises when no one else would give them money or a chance. His work was primarily in Asia.

The audiobook narrator was Tim Gregory.

[Mandi Risner · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girls and I have been reading this Christian Heroes series this summer and have really enjoyed all the books we have read so far. This one is my favorite in the series so far. David Bussau's story is amazing and fascinating. He has spent his life using the gifts God has given him to those who are destitute in different parts of the world.

[Lisa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

He has done so much for people all over the world and yet I was saddened that the book never showed him reaching out to his little brother or other family...

[Amy]

Business minded people will especially appreciate this biography.