Special Recipe: Disciples Making Disciples
We are living in tumultuous times that are constantly changing. There seems to be obstacles, challenges, trials, delays and unknowns around every corner and at each cross road. But, God!!!!….Ephesians 2:4-5 goes on to remind us, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. God has not changed, the mission remains the same and we are more focused than ever before of sharing the Gospel and making disciples because that is our joy and our hope!
Calvary School of Missions
We closed out summer with another trip to Mexico as a family where we were able to spend the week teaching young people who sense a calling to missions. This is our 3rd year teaching and entrusting others with all that has been invested in us. It causes us to reflect on how great God is, how much He has enabled us to be a part of over the past decade, how your partnership continues to bear fruit around the world and how the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. Majority of the students are from the USA, but several this year were from Mexico and even Peru. We know that as we disciple future missionaries, the Gospel will reach even more locations.
We Were Discipled, We Made a Disciple that is Making Disciples
Many years ago, our paths crossed with JE who was from S. Asia and came to study with us at the Bible College. His life was transformed through verse by verse teaching and he returned to his home town to start a bible study, which blossomed into a church. He caught the vision to plant additional churches and he began sending us young men to train. Last year, when travel ceased, it was not possible for anyone to travel. He realized he could not send them for training and that God has equipped him to train up others with the same heart. Was he ready…no. Was there an elaborate plan….no. Was there a desire…yes. Was there faith….yes. We have been thrilled to see JE not only disciple other young men who feel called to pastor and serve in ministry, but to rise to the occasion when he could have stayed still during the pandemic. Bond has had the great privilege to teach online classes and this group of zealous young men hasn’t wasted their lockdown, but has risen to the occasion and is learning and serving in unimaginable ways. Thank you for your support, partnership and prayers that are making this possible. Discipleship is happening!
S. Asia or Bust
We had planned to return to S. Asia in spring, but as you may remember the country went into strict lockdown back in May where no vehicles were allowed on the road. Things have subsided and life is starting to open up again. We are thrilled to share that 23 students have returned to start the fall semester. We are proud that despite the difficulties and delays, the national pastors are carrying the torch and have not been deterred. The students remain steadfast and we are praying God will make a way for us to return next month to S. Asia to teach in-country, celebrate graduation for many of them and discuss future church planting that is already underway in many villages. Many of you have been many months without seeing family and that is how we feel, but we could not be more proud…..it was always the plan, raise up the nationals and they will go further than we could ever go and reach more people for Jesus than we could ever imagine! Please pray God would be with us in the planning of our trip, things would go smoothly given all the new requirements and that it would be a fruitful time in S. Asia.
Close to Home
Breanna is in 1st grade and is missing a few front teeth now days. She is playing soccer and super excited to eat rice and dahl in Nepal with her friends next month.
On a more serious note, covid has effected many and our family is no exception. Thank you for your prayers for Pastor Ross who was intubated and in ICU this summer. God healed Ross and this month he returned to the pulpit and is preaching once again! Bond’s brother Joe was hospitalized over 7 weeks ago and remains in ICU on a ventilator. He needs our continued prayers and a miracle.
Thank you for continuing to pray for our family and the Bible Colleges, churches, pastors, students and outreach ministries in Asia and Africa. Your support and partnership is having an eternal impact!
