LUM Volunteer of the Month – Ashley Bonnes
LUM Volunteer of the Month – July 2024
Lafayette Urban Ministry is delighted to honor the Rev. Ashley E. Bonnes as the Volunteer of the Month for July. Ashley’s commitment and remarkable contributions have made a significant impact on our community and the lives of those LUM serves.
Originally from Jarvis, Ontario, Canada, Ashley now calls Marion, Michigan her home. Her educational journey began at Hamilton District Christian High, followed by earning a Bachelor of Social Work from Calvin University, Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, and Master of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary. She currently serves as the co-pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church with her husband, the Rev. Mark Bonnes, and recently became a trained spiritual director.
Ashley has been an integral part of LUM for more than 10 years as a LUM board member & officer and passionate advocate for the LUM Immigration Clinic and the annual Hunger Hike (pictured). Even though Ashley & Mark have moved to Michigan, they continue to be engaged with Lafayette Urban Ministry. Most recently, Ashley has served as a volunteer LUM Camp counselor for the past three years along side Mark, who served as the LUM Camp chaplain. At LUM Camp this past week, she and Mark played pivotal roles in guiding and supporting the campers, ensuring they had a memorable and enriching camp experience. Ashley was available to offer counsel to anyone in need, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being of both campers and staff. Ashley showcased her exceptional dedication and passion for serving others, especially children (pictured below).
When reflecting on “what she values in volunteering with LUM,” Ashley shared that,
I have pride in the amazing staff and volunteers at LUM; and I’m greatly encouraged by the kingdom work that LUM does in Lafayette and surrounding area.
She added that,
Often when we think about volunteering we think about how we’re going to serve others and love them. Volunteering with LUM might surprise you — as you’ll likely receive as much love, from staff/other volunteers and clients, as you had hoped to give. And LUM Camp is such a great example of that over and over again.
Ashley shares her life with her husband and fellow pastor, Mark, and their two children, Tucker (9) and Hadley (7). Their family also includes their lively two-year-old springer spaniel, Demi. Together, they enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, pedal boating, fishing, and watching free movies at their local theater. Ashley also finds joy in swinging in her hammock with a good book and taking Demi for walks through the woods.
Ashley’s dedication, compassion, and selfless service have made her an invaluable part of the LUM family. Join us in thanking Ashley for her continuous support of LUM. Volunteers like Ashley are the cornerstone of LUM, and we are honored to celebrate her as the Volunteer of the Month for July 2024.
If you are inspired by Ashley’s story and would like to volunteer with LUM, check out the LUM website or call or email the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).