before cornerstone bible church in durham

“We decided that no man could add or take a day from our lives. Many of their friends began to urge them to come home. As they wept at the loss of American life, the people of Lebanon celebrated on the streets with joy. Their calling was tested in the dark days following September 11, 2001. She fell in love with the women who came to the clinic, and God began to use her in some remarkable ways. While Gary served the church, Bonnie began to work at a Christian prenatal clinic which offered medical services to Palestinian refugees. God provided them with numerous opportunities to serve the Muslim community around them.Īs their Arabic improved, they were able to engage more people in Gospel conversations. In late 2000, they moved to Sidon, in Lebanon, and began serving a local church while they learned Arabic. Love, Mike.” And, that’s exactly what they did. His friend replied: “Go to the Middle East and eat sand. One day, Gary was whining to a friend in an email about the lack of ministry opportunities. God led them back into partnership with Operation Mobilization, but there weren’t any openings to serve on the ships. After a season of employment in secular business, they surrendered to God’s missional purpose as a couple. Gary and Bonnie were married in April 1997, and soon they were seeking God’s will about life and ministry. Following a mission trip to the Philippines, Bonnie committed to a missional lifestyle. She spent many summers serving on mission teams and projects, so Bible college was a logical next step in her Christian development.

Bonnie grew up in the country near Vancouver, WA. While there, Gary met Bonnie Penner, a beautiful young woman who would become his wife. After serving in that way for several years, he was invited to attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Ultimately, he joined Operation Mobilization and began serving on one of their ships, as they traveled around the world providing books and hosting mission events. After a season of rebellion, he committed his life to the fulltime service of Christ. Gary Witherall grew up in Crawley, England, and professed faith in Jesus as a boy.

Before cornerstone bible church in durham