Pastor Travis Kwon
Dear Apple Creek family,
There are certain moments in life that remain with us quietly, even as time passes. We do not try to hold onto them, and yet they return to us gently, almost on their own, like memories that revisit us at the right time.
For me, one of those moments is September 9, 2023, the Sabbath when I first began my ministry here at Apple Creek. I remember standing before you, doing my best to appear calm and composed, while inside I was carrying more nervousness than I expected, and perhaps to you I may have seemed unpolished in many ways, still learning and still trying to find my place.
To be honest, I am someone who takes time to grow close to people, and because of that, I was especially careful and reserved in the beginning, unsure of how quickly I should step forward or how much of myself I should reveal.
Perhaps that was not the most natural temperament for a pastor, and in many ways, it may have revealed my limitations. Yet instead of judging me or expecting more from me too quickly, you quietly gave me something I did not even realize I needed—you gave me time, you covered my weaknesses, accepted me as I was, and welcomed me not as a stranger, but as part of your family.
As those early days became months and those months became years, I found myself slowly opening my heart, and without even realizing it, I was no longer trying to catch up, but simply walking together with you, sharing in the life and journey of this church.
Looking back now, I truly believe that it was your kindness and your love that sustained me and allowed me to continue in ministry, because more than anything I brought, it was the warmth of this community that carried me forward.
Serving here at Apple Creek has been a deep joy to me, and something I will always carry with gratitude and quiet pride, and though I know I had many shortcomings, I am deeply thankful that I was given the privilege to serve this church and to stand among those who have faithfully led it before me.
Now, the time has come to bring this chapter of two years and eight months to a close, and like the people of Israel in the wilderness who would pack their tents and move whenever the pillar of cloud led them, I also sense that it is time for me to leave this place I have come to love and to follow where the Lord is now leading.
There is still a sense of longing in my heart, and part of me wants to look back again and again, but I know that I should not remain there too long, and so I choose instead to set my eyes forward and continue walking, trusting that this is the right way to move on.
Perhaps that is the most fitting way to say goodbye, not by holding on too tightly, but by letting go with trust and with peace.
I believe that our paths may cross again someday, in another place and at another time, in ways we cannot yet see, and until that day comes, please know that I will carry each of you with me, with gratitude and affection.
This is my final greeting to you as your pastor at Apple Creek.
I love you, and I look forward to the day we meet again in heaven.
Your little pastor,
Travis Kwon