Bonnie Hollabaugh joined The Foundation for Evangelism staff in January as the vice president for development. She’s a native Memphian, and has held development positions with World Methodist Evangelism, Christ Community Health Services, Hutchison School, and Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.
On a recent visit to the Foundation’s Lake Junaluska, N.C., headquarters, we asked Bonnie some questions to get to know her better.
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing in your personal time?
I love to cook, so I enjoy having small gatherings at my house to try new recipes.
I love the sunshine, so being outside in nice weather is wonderful. I enjoy activities such as riding my bike, kayaking, hiking, and skiing – both snow and water.
Spending time at our family’s lake house on Lake Martin in Alabama is my favorite place to relax. I’m a big blues and classic rock fan, and love listening to live music and going to concerts. I also love a good adrenaline rush!
How have you seen God at work in your life recently or memorable moment in the past?
Truly, every day I see God at work in my life. From a beautiful sunset on a tough day, to an “unlikely coincidence,” to a timely job offer, to a snowstorm that allowed me to buy my first house, to the way my wonderful father passed away, God has shown me He is right there, looking out for me and caring about my life.
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – is a significant and meaningful verse for me. I truly believe it!
Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?
I’m stirred by what happens in Matthew 15 in the story of Jesus walking on the water and Jesus calling Peter to get out of the boat and come to him. Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and went towards Jesus. However, when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid, and as he began to sink, he cried out to the Lord. The Bible says “immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” I love the certainty that whenever we call out to Jesus, he is there and reaches out his hand to hold us and steady us. This scenario is so meaningful to me because although we all start off trusting, so often our faith falters at the first sight of trouble. Peter had faith and began walking on the water towards Jesus; he was fine until he sensed trouble and then he lost faith. The wonderful message here is that it says “immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” Jesus is always there for us and the only one who can save us. Trust in Him always!
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about connecting people to their passions. Meeting people, hearing about their interest, and then being able to connect them with a person or organization to help further that passion is a true joy for me.
From an early age I was exposed to volunteering and the importance of helping others in a meaningful way. Volunteering allows you to understand the human need for belonging as well as the fact that building relationships sparks innovation and creates opportunities. I think my years of volunteer service as a young person led to my passion for connecting people, which led me to my career in fundraising.
What is something that you’d like the Foundation family to know about you?
I am incredibly excited to be part of the team and am ready to put my skills and my love of Jesus to work so the Foundation can continue to empower gospel leaders, laity, and churches to share God’s hope and salvation with their communities.
Bonnie is based in Memphis, Tenn., and will regularly join the Foundation’s team at their North Carolina headquarters. She looks forward to connecting with and getting to Foundation’s donors and partners.
Connect with Bonnie at bhollabaugh@foundationforevangelism.org or by phone at (828) 454-6800.
