Living HIStory

Unique Christian Leader Shares Insights and Lessons from a Life in Ministry

Bud Bylsma’s life is explained in ‘Living HIStory’

Kirkland, Wash., April 16, 2025 — Norman “Bud” Bylsma led an extraordinary and unusual life. He spent more than 60 years working in various Christian ministries in different roles in the USA and elsewhere.

His autobiography, “Living HIStory: Doing God’s Will on Earth”, chronicles the life he led to further Christ and His kingdom on earth. Bud initially spent 30 years in Young Life, a youth evangelism ministry, as it expanded its reach throughout the nation. He and his wife Patti then moved to Bangladesh where he led a Christian agency providing health, education, and economic development services within a strong Muslim culture.

Bud later served as a pastor in Seattle and advised Christian agencies on issues related to evangelism and missions. He worked closely with Black pastors in the inner city, and the many miracles that occurred in his life inspire one’s faith. His humor and unique way of writing make his life story a fascinating read.

Ray Bakke writes in the Foreword, “I read the manuscript twice, and did so with more amazement the second time at the sheer range of Bud’s experiences. He modeled the action/reflection learning model long before any of us knew about it.”

The book includes a list of miracles he experienced, many of his newsletters he sent to his supporters, and other tidbits of wisdom he picked up during his life experiences.

Any person contemplating a career in Christian ministry or is now working in a church or parachurch setting will benefit from reading about his life and his insights into how to carry out God’s call in their lives.

‘Living HIStory: Doing God’s Will on Earth’
By Norman M. Bylsma, Peter J. Bylsma (editor)
ISBN: 9781964060279 (softcover); 9781964060262 (electronic)
290 pages, Byblio Press

Available at Byblio Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

About the Author
Bud Bylsma earned his undergraduate degree from Seattle Pacific University and his master’s in theology and counseling from Fuller Theological Seminary. His eldest son, Dr. Peter Bylsma, edited the manuscript and offers concluding comments about his father’s life and legacy.

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