When we look back over the past year, we marvel at all God allowed us to accomplish around the world as we partner together. Thank you for your steadfast support, prayers and love as we take the hope of the Gospel to the hardest to reach nations.
Overcoming Set Backs & Answered Prayer ~ Unforgettable
When we heard the unexpected words back in March that “Bond will have open heart surgery in a few days,” we were in shock. The morning of surgery he said, “well I either go to heaven or I make it through and God still has work for me to do.” We looked over our travel schedule for 2023 and thought this surgery was not a part of our plan as we were scheduled for Israel Tour, teaching at CBI Peru, Uganda in the summer and spending fall in S. Asia not to mention all of our other ministry responsibilities. We sent out the call for prayer and by God’s grace and hundreds of answered prayers, Bond’s surgery and recovery was miraculous! What should have taken many months only took a few weeks and after 6 weeks post-surgery, he was flying again to do the very thing he loves most. It has been unforgettable to us as we visited countries, colleges, churches and schools throughout the remainder of 2023 to be told by dear friends, students, pastors and complete strangers that they earnestly prayed and were astonished that Bond was well able to teach and preach in their country once again. Truly unforgettable and we give all thanks to God!
Huge Accomplishments in S. Asia ~ Unforgettable
We spent last month in S. Asia teaching at CBIN. We are excited to share with you that 10 students graduated after completing two years of studies and faithfully preparing for ministry. As Bond gave the graduation message, he commissioned them to step out in faith as they return to their villages to start bibles studies and plant churches in the future.
We also gathered many of the national pastors that have graduated and are now pastoring churches. Each of them represents a Bible teaching church where the Word of God is going forth in places where there was previously no church or Gospel witness. That is mind blowing to us and an encouragement that making disciples and sending out nationals reaches more people that our family could ever reach for Jesus. There are three new church plants this year with Pastor Laxman, Pastor Joseph and Pastor Nikesh who have been faithfully laboring in the central and far east parts of the country. We look forward to all God had in store for each of them. In a recent visit, the first baptism was held with 15 believers. There is a movement of God taking place in the Himalayas and we are thrilled that we get to be a part of it and so do you!
Around the World ~ Unforgettable Highlights of 2023
- Traveled to 5 countries to teach, disciple, encourage and support the ministry campuses
- 3 New churches planted in the Himalayas and 3 New bible study location started in S. Asia
- 13 Students graduated in the Himalayas and S. Asia
- Dozens of outreaches, conferences, in-country trips and 5,000+ reached with the good news
- Breanna turned 8 years old and we celebrated 24 years of marriage
- Launched 3 US interns to Uganda, Israel and S. Asia. Helped prepare 2 more heading to Peru soon
- Hundreds of bibles and loads of study bibles and commentaries distributed around the world
- 50+ churches in Asia & Africa thriving with national pastors teaching the Word
- Multiple CBI campuses protected from persecution as students are equipped for ministry
- Coordinated 7 teams going into unreached countries for teaching, medical outreach, conferences and evangelism. Led 2 teams to Peru and Uganda to serve Jesus and minister the Gospel!
- 1 New heart and extended life for Bond
We hope you have a Happy Christmas (as they say in Asia) and Blessed New Year! We are in awe of all God has done to make 2023 truly unforgettable! But we are also humbled by your generous support, faithful partnership, steadfast prayers and unforgettable love that has made all of this possible. Together we are impacting the world for Jesus!
With Love,
Bond, Heather and Breanna Gaona
