Posts on Bond and Heather Gaona

WOW...Were We Wrong!

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:59:09 +0000

We were grateful this spring to have spent a few days in Oregon with the sweetest of friends who partner together in the work in Nepal. They are the real deal and it has been a joy to see the Lord use them to hike to the highest mountain tops and help facilitate those opportunities. It was a joy to hear the testimonies of just a portion of what the Lord is doing as we partner together, pray and take steps of faith to reach people on the highest mountain tops for Jesus! It was a joy to spend time together praying with the church and sharing stories of the great things God has done and is doing in Nepal and around the world. We share culture with them and they surely shared cowboy culture with us as Breanna got to ride a horse and we all learned how to brand a calf. It was a beautiful and perfectly timed visit in a season where we needed it most!

Mind Blowing Moments in 2024

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:27:37 +0000

As we close out 2024, we spend time after Christmas reflecting on the year and praying for what the Lord has in store for the new year as we anticipate God doing great things!

Mind Blowing Moments in 2024

Our family traveled to Nepal, S. Asia, Mexico, Ecuador and Peru twice this year to teach, minister, train, provide administrative instruction, missionary care and scout new works
Taught at Calvary Bible Institute (CBI) campuses in Joshua Springs, Peru, Nepal and S. Asia to equip the next generation of pastors, leaders and missionaries in their calling
Launched the CBI S. Asia campus building project which is nearing completion
On boarded 5 new full-time national missionaries in Nepal and S. Asia who are planting churches amongst the unreached
Took 12 Young Adults to Mexico and 23 to S. Asia this Fall
Hosted and apart of conferences in Mexico, Peru and Nepal. Highlight was Youth Conference in Nepal with 450 youth sitting on the floor listening intently to the Word.
Taught in-person, online, via zoom around the world and weekly to young adults that have a passion to see their generation reached for the Lord

Distributed study bibles, audio bibles, commentaries and gospel tracks to those who are hungry to learn the Word and get the gospel out
Breanna scored a goal in soccer at State Cup and won the speech meet for 4th grade
Bond’s heart is working great in 2024 after open heart surgery in 2023
Provided pastoral support and facilitated admin for 6 short-term teams that provided medical outreach, children’s programs and reached the highest mountain tops with the great news of Jesus!
Taught at South America Pastors & Missions Conference on our 25th wedding anniversary where 10 countries were represented and 400+ attended @ Calvary Trujillo
Served in leper colony, slums, villages, flood zones, street fairs, to widows and provided practical items to meet physical needs and share the love of Jesus with the hurting
Helped coordinate Christmas Outreach for 35 locations throughout Asia & Africa where majority were hearing the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus for the 1st time

We see God’s goodness over and over as we seek to obey Him and walk out His will daily. It blows our minds when we sit down to reflect and list out just some of the highlights from 2024. It is mind blowing to us that you are praying, supporting, financial partnering and reading this update right now. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the work of the Lord through our family and the army of saints we represent worldwide.

12 Who Changed the World

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 21:38:12 +0000

Often times, we are told “bigger is better” or “more is most important” and that is what we measure success by in our society. However, when we look at the life of Jesus we are reminded that he invested in 12 disciples. He taught, instructed and did life with 12 ordinary men that took the Gospel to all parts of the globe and literally changed the world!

We have done large gatherings and big things in the past and there will probably be a place for that in the future again, but in recent days we took a simpler approach. Spending the fall in Nepal, we planned our CC Pastors, Leaders and Wives Conference to be limited to those who have planted a Calvary Chapel, those who have graduated from Calvary Bible Institute (CBI) Nepal and are hosting a bible study and those who are sending students to CBI Nepal. We had 100 men attend the week long gathering where 4 pastors joined us from the states and taught through the book of Genesis focusing on core doctrines that are under attack in our world. As we looked around the conference, we knew each attendee in a personal way, which was such a powerful and intimate time of fellowship together. We were able to provide lodging, meals, commentaries, study bibles and gifts through generous supporters and several special donations, which we praise God for!

Celebrating 25 Years!!!

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:16:42 +0000

This past month, we celebrated 25 years of marriage!!! There is so much to be thankful for!

Worth Celebrating - God’s Faithfulness

When we think back over the years, they have been absolutely mind blowing and almost unbelievable had we not actually lived through them. We planted a church, survived surgeries, bought a home, cared for aging parents, grieved losses of family members, got promotions, quit our jobs and sold everything we owned to move overseas as missionaries, lived in Asia and Africa in villages and cities in unreached nations, blessed with a daughter after 16 years of marriage, rejoiced at countless weddings, shared the gospel, discipled more than we can count, established Bible College campuses, sent out national church planters, hiked the Himalayas, enjoyed making memories on vacations, hosted teams and hundreds who come alongside to minister with us in slums, orphanages, leper colony, schools, churches and our passports have stamps from 22 countries as proof of the hundreds of flights we have boarded to spend our lives serving Jesus! We have met the most amazing people around the world that we now call friends/family and we have done it all TOGETHER!

Best Place to Be...

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 19:46:10 +0000

Where is the best place to be? For us this spring, it was with Gen Z. Who is Gen Z you may ask? Gen Z are those who are currently 18 – 27 years old. Wow – they have energy, life, zeal and they have their whole lives ahead of them. That is what is so exciting because they are also hungry to know God, to be discipled and they are open and willing to GO and serve the Lord wherever He may call them. The best part is, we get a front row seat to invest in the next generation and that has always excited us and still brings us great hope for the future of the ministry from the US to Nepal to Africa and to the ends of the earth.

No Turning Back!

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:40:58 +0000

We stand in awe at all the Lord is doing in our lives and around the world. We want to thank you for your prayers, support and steadfast commitment to partner together with us to see the verse “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 become a reality!

An Unforgettable Year !

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:21:22 +0000

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!

Returning To Our First Love

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 23:24:53 +0000

Africa! To some it may sound scary, dangerous or full of disease. But to us, it is the first place we traveled overseas 15+ years ago where the Lord opened our eyes to the great needs in the world both spiritually and physically and it forever has our hearts. It was in Midigo, Uganda (a 95% Muslim community) where we fell in love with the people and beauty of Africa in the midst of some of the most extreme poverty and spiritual darkness on earth and God called us to GO!

Gaona's On The Move

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:46:12 +0000

God is on the move and so are the Gaona’s! After Bond’s open-heart surgery in March, we did not know what the future would hold or if we would be able to travel as planned this spring / summer. But, we are thrilled to share that Bond was cleared for take-off just 6 weeks after surgery and we want to thank you all for your prayers as God heard and answered quickly. After an unexpected curveball earlier this year, we were reminded that time is short and with a new lease on life we are even more committed to being spent for the Lord and see the Great Commission fulfilled in and through our lives. We are running hard and it is a great joy to be spent for Jesus. We are thankful beyond words to be your missionaries and for your prayers, as we partner together to reach the nations with the good news!

Changed Hearts & Heart Surgery

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 03:17:46 +0000

The semester and year have been off to a great start! The bible college campuses at CBI Nepal and CBI S. Asia opened in February with a new batch of young adult’s eager to learn and be trained in the Word of God.

Bond has been thrilled to teach weekly into the CBI S. Asia campus as there are 12 men eager to learn and grow and be trained as the next generations of pastors and leaders. These men desire to reach India where there are 1,245 people groups labeled as unreached meaning that there is less than 2% that follow Jesus Christ. Why do we do what we do? Why is it important to invest our time and energy into these young men and women living amongst unreached? God’s love compels us to see the Gospel go forth to every nation, tribe and tongue!

The Triple Threat

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 08:40:40 +0000

What a phenomenal year 2022 has been! Together we have taken ground and defeated darkness. We make it complicated, but God makes it so easy as is outlined in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The triple threat is a person who is proficient in three important skills within their particular field and brings fear to the enemy, opponent or opposition. We like to think as a family of three, God has given us three important tasks to defeat the powers of darkness that continue to rule and enslave people in the 10/40 window. We have been entrusted to preach, teach and help plant nationally lead bible teaching churches and establish bible colleges in remote regions of the world.

Seeing the Impossible

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:54:33 +0000

During our time of lockdown in S. Asia, a co-labor and pastor was taken to the police station and beaten for his faith. We spent 6 weeks not sure where we would get food, wondering what would happen as our visas were revoked and the world was in crisis. As you may remember, the US Embassy finally offered an emergency flight from S. Asia after the whole world had already been evacuated. Given the circumstances at that time, we were not able to see our dear friends and pastors as we departed. It was heart wrenching and unsettling but it was a greater danger to the ministry if we stayed since police were visiting the home of every foreigner….so we departed.

Decade to Remember & Keeps Getting Better

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:01:13 +0000

In March 2012, we were sent out as full-time missionaries! This month marks 10 years of bringing the Gospel and teaching the Word of God throughout Asia and Africa with the goal of reaching the unreached and church planting in remote regions of the world.

It’s been a DECADE of God’s faithfulness, favor and provision beyond anything we could have hoped and prayed. We know Jesus is worth it all and He has gone before us in EVERY facet of our lives and ministry. Much of the reason we were able to do so much in a short time is because of you…..our incredible friends, family, churches and partners. You have prayed, encouraged, visited, supported financially and stood with us on throughout the last 10 years. Some of you have been with us since day one and some of you we met along the way and all of you are dear to us and we praise God and remember you in our prayers. Thank you for all you have done to make it possible!

Celebrating Exceedingly Abundantly

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 08:22:33 +0000

After many months of teaching online classes and holding zoom meetings, we were thrilled to return to South Asia last month. We knew much had changed since the pandemic, but we are overjoyed to share all the Lord is doing. We visited several churches, the bible college, outreach ministries, sat with each of the pastors, met with those who desire to plant churches and began making plans to see the ministry expand. God is doing exceedingly abundantly and we want to share with you!

What is the Special Ingredient?

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 04:53:45 +0000

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!

Lockdowns Bring New Resolve

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:45:57 +0000

Yes…lockdowns are still a thing. In much of Asia and Africa, these past few months have brought another round of strict lockdowns and continued suffering for millions of people. We were scheduled to fly to S. Asia in early summer with flights booked, visas in hand and loaded suitcases packed full of ministry supplies. Two days before our departure, we were notified that the airport had shut down, vehicles were prohibited on the roads, schools / businesses / churches all closed and S. Asia once again entered a severe lockdown that is further shuttering the country.

On the Bright Side With Breanna

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 20:11:36 +0000

It’s me Breanna and it’s that time of year when I take over the blog. Guess what? I got a new passport! After 5 years with a passport picture as a 7 day old baby…it expired. My old passport was filled with stamps from many different countries where I have friends and I am sure the next one will get filled up as well. With a new passport in hand and new visas, our family will be boarding a plane soon heading to Asia. It seems like we have been waiting FOREVER due to the sickness, but God has made a way to GO again!

Year End Rejoicing

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 04:26:40 +0000

In a year riddled with cancellations, sickness, shutdowns and discouragements, we still have reason to rejoice because God has not changed and is still on the throne! This past week, we had the opportunity to reflect back over the year and praise God for how He met us in our times of fear and uncertainty and how He turned that into trust and faith over and over again.

“Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You. When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2

The Miracle of Multiplication

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 06:31:20 +0000

Preparing and Multiplying Missionaries

We closed out the summer as a family by traveling to Mexico to teach at the Calvary School of Missions. While the flight was much shorter than our usual, we were welcomed by an energetic group of young adults that continued to preserve even during shut downs! Although most things were canceled, it was a huge blessing to be a part of the school that prepared future missionaries for when the world opens up again.

Sojourning Into A New Season

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 02:43:59 +0000

When corona virus hit, there were so many unknowns in the world and in our lives personally. Would we be able to travel from S. Asia to Nepal for graduation as planned? Would we have enough food to endure the extended lockdown? Would we even be able to get out of S. Asia? Would we get selected for the evacuation flight back to the USA? Where would we stay when we returned? What would our lives and ministry look like moving forward? We know each of you have your own list of schedule changes, canceled plans, disappointments and questions about what the future holds in the midst of this pandemic, since it has literally effected the entire world and we are right there with you.

Covid Causes Starvation

Sun, 31 May 2020 00:13:12 +0000

This past month, while we had planned to be in S. Asia we actually found ourselves in So. California helping to coordinate relief efforts that reached hundreds there in remote villages.

God’s Sovereign Hand

We see God’s sovereign hand in having us stateside as we have continued to help coordinate food relief around the world. The national pastors and their wives continue to share about the devastation and starvation that has set-in as lockdown in S. Asia goes on 69 days now and is expected to continue. No work = no money and that means NO FOOD for millions. There is also a hopelessness, desperation, and fear of the unknown that has plagued people worldwide and we think to ourselves, Is it possible to make an impact?. The answer is YES! God cares for each individual and that means He cares about each ONE that is suffering.

Evacuation & Relief

Sun, 03 May 2020 02:02:27 +0000

After three weeks of lockdown in S. Asia, we received an email from the US Embassy requesting that we depart due to the Covid-19 pandemic on an evacuation flight. It was an unexpected and sudden turn of events as we had hunkered down and prepared for the long haul knowing that the lockdown could last awhile in S. Asia. There was so much planned for the remainder of the spring semester, but with the entire world closed, we trusted Proverbs 16:9 which says…. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Love From Lockdown

Sat, 02 May 2020 20:49:42 +0000

In the past month, as is the case with most of our friends in America and Africa…all of Asia has shut down and went into complete lockdown. No flights, no trains, no buses, no driving, no school, no one is allowed out of their home except to get groceries during a scheduled few hours. There are typically noisy streets filled with horns, motorcycles, vehicles and loud voices all day and now it is a quiet hush as people huddle in their homes. The police are out in force for anyone who does not obey!

Crash, Lightening, Corona…Oh My!

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:43:59 +0000

In the past month, we have been in a motorcycle accident, our guesthouse was struck by lightning (left with no power for days in freezing temperatures), and the countries of S. Asia have all been closed due to the corona virus. Joshua 1:9 has been ringing loudly in our lives this past month with the encouragement to “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

From So. CA to the Snowy Himalayan Mountains

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 16:40:08 +0000

For the past 3 years, we have flown South for the winter and much to our surprise the Lord rerouted us to begin this new decade. Due to some additional requirements for the campus in South Asia, it was best that a few of the local nationals work those details out before our family or any visitors return. We have been reminded during this season that Proverbs 16:9, says “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Breanna Closes Out the Decade

Sat, 28 Dec 2019 01:29:35 +0000

While I am only 4 ½ years old, before we close out this decade I thought I would share some final thoughts. I have learned a lot this year and I even know how to spell and write my name now….that’s B R E A N N A.

Can I help?

I became a helper this year. I am continually asking my parents if I can help them. I loved when my mom gives me tasks to set-up coffee, tea and snacks for the weekly gathering of women who meet at our home to study the bible in Nepal. I like to pass out papers to the students in English class and food to our guests in S. Asia. I gave notebooks to kids in the community and in the slums. I assisted my dad with several building projects and I now have my own tool belt. But, my most favorite place to help is at the medical clinics that my family gets to be a part of when we have visitors come. Last month, I got to help at the registration table and take vitals for the pastors that came to a conference and needed to see a nurse or doctor. In the past, I have just gone along with my parents but this year I asked if I could help and be involved in the action!

Impossible Things Happen

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:58:20 +0000

When you look on paper, November seemed crazy and nearly impossible….like what were we thinking? But, we knew that only God could divinely orchestrate such an incredible schedule this past month with:

3 teams totaling 30 people that headed to 2 villages
14 different people stayed at our home in Nov. (from 3 countries)
8 pastors from the USA visiting
125 Nepali pastors and leaders for a conference
14 trips to the airport
85 people at our home (homeschool group, ladies, pastors, friends)
4 medical clinics
6 outreaches in the slums / leper colony / villages
5 church plants visited
26 students finished classes this semester and served their hearts out
12 national staff rose to the occasion to host, cook, teach, coordinate, and lead
2 people who we could not have done without…the Garcia’s
and a partridge in a pear tree

That is a lot of moving parts, emails, food, travel arrangements, laundry, transportation and a lot of people who were ministered to and all because we have a great GOD who is in the business of doing impossible things!

Are You Ready?

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 16:48:00 +0000

Are you ready? It’s a question we often ask right before we leave the house. Ready or not, time is a precious gift and we have been challenged to make the most of each day here as we step out into the streets, roads and trails of Nepal. Generally speaking, we have two years with students, ten days with teams that come, and sometimes only a few minutes with shopkeepers and our desire is that we would be ready at all times to make the most of every opportunity. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity [make it count], because the days are evil.”

Happiness and Heartbreak

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 02:56:07 +0000

“ Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8

Calvary School of Missions

The Calvary School of Missions is a new program that provides teaching, training, ministry opportunities and internship for young adults who feel called to serve the Lord full-time on the mission field. We wished we would have had something like this before launching into the 100’s of unknowns that awaited us when we stepped out and began ministry in Asia and Africa. We had several mentors, but so much of what we have learned over the past decade was on the “job”.

Once In A Lifetime

Wed, 01 May 2019 01:09:45 +0000

This past month, we were gifted with the most amazing trip and we were able to join the Footsteps of Paul Tour with our dear friends from CTR. This year we celebrate 20 years of marriage and we are grateful to CTR for inviting us on this once in a lifetime trip! To stand in the very places where Paul shared the Gospel, taught the Word, appointed elders and encouraged believers in various locations left us in awe. When we first considered becoming full-time missionaries overseas and working in several countries, the Lord showed us that while it was not “traditional” it was in fact “biblical” as we read the life of Paul. As we journeyed through Greece (Athens, Corinth), Turkey (Ephesus), Crete, Patmos and a few other islands we were encouraged to stay the course.

Give Your Life Away

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 09:11:26 +0000

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.

Sharing With the Masses ~ Ministering to the ONE

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:31:08 +0000

Our friend Wesley and his family have been hosting an annual crusade in S. Asia in an area where they have been ministering for years. They had invited us last year, but the timing did not work out. But, this year they extended the invitation to us to come Feb. 8 – 10th and we were excited to be able to join with a team from the USA to be part of the “Jathra” which means “Gathering”. The crusade has grown to be a massive undertaking that happens over 3 days with 5,000+ people attending and camping on-site after traveling far distances to pray, worship and seek the Lord together. Wesley’s heart was that the Word would be taught and we were honored by the opportunity to share the Word.

Breanna's Year End Update

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 18:03:10 +0000

Breanna Gaona is my name and traveling the globe is my game! It’s been a whirlwind since I turned 3 years old this summer in Uganda and spent the fall in S. Asia and Nepal so I wanted to update you all as we close out 2018.

Do You See What I See? This summer in Uganda we were able to return and visit many of our friends that live in the BidiBidi Refugee Camp. We were able to host children’s programs each week for kids that live in the refugee camp and I made many new friends. We would walk hut to hut and invite all of the children to gather and sing praise songs and read a bible story together. Many have lost a parent and family members during the war in South Sudan, but they still find reason to sing with passion and joy.

Harvest Time in the Himalayas

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 15:43:43 +0000

Happy fall from Nepal! We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We know so many of you pray for our family, support us through your financial partnership and shower us with your love. We want you to know that we take time throughout the year and on Thanksgiving to ask the Lord to bless you for the tremendous gift you are to us and the ministry in Asia and Africa. Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” No matter what the past year has held, through difficult times, challenging circumstances, trials, health issues, changes in life…God is still good! We love that we have the opportunity to proclaim that in a country where many are still waiting to hear good news of great joy.

Back to School Blessings

Sun, 07 Oct 2018 10:25:03 +0000

The month of September sent students back to school in the states and it was no different for us in South Asia. Calvary Chapel Bible College South Asia campus is open, launched a new semester, and the staff welcomed new students from all over the country. We were also able to move into the newly built staff housing and begin using the classrooms, library and dining hall that were in the process of reconstruction throughout this past year. What was once only a dream has become a reality!

What We Stand For

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 09:12:55 +0000

We first met Dr. / Pastor Juventine and Elizabeth almost a decade ago on our first trip to Uganda. We were challenged by their example of leaving the city and forsaking a thriving medical practice to relocate to the “bush” to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of those living in Midigo (95% Muslim community). After 12 years of faithful ministry in Midigo that began under a mango tree, they turned over the church, school, and hospital to the hands of other capable servants to lead. They moved several years ago to the town of Soroti to start a new work (about 7 hour drive from Midigo in Eastern Uganda).

Endless Summer in Africa

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 07:14:13 +0000

When Heather was in the 5th grade she spent a week during the summer visiting neighbors who had moved from San Diego to Hemet, CA. The week she went to visit friends in Hemet, it was Vacation Bible School (VBS) at their church and she had never heard of it. It was at VBS that she first learned about Jesus and gave her life to Christ. At the time, she did not know how life altering that decision would be, but it set the course of her life forever.

Teach Your Heart Out

Sat, 21 Jul 2018 11:28:15 +0000

It is good to be back on African soil! We landed on the red dirt runway in Northern Uganda earlier this month on Breanna’s 3rd birthday and we have been going for it ever since. We did pause to celebrate our little girl after she recovered from jet lag with a birthday party filled with cake, games, balloons, presents and her Ugandan friends. It is an absolute honor to be her parents and watch as she navigates this life with such love, fun and joy! Thank you for the many ways you love and support our family and especially our sweet Breanna.

Meet The Dream Team

Sat, 14 Apr 2018 12:50:54 +0000

For those of you who are sports fans like us, you may remember the 1992 USA men’s Olympic basketball team, nicknamed the “Dream Team.” It was described by journalists as the greatest sports team ever assembled. During the Olympics held in Barcelona, the team defeated its opponents by an average of 40+ points as they went on to win the gold medal against Croatia. When the rules were modified to allow professional athletes, the team was stacked with Jordan, Pipen, Johnson, Stockton, Malone, Bird, Robinson and Barkley. They were the best of the best in the sport and it showed on the court as they brought home the gold medal.

Men In Skirts

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 11:05:28 +0000

Greetings from a town in South Asia that when translated into English is called “Gospel Town”. The word Gospel simply means “good news” and is a message of hope. It is the good news that Jesus Christ paid for our sins on the cross, was buried, and on the third day he rose again defeating death. Now through Jesus, we have access to heaven. This is good news for all the world, especially those who have yet to hear about our Risen Savior! We are excited to celebrate Jesus this Sunday with a Resurrection service in the newly completed sanctuary that was just finished today when the doors were installed.

Life Is Fragile

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 10:42:59 +0000

God’s Faithfulness - One Man’s Legacy

In Fall 2016, Bond visited South Asia with several pastors and met Joseph who shared his heart to see the work of the Lord continue on the land that was entrusted to him and his family. When we arrived last month in South Asia, Joseph’s health was failing and he was hospitalized. Bond was humbled to be able to visit Joseph in the hospital during his final days on this earth to assure him that God was honoring his legacy and the example that he had set forth. The next day at the age of 98, Joseph entered heaven and heard those words “well done, good and faithful servant”. It is rare to meet a family like the “K” family and a man like Joseph who gave his whole life to serve the Lord, help the community and gave everything he had to honor God. Please join us in praying for the “K” family and this community as they grieve the loss of their father / grandfather / neighbor who was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Christmas Comes to the Leprosy Colony

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 18:55:36 +0000

About a year ago, an opportunity opened up to visit a leper colony in Nepal and they welcomed us gladly since visitors to the compound are very few. The first bumpy bus ride to the outskirts of town was filled with thoughts that raced through our minds like “would we touch the lepers” and “how would we respond if someone wanted to shake hands”. But, knowing that these people are outcast from society and in desperate need of love….we didn’t want to miss what the Lord would have because it was outside of our comfort zone. We knew the stories in the bible where Jesus spent time with lepers, but we never thought that our lives would include hanging out at a leper colony.

A Reason To Celebrate

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 17:13:19 +0000

The evening news is heart breaking, the days we are living in seem dark, there are natural disasters everywhere and it is easy to focus on the negative. But this month we are choosing to celebrate and give thanks as Psalms 126:3 it says, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!” Celebrating Graduates in Nepal

This month we were able to celebrate with many of the students that graduated from Calvary Chapel Bible College Nepal. These men and women have completed the two-year course and it has been an honor to teach and serve with them. It was bitter sweet as we have grown to love each of them dearly, but yet we know God has a great plan as they are sent out. For the 1,000+ hours that they have committed to studying, the dozens of outreaches they have been a part of, for the handful of missions trips they have been on and for the countless hours they have served….we celebrate the great things God has done in their lives!

An Update From Breanna

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 19:40:45 +0000

My name is Breanna Gaona and I am 2 years old. I applied for a passport when I was a week old and arrived in India during my second month of life. I have traveled with my parents to India, Nepal, Uganda, China, Thailand, Dubai, and Mexico during the past 2 ½ years. I recently started talking, so I thought I would take a turn in sending an update from my vantage point.

Mission Impossible - Accomplished

Sat, 02 Sep 2017 04:00:26 +0000

To sum up our summer in three words….encouraging, fruitful and well spent. We were encouraged by the increase in the number of students that chose to attend the discipleship training for pastors and leaders in Midigo, Uganda. It was fruitful in that we were able to see children, refugees, high school students and elderly people come to Christ. Our time was well spent because the work in Uganda is growing and it is well positioned to seize the opportunity to reach the community, the refugee camps and the region with the Gospel. We felt spent for the Lord everyday as we laid our heads on our pillows exhausted in the best way possible. We remained healthy and strong in the Lord and we know it was a direct answer to many of your prayers. Thank you for lifting us up!

Greetings From The African Bush

Sat, 29 Jul 2017 18:14:25 +0000

Greetings from the African bush! After spending winter / spring in Nepal and visiting family, friends and churches stateside in May and June, we headed to Africa to serve for the summer. We arrived in Midigo, Uganda in early July with a BIG task:

1.Host School of Ministry / Discipleship Classes for Pastors and Leaders

2.Meet with the Promise Children sponsored in the area (414 kids & families)

3.Minister in the Sudanese Refugee Camp that is now home to 250,000+ people

Love Lived Out

Mon, 01 May 2017 15:12:55 +0000

We feel very blessed that over the years we have had wonderful men and women invest, disciple, mentor and pour the Word of God into us. From our formative years to college to church planting to serving on the overseas mission field there are countless people (so many of you reading this right now) who have spent the time, resources and funds to equip us. The precious people in the countries we minister in, haven’t had the same opportunities, teaching, or resources….until now! We find it such a great honor to give out freely all that has been entrusted to us.

An Army Rocks Nepal

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 17:18:46 +0000

We feel incredibly loved and honored to share in this life and ministry together with you. This past month, the world celebrated Valentine’s Day, which happens one day a year. But as you love and partner with us we are able to share the love of Christ with others throughout this past month and everyday of the year!

AN ARMY ROCKS NEPAL

When we visited Calvary the Rock in Northern CA last spring, we had no idea it would result in 31 people boarding a plane to come to Nepal and serve alongside us. An army loaded with 62 suitcases full of everything we had ever wished for in ministry and more descended upon our campus. They came prepared for the battle and although it was the most people we had ever hosted, we linked arms and went for it. We dreamt up all that we had burdening our hearts and the various people that we had desired to reach out to and this team was up for the challenge.

Five Years Flies By

Wed, 01 Feb 2017 14:08:34 +0000

It is hard to believe that it has been 5 years since setting out to serve the Lord full-time overseas in Asia and Africa. For some reading this, you have been with us since the beginning (that is 60+ email updates) and thankfully you are still reading. We thank you for sticking by us, supporting, encouraging, praying and cheering us on for what the Lord has done. For others reading this that we met somewhere along the way and the Lord ordained our lives and paths to cross and we are blessed to have you partner with us in this journey.

A Month To Remember

Sat, 31 Dec 2016 19:15:26 +0000

Our last month of the year in Nepal was a full sprint with a student missions trip, finishing classes, graduation, scouting trip to plant a church, Christmas outreach, hosting BWO team and jumping on a plane to fly home for Christmas. Psalms 40:5 says, “ Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works, which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” This is exactly how we feel as we look at the amazing things the Lord is doing throughout the world.

On The Front Lines

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 12:51:26 +0000

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

Secret Seal Team

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 02:45:56 +0000

It was difficult to leave Uganda last month and we both said, “I wish we had more time”. With Sudanese refugees flooding across the border by the thousands into Uganda, it was heart wrenching to get on the plane. Our hearts are burdened and we are praying earnestly. Promise Child is continuing to minister in the camp alongside the churches that are in the area where BidiBidi Refugee Camp is located. A small team will be returning next month to help put a long-term plan in place to reach these precious people with the Gospel and meet basic needs, which we are thankful for.

Expect the Unexpected

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 15:35:39 +0000

There is great joy in seeing churches planted and lives changed forever. It is a partnership. You send us. We send them. They send their own. The multiplication process begins slowly, but the effects are like a wave that sweeps a village and then a community and ultimately a nation for Christ. Be encouraged that disciples are being taught, pastors are planting churches and the next generation is being raised up to reach the ends of the earth in Africa. Bond was able to teach through the books of Matthew, Acts and Genesis with the pastors and ministry leaders this summer in Midigo, Uganda. Since there is no translation needed, it was 7 hours a day of teaching and the growth of the leaders was astounding as their minds and lives were challenged through the Word.

Fleeing To Uganda

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 10:28:19 +0000

This past month our precious Breanna celebrated her 1st birthday. She also learned to walk, which has been a fun season. The outpouring of love that was given to Breanna and our family while we were stateside blew us away. Breanna truly has been our joy this past year as she has circled the globe with us and shared her smile with people from the USA, Nepal, India and now Northern Uganda. As we reflect back on her first year of life, Breanna has met and made friends with orphan girls in Nepal, widowed mothers in India, pastors in the foothills of the Himalayas, and now with hundreds of Promise Children in Uganda. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, support, and care for our family that has made our first year as a family so remarkable…all glory to God!

A Month To Remember

Fri, 03 Jun 2016 07:18:56 +0000

We have spent the past several years investing in the lives of men and women at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Kathmandu, Nepal and Saving Grace School of Ministry in Northern India. It seems like yesterday that these schools and ministry campuses were just an idea we talked about in conference rooms in the USA. Starting new works seemed crazy, nothing we had money for and a long shot at best. But, we laugh that in our lack of experience God choose us to be part of something so amazing and much bigger than we ever envisioned. With huge amounts of faith, lots of prayer and a ton of support from churches / ministry partners like you, the Lord established these schools so that He would receive all the glory!

A Month of Many Firsts

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 23:00:33 +0000

What a spring! We have had many firsts and thought we would share just a few with you. First Resurrection Sunday Service at CC Kathmandu

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It was Easter Sunday and we had no idea what to expect. We invited the community, Bond prepared a message of our Risen savior, we prayed, purchased food and opened the ministry campus. Not sure why we were shocked, but the sanctuary was completely packed with Nepali people who came by bicycle, bus, scooter, motorcycle and by foot to celebrate Jesus and all He did for us. It was standing room only with many people sitting outside the doors because there simply was not enough room inside. The clerk from the store came, our neighbors came, the young guys who play basketball on our campus came, a group of young people from a children’s home came and we celebrated. Everyone heard the Gospel and several made a profession of faith for the first time. It was our first Resurrection Sunday service and it was one to remember.

What Took You So Long?

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:24:25 +0000

We had a blessed and busy whirlwind of a time in the states during Christmas and January. It was great to be able to celebrate and be with family, attend Missions Conference in Murrieta, host Dessert Gatherings in Orange Country and to see many of you who partner, pray and make it possible for us to continue serving another year! Our schedule for 2016 is to be in Nepal through May, mid-July – August in Uganda, fall months in India and finish our remaining visa days in Nepal towards the end of the year. As we start our 5th year as full-time missionaries, we cannot thank you enough and look forward with eager expectation at all the Lord has in store for us this year.

Transforming Lives Through Outreach

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 22:07:26 +0000

As we finished the semester in mid-November in Nepal and we concluded teaching classes, we turned our attention towards outreach. The definition of outreach is “to go too far” or “to reach out”. We took students, teams, doctors / nurses, construction workers and our ministry staff with us for outreach. We traveled by van, jeep, truck, motorcycle, helicopter and by foot and we made it our goal to go too far and reach out to the Nepali people.

It's All About People

Sun, 29 Nov 2015 10:02:41 +0000

On October 20th, we left India and headed to Nepal where we have spent the past month. It was our first time returning to Kathmandu since the earthquake that hit this country earlier in the year killing 10,000 people and leaving 450,000 people homeless. There has been much provided in the way of relief supplies during the aftermath of the earthquake for both victims (blankets, tarps, food, hygiene kits, sheet metal for new roofs) and for the ministry campus (a new truck that picked us up, off road motorcycle for hard to reach villages, staff, computer lab, library, student dorm improvements). It was actually quite overwhelming to us, the abundant blessing that has been poured out upon this place in a relatively short amount of time in the wake of such a horrible tragedy. Quite frankly, we were in shocked seeing it all with our own eyes for the first few days. We reflected back on our humble beginnings less than two years ago when the Lord provided this place and we were clearing trash, cleaning toilets and sitting in the dark at night praying for provision to feed the students that God brought to this place to study His Word. We began giving thanks for the outpouring of support, generosity and prayer that made all of these things possible.

Setting Fear Aside

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 20:13:23 +0000

It was one month ago that we boarded a plane bound for India. This time was different than times past because we now had our two month old baby girl Breanna with us. Prior to leaving, we heard all kinds of comments from well meaning people about taking our child overseas to a third world country. Most of them were filled with fear, worry and concern as was to be expected. Many of the things that were said to us had already crossed our minds as new parents…..questions like “what if she gets sick” and “what about her safety” and “what if she screams the whole flight and does not adjust to being overseas” and the list could go on.

A New Addition ~ Baby Breanna

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 04:32:54 +0000

After 15 years of marriage, we are excited to share with you that we are now parents! Our daughter, Breanna Mercy Gaona was born on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 11:58 p.m. After a long labor that spanned several days (50+ hours), she finally entered the world weighing 7 lbs 9 oz and was 21 inches long. We are so thankful for all of your prayers, which were answered, as she is healthy and beautiful.

Nepal Earthquake Brings Devastation & Hope

Wed, 13 May 2015 22:42:05 +0000

We celebrated the life of Bud (Heather’s dad) in March after he ended his battle with cancer. We then determined that it was best for Bond to return to Nepal to continue ministry and I would stay in Southern California for the remainder of the spring. There was much to take care of stateside with the remaining affairs and paperwork that had to be taken care of after losing both of my parents over the past 8 months.

My Dad (Bud) is in Heaven

Wed, 04 Mar 2015 03:52:42 +0000

In July 2014, my dad (Bud) was diagnosed with Leukemia. Doctors shared that it was a fast moving cancer, but they seemed optimistic early on about getting his cancer into remission and we knew that with God all things are possible! Over the course of the past 8 months, Bud spent 150+ days in the hospital and went through 5 rounds of intense chemo. As long as doctors gave him treatment options, he took the opportunity and fought hard. During this time, we had many heart to heart conversations, went on walks, spent much time praying together, shared with him that we were pregnant and had many celebratory dinners when he was be released from the hospital.

The Best Gift Ever and A Great Work

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 05:42:05 +0000

It was wonderful to spend Christmas and New Year’s in the states with our family and friends. The main reason we were glad to be home was to spend time with Heather’s dad (Bud) who continues to battle cancer. He remains hospitalized and is recovering from a fifth round of chemo and we continue to pray for a miracle. It was also great to have opportunities to share at several churches, attend and teach at conferences and tell many about the amazing things the Lord is doing throughout Asia and Africa. We felt welcomed and overwhelmingly loved by so many of you who faithfully pray and support us in ministry.

Gaona December Update

Sat, 27 Dec 2014 20:37:33 +0000

It is hard to believe that we have now completed our third year serving with Saving Grace World Missions and Promise Child. It would not have been possible without you, our faithful partners who have supported us and the ministry financially, prayerfully and with much encouragement. You have cheered us on as we have spanned Asia and Africa several times over. As we spent Thanksgiving in India, we set aside time to thank God for each one of you in our payers as we often do. May the Lord bless you for your generosity and sacrifice!

A Transformed Life ~ From Abuse to Love

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:24:06 +0000

After two months of serving apart (Bond in Nepal and Heather in So. CA), we were reunited at the airport in India earlier this month. We broke the unwritten cultural rule in India with our public display of affection…sorry we just couldn’t help it! We weren’t given much time, as we were reunited on a Sunday afternoon and we were scheduled to start teaching the following day at a conference.

Broadcasting the Good News

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 21:31:29 +0000

“Where in the world are Bond and Heather?” you might be wondering. It has been a different season for us, and the first time we are sending an update from both here and abroad. Bond is in Nepal and has been teaching and ministering there since early August. I am in So. California and have been working for the ministries that we partner with as well as caring for my dad (Bud) as he battles cancer. Last week, we received good news from the doctor that my dad is improving and the recent chemo treatment worked. There is still some leukemia remaining (less than 10%) and the doctor will monitor him on a monthly basis, but overall he is feeling good. Please continue to pray for Bud’s complete physical healing from the cancer and for emotional strength to move forward without my mom here. With this recent news and my dads blessing, I will be flying to India on October 10th and Bond will travel from Nepal to meet me there. We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this month and cannot wait to be reunited after two months apart. Serving the Lord together this fall in India never sounded so good!

Storms Raging in Summer

Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:32:30 +0000

Storms in the Summer

This summer has been a season of storms with the waves seeming to crash down one after another. Heather’s mom Janice went to be with the Lord on June 24th. One week later her dad Bud was taken to the emergency room complaining of pain under his arm. On July 1st he was admitted at the same hospital where our family had walked out a week prior thinking we would never return there again. He was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia shortly after and has remained hospitalized since that time.

My Mom is in Heaven

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 18:37:07 +0000

Dear Family, Friends and Partners in Ministry,

We returned from Nepal in the end of May and immediately went to visit my mom Janice who had been in and out of the hospital and skilled nursing rehab facilities since breaking her leg in three places back in February.

In mid-June it became apparent that her health was drastically declining and we began looking into long term care options. In the process, she became more ill, got another infection, was not eating much and was readmitted to the hospital on June 19. The following day the doctor recommended hospice as her body had already begun shutting down and there was nothing else that could medically be done for her.

The Call to Kathmandu

Sun, 27 Apr 2014 16:05:34 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

As we waited to move into the new campus in the capital city of Kathmandu, Nepal there was an open door for Bond, Ryan and Efrain to spend a week in the mountains in a rural village. It started with a 6-hour van ride followed by a two-hour hike with only their backpacks on. A brother from the East Coast shared that he had 30 pastors and leaders in a remote area, but had been unable to travel to teach them as much as he would like. It made for a wonderful opportunity to go and teach through the book of Acts and highlight how the early church shared the Gospel preaching wherever they went!

Medical & The Massive Needs

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 09:23:55 +0000

Dear Family & Friends,

When there are just two of us, it is difficult at times to host large outreaches as we simply lack the manpower, resources and many of the talents necessary to meet the endless needs we encounter. The past month in Nepal was a welcomed change for us as we joined with two short-term missions teams comprised of 33 people, representing 6 churches from 4 different countries.

Ordinary People ~ Extraordinary God

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 16:19:40 +0000

We are often asked the question, “which place is your favorite?” as we prepare tohead out for the year.The truth is we don’t have one. It is not a location that stands out in our minds, but it is the people that make each place special in our hearts. It is our national brothers and sisters that we love so dearly that make us long to return to a specific city, town or village. We have shared about many of them in our past updates and ask for your continued prayers as they bring the love of Christ to their own people in India, China, Uganda and Nepal.