Last year at this time we welcomed a handful of students to the CC Bible College South Asia campus. We weren’t fully ready because at the time we didn’t have power to most of the buildings, no vehicle or means of transportation, no idea how we would pay for the long list of ministry needs and not sure where we were going to recruit all the students that the Lord desired to bring. But, we trusted the One who called us here, the One who created all things, the One who cares about every need, the One who gave the Great Commission, the One who walked on water and performs miracles….JESUS! Praise God for going before us in every detail, helping us to overcome many challenges and making a beautiful way for ministry to continue to flourish in this place. We thank you for standing with us, praying, supporting, and partnering with us as we have watched the Lord do the miraculous this past year.
Students Heading South for Spring
This past month, we welcomed the Spring 2019 semester students to the CCBC campus in S. Asia. They have come from 5 states, speaking 7 different languages and currently there are 21 young people who are daily growing in God’s Word here.
For many students, it is the first time they have ever left their village or been away from home. But, the campus is beautiful with remodeled and new facilities. It has truly been a team effort from all sides to get to this point and we are thankful to be surrounded by amazing people. Bond is currently teaching each weekday from Daniel, Revelation, Systematic Theology and sharing at the weekly services through the book of James.
Meet KL
We wish you could meet each of the students and hear their stories. But for now, meet KL. He came in early 2018 as one of the first students to arrive on campus. As a young boy from a Hindu family, a missionary came to his village and shared the Gospel when he was very young. He remembers gathering with other believers on the veranda of a home to watch skits, learn songs and hear the Word of God. Since his youth, his mother became a believer and his father passed away. Two years ago, his village was surrounded by 300 extremists from other villages that threatened the eight families in his village that believe in Jesus. His family was threatened and told that if they did not denounce their faith in Christ and stop gathering together that they would all be killed. Although persecution is a constant threat for KL and his family, they have become stronger in the face of it. KL shared that they continue trusting “Emmanuel – God with Us.”
Give Your Life Away
Often times opportunities arise and our first instinct is to say NO! Nope, not me, not qualified, not able, not available, not experienced, not trained, not gonna do it. All of these things crossed Heather’s mind when the need to teach English classes to the students came up this semester. In all the years serving overseas there has always been someone else to teach English….until now. Accepting the fact that there was no one else, she nervously agreed. With no clue where to start, butterflies in her stomach and a few you tube tutorials under her belt, she is pleased to report it has been an absolute blast. The surprise blessing of teaching English classes to the students this semester has been a joy and highlight.
Our purpose is found when we give our life away and saying YES to something new is a part of that. In Luke 6:38 it says,“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back – given back with bonus and blessing.” Heather is thankful to be able to invest in the students, connect with them in the classroom several times a week and watch as they develop language skills. The hope is that it will be a great asset in their lives and for future ministry.
Gathering Around the Table
The table is a place where conversations happen, laughs take place (que Bond’s laugh), friendships are formed and life is shared. It was a joy to host the K family and several teams for meals that knit our hearts together in even greater ways.
We were able to host our first community outreach to children in the area, first program at a nearby school, first soccer outreach and complete many construction projects (walkways, dining hall, play structure, and more). There were picnics, game nights, worship and prayer, encouragement, celebrations and lots of food! What a joy to open our home in S. Asia to gather, share meals around the table and serve Jesus together in wonderful ways this winter/spring.
With Love from S. Asia,
Bond, Heather and Breanna Gaona
