Our time in India this past month was a whirlwind, but in such a good way. We landed in the beginning of October and the very next day began teaching a three-day conference for those who attend Calvary Chapel Mussoorie. The believers from CCM gathered to be equipped in the area of Spiritual Warfare. Many of them live, work and do life in a places where there is a constant oppression, demonic activity and idol worship on a daily basis. To give them the tools they need through the Word of God was powerful and necessary to see the work of the Lord continue to expand in that place. The attendees went forth with the needed armor to serve the Lord in the battle of life. In the midst of the trying times in America as well, it is a good reminder when Ephesians 6: 10 – 13 says “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
On the Front Lines
We were also able to meet the past graduates of the School of Ministry who are pastoring churches in 
various villages throughout the mountains. We held a three-day pastors and leaders conference, which was attended by the former graduates as well as our current School of Ministry students. This is the third class of students that Bond has been able to invest in and teach. Pastor Pratim and his son Reuben are faithfully teaching through the Word throughout the year, but it is always a sweet time when we are able to spend a few weeks of intense focused teaching with them. On the last day of class, we went to a nearby nature reserve for class and a picnic.
One of the new students is Dron who has been working in another state of India. He has been in 
ministry for many years previously, but his wife died unexpectedly earlier this year from complications with their 2nd child that she was pregnant with. In one moment, he lost his wife and child and was left to pick up the pieces and attempt to move forward for the sake of his 3-year-old son. After talking with Pastor Pratim, they both felt it would be a time of healing and growth to come to the School of Ministry. Dron is the only Christian in his family so the persecution and pressure from family members in the aftermath of his wife’s death was too much. God always brings about something beautiful from what seems to be so tragic and his presence at the School of Ministry has brought depth.
One evening we gathered with the men who are on the front lines. They have been sent out and are pastoring in their villages, teaching, sharing the Gospel and serving in the community. As they went 
around the room sharing ministry highlights, challenges they faced in the past month and prayer requests for the upcoming months, we felt privileged. We heard of those giving their lives to Christ for the first time, praise reports of several who were baptized, and several answers to prayer of those who objected and persecuted them and are now reading the bible and asking questions. We also heard of elders who threatened one of our pastors, persecution that several others experienced and one who is praying about moving to another village. It was in that moment that the words came to mind, “this is what makes it all worth it.” In order to work, teach and minister in India there are many obstacles that we are faced with and a lot of challenges that come in various forms. But sitting in the midst of these young zealous men who are passionate about Jesus and making Him known to the most remote villages in Northern India was the reminder we needed….it is worth it!
South India Scouting Trip
As we shared last month, through a series of events a family has offered 40+ acres in the state of Kerala for us to use to establish a bible college, school, medical clinic and church. This open door required that Bond spend the last week of October in South India to visit the land, walk through the existing buildings, meet with the family that is currently there and pray that God would lead if this was an opportunity that we should invest in.
Prior to this trip, several meetings had taken place in Orange County with the grown children who are from India and now live in the states. Several pastors and members of the family flew from the USA, Pastor Pratim, Vinita and Sam flew from India and Bond dropped us off in Nepal and headed to Kerala to see with his own eyes.
One of Bond’s highlights during his time in Kerala was meeting Joseph (the father of the family) 
who is currently living on the property. He has been serving the Lord in India for over 60 years. He shared with Bond and the team, “I’m 97 years old….almost 100. My body is failing but my attitude towards God is not! God said, ‘I am with you always’. What do we have to fear? We serve a GREAT God!” The family desires for us and the ministries we partner with, to use the land at no cost and they want nothing more than to see ministry go forth from that place once again. The existing buildings are in need of major repair and more renovations than what we had expected. There is also a need for building projects in order to use the location to full potential in the future. While there would be much upfront work involved, we are still hopeful that the Lord will make a way if it is His will. Bond left optimistic and the next step will be to have a follow-up meeting stateside at the end of the year with the family and our ministry partners to see if an agreement can be reached on a long-term contract for use of the land and terms that would ensure a successful working relationship in the future. We are taking it one step at a time and covet your continued prayers.
We are now in Nepal where we will serve through December. Our second class at CCBC Nepal will graduate on November 18th. We are thankful for your prayers, support and love that have sent us to reach the nations in Asia this fall.
With Love from Nepal,
Bond, Heather and Breanna Gaona
