Pastor Jonathan’s Weblog

Last week, I went down to Alameda to visit my best friend, Tony, who was recovering after a surgery (he got his appendix removed). I grabbed some takeout from Sushi House (”Fuji’s of Alameda” but alas, not a buffet) and ate an oishi lunch together at his house. We got caught up on things going on in our lives (he works in SF and serves at Gracepoint Fellowship Church) — the time spent was so short, but so sweet…

I remember my first time meeting Tony at church when he transferred into UC Berkeley in 1987. He immediately got connected with our class peers, and soon, he was the one planning for our birthday parties and get-togethers. He’s quite an organizer and he brought an infusion of life and excitement in our college days — we were quite a boring and lethargic bunch before Tony came along!

Interestingly, he’s got the exact same personality type as my wife. Many times, when I just cannot understand Susanna, I talk with Tony and he’s able to help me see from the perspective of an ESTJ (per Myers-Briggs). (BTW, I am an INFP — 100% opposite!)

One of my fondest memories is when we would pray over the phone during our lunch breaks. He was working in San Rafael and I was working at Berkeley, and it was the days before cell phones so it required extra effort to connect! That was 12 years ago, but I still vividly remember being in that public phone booth in Donner Lab, sharing prayer requests, praying for him and listening to him pray for me. Thanks, Tony, for being my best friend and for your prayers & support over the years and many more to come!