Family

In June of 1969 I began my ministry as an evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene with credentials from the Chicago Central District. After traveling single for two years, I was invited to be the youth evangelist at a revival meeting in Marion, Ohio where I met Lisbeth Roth who would become my wife on April 15, 1972. We began our ministry together with Beth playing the piano and singing with me as we traveled holding revivals and camp meetings. We lived on the road in a variety of travel trailers and finally a GMC bus which became home for our two daughters, Julie and Joy. Beth enjoyed teaching the girls as we traveled through out the U.S. and Canada. Eventually our girls needed to stay in one spot while they finished high school. The Lord blessed us with the ability to build a comfortable home in Sturgis, Michigan. While the girls attended high school, Beth finished her teaching degree at Western Michigan University and graduated, "Summa Cum Laude" and later finished a Masters degree in reading at WMU. Since 1994 Beth has been teaching in the Sturgis Public Schools and continues to serve in the music ministry at Sturgis Nazarene Church. Julie and Joy have both finished college and are now both engaged in their careers. Julie is a lawyer working at the State Department in Washington, D.C. and Joy is in Boca Raton, Florida working for FINRA as an account examiner. I am coming up on forty one years as an evangelist and still have a strong passion for this ministry that God has called me to. I am truly blessed to have a godly wife and wonderful family. I have also been encouraged by all the many pastors, church leaders and saintly laymen that the Lord has allowed me to fellowship with these many years.

I hadn't told my first graders it was almost my birthday, but when a very sweet Mom of one of my students brought a decorated cake to the teachers' lounge during lunch, they caught on. "Mrs. Bond, is it your birthday?" they buzzed as we walked back to our room. I told them my birthday would actually take place during Spring Break, so the cake was a little early. "Not only is it my birthday in April," I explained, "but it's also my anniversary!" "What's that?" my students chorused. "That's when I married Mr. Bond," I replied. Scott sat back in his chair, a big grin crossing his face. "Man, you live one lucky life!" he said. Children often say things simply, but with such truth. I am very blessed, and I am determined to live with a grateful heart each and every day. I'm thankful for the many blessings God has given me--for every birthday, and for people who love me and celebrate them with me. God is good...all the time.

After spending six years in the capitol city, Washington, D. C. truly feels like home to Chris and me. We recently moved to a new home--just six blocks from our former residence, but not without the hassles of moving!--and are enjoying getting to know "new" neighborhood shops and restaurants. Having previously lived in a sub-basement condo, we love the views from our large living room windows! Chris continues to enjoy his work in commercial real estate and we are both counting the days until he graduates from his part-time MBA program at the University of Maryland. Following my graduation from law school in 2006, I recently completed a one-year clerkship and am working as a federal government attorney. We have a wonderful church home at the First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D. C., there The Reverend Doctor Jim Somerville and his wife Christy have made us feel as though we've always belonged. We are serving as greeters this year, so please visit if ever in the area! Having had the privilege of growing up as an evangelist's kid ("EK" for those prone to acronyms), witnessing Mom and Dad's ministry throughout my childhood and now into adulthood and being part of First Baptist Church, I recognize the fundamental importance of the ministry of those called by God into His service. It is from this perspective that I offer my sincere thanks for your support of Gary Bond Ministries. Warmly,

Hello Everyone – my how time flies! It’s hard to believe we are in 2010. I will have been in Florida for 5 years this summer. I am reminded of that every trip I make back home this winter; my how the blood thins! All joking aside, it is always so great to come back home to spend time with family and friends.

Life in Florida has been quite busy. I still work for FINRA and have been involved in several interesting work projects. Aside from work I have really enjoyed watching Nuggett, now 6 years old, grow into the barn favorite. In order to do so he has had to give up digging holes and stealth biting; both of which I am very grateful! We’ve started to take jumping lessons and are working our way into competitions. The Florida winters are perfect for horse shows.

Thanks to Dad’s mechanic knowledge and keen sense of a good vehicle I now have my own truck in which to haul Nuggett to shows with. It was spectacular to have been able to have Dad help me find and drive the truck down to Florida; we enjoyed many good meals on the way! I never sleep better than when I’m in the car (truck) and he’s driving. Must be from the bus days.

I have so many great memories from the road and all the revivals and camp meetings we were blessed to be a part of. In these trying times it is so good to hear back from Dad about all the revivals and camp meetings that are still going strong out there. Thank you for all of your prayers and love.

Joy and Nugget