“He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’
—Matthew 20:7
Dear Friends of APUMC,
Greetings from Tanzania!
I am in the Atlanta airport at the moment, but by the time you receive this, I will be getting ready to visit with the faculty and students of Wesley College in Mwanza, TZ. It has been nearly 7 years since I last made this trip in 2018. I am eager to see the growth and development of this mission of training highly competent individuals for Christian leadership and service to their communities in East Africa. I look forward to sharing more of their story when I return.
Meanwhile, I did not want to miss the opportunity to offer a word of praise and thanksgiving for two very special servant leaders at APUMC. As many of you know, Bonnie and David Chang will be moving at the end of this month to be closer to their immediate family. We rejoice with them for the opportunity to do so and trust that it will be a great blessing for them in the long run. Nevertheless, we must also acknowledge that we will miss them greatly!
As a member of our Staff Parish Relations Committee, David was one of the very first to welcome me back to APUMC. He has also been a regular sojourner in our Monday morning men’s group. David’s keen insight, wit and wisdom have been a treasure to that weekly gathering. When David speaks, we listen!
With the quiet strength of humility, David has organized efforts and recruited folks to glean produce for the good of others. He’s also served as an expert tree trimmer around the church parking lot when no one else was looking.
Likewise, Bonnie is deeply appreciated and revered for her generous contributions of time and talent. If you’ve ever walked our church grounds and stopped to smell the flowers or simply marvel at their diversity and splendor, then you can be certain that our little corner of God’s creation was watered, loved, and nurtured by Bonnie Chang. By her own volition and inspiration, she has spent countless hours cultivating this soil as an act of quiet devotion and discipleship.
Or, if you’ve ever admired some of the most ornate and vibrant offerings of our prayer shawl ministry, there is a good chance that it came from the hands and heart of beloved Bonnie.
These are just a few of my observations over the last year. These two are more than just talented—great is their faithfulness!
I know that many of you have your witness as well. I am grateful for the multiple signs of love and appreciation which have been prepared in their honor.
Granted, we will not pretend that the Changs are replaceable. Clearly, they have answered the call to care for this particular vineyard. What an example they have set for the rest of us! God bless you, David and Bonnie, in the next chapter of your journey. Your time with us has been a tremendous gift to our lives.
This church of ours is filled with saints. We are all better for the chance to share in this life together!
Traveling mercies for us all!
Darren