A farewell letter from Abby Guinness

There are some things I’m not too bad at. But it turns out, I’m definitely not good at keeping a contacts list or address book. Don’t tell anyone, but for fifteen years I have relied on a rarely cleaned out email inbox.

As I leave my role as Head of Spring Harvest, I can’t see any way to say thank you and farewell to all the people I want to acknowledge in this moment without missing someone important, and so I am writing an open letter to you all.

I first served on team (as an actor) at Spring Harvest in 2003. Since 2005 I have never missed a year. I’ve been employed by Essential Christian since 2010. I’m by no means the longest serving cog in the wheel, but what an honour. Working here has shaped me in so many ways. I am grateful for the ways I have encountered God, but I am also hugely grateful for the impact of the incredible people I have had the joy to meet and learn from.

Spring Harvest is utterly collaborative in seeking God’s kingdom. The Essential Christian Board, the Head Office team, the Planning Group, the contractors, the army of volunteers, those who give and pray, the partners, the guests and everyone who loves it.

I can’t imagine ever having better people around me and I know I’m mad to leave a workplace where I am blessed to work with friends like these. Thank you all for your support, for being so kind, gentle and patient. You have shown me the fruits of the Spirit in bucketloads. My heartfelt thanks are due to all of you for your part in that. For every ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in its place, every word of encouragement, every gift given, every minute volunteered, all the honest feedback, the countless prayers – thank you.

The memories are endless, there has been so much laughter, and there are thousands of testimonies of God at work that still choke me up every time. I am daunted by the prospect of untangling myself from this beautiful ministry, but I am glad to be making room for new energy and ideas. I may have the joy of being at future events in a different capacity and I’m sure I’ll turn up as a guest. 

The next step in my working life is not yet clear but I feel called to make space for it and I trust God for the future. I am truly delighted to hand over to Jo Moir who will be leading the Spring Harvest team. The selection process has been prayerful and rigorous and I feel full of hope and peace in the appointment. I’m sure you will enjoy getting to know her. I pray she will experience as much joy as I have.

The Apostle Paul always put it well when he said farewell, so I leave you with this until we meet again.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11

Meet Jo Moir here:
https://www.springharvest.org/events/news/new-head-of-spring-harvest-appointed