Dorothy and Wayne both grew up in Christian homes, accepted Christ as their Savior at an early age, and heard a lot about missions in their local churches. They met at Dorothy's home church. Since Dorothy felt called to be a missionary and Wayne to be a minister, they did not see how their lives could work out together.
However, during Wayne's second year at Cascade College, a small Christian college in Portland, Oregon, he also felt called to the mission field during a special missionary series. The next fall Dorothy transferred from Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa to Cascade. Wayne graduated in the spring of 1958, and he and Dorothy were married that August.
During that year they were contacted by the director of the EUB mission work in Brazil, who badly needed a treasurer on the field in Brazil.
They moved to Brazil in 1962. Their son, Marcello, was born in Brazil in 1963 and their daughter, Marcy, was born in Billings, Montana in 1965, when they were home on furlough. They served with the EUB mission board until 1967, when the EUB and Methodist churches united. There was no need for two treasurers in Brazil, so they returned to the United States.
Wayne became the business manager at ETS, and Dorothy worked as a teacher/director of a preschool. When ETS planned to unite with Garrett Theological Seminary, Wayne was invited to work at the United Methodist Church's General Board of Pensions, so they moved to Evanston, Illinois, in 1973. In 1979, Dorothy was invited by President Merlyn Northfelt to become his administrative assistant at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Wayne retired after 20 years at the Board of Pensions.
Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary is one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries supported by the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment of the United Methodist Church.
Dorothy and Wayne never forgot their call to missions. Dorothy served on the missions committee in every church they attended. While still employed, they made a Volunteer in Mission (VIM) trip to Chile. After retirement the Bondurants made VIM trips to Romania and Zimbabwe and a study tour of Indonesia.
When asked to recall her most vivid memories of Garrett-Evangelical, Dorothy spoke of the commitment, talent, and leadership of both presidents she worked with; the chapel services with beautiful organ and vocal music and inspiring sermons; and working closely with a devoted and able board of trustees. And, of course, the students. "The students made a strong impression upon me, as I saw the sacrifices they made to come to seminary, how many of them struggled to make ends meet, and their deep dedication and commitment to their callings."
Since retiring from Garrett-Evangelical, Dorothy has taken out several significant gift annuities with the seminary.
Reflecting on their years together in mission, Dorothy stated, "I thank God for the call to missions so many years ago. I am thankful for the experiences we had with the wonderful people of Brazil. I am thankful for the employment Wayne and I both experienced for the church and for the many opportunities God provided for us through the years to continue to serve both here at home and overseas. I am thankful for Jesus Christ, salvation, and grace for each day." Garrett-Evangelical, in turn, is extremely thankful for these two faithful missionaries for Jesus Christ-and their outstanding commitment to help prepare others who will share the transformative love of Christ today and well into the future.
excerpt from a story from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary website, Evanston, IL
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Ministerial Education Fund is at the heart of preparing people for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The 13 United Methodist seminaries help students to discover their calling through the challenging curriculum. The fund enables the church to increase financial support for recruiting and educating ordained and diaconal ministers and to equip annual conferences to meet increased demands. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
