Leadership Transition

Dear families, friends, and supporters of CWEF,

With profound gratitude and humility, I return to CWEF as Executive Director — the very organization where I first began my journey sixteen years ago as a scholarship recipient.

CWEF has always upheld its vision of “thriving communities, serving and inspiring hope in others” — providing sincere and professional services to communities in need. I am both a witness to and a beneficiary of this mission. Taking this role is not only an honor but also a heartfelt response: I am ready to give all that I have learned and experienced to continue this journey of love and service together with CWEF.

If we could go back to 2010, that young girl who had just received a scholarship and still felt uncertain about the future would never have imagined that one day she would carry the torch in this way. Looking back, I deeply feel God’s guidance and preparation every step of the way — from a scholarship graduate, to a social work and psychology student in university, to founding an organization serving left-behind children and impoverished girls, and now to this very moment. None of it was accidental.

I often remind myself never to forget the life that was transformed by the opportunity of education, nor the hands that lifted me with love and support. Now, I want to become someone who passes on that light — bringing the power of change to more people who are still in darkness, yet longing for hope.

To every friend who has long supported CWEF, I want to say: thank you. Because of your trust and generosity, my life — and the lives of countless other children and students — have been touched and changed. This love is never one-way; it is circular, enduring, and transcends time.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue walking hand in hand with you, bringing God’s love and genuine hope to more hearts in need. May He remember every good work you have done and be with you always.

With all my gratitude — may we journey on together.

Summer Tan, CWEF Executive Director

“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.”
— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Dear Supporters of Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation (CWEF),

After more than 15 years of service to CWEF, Josh Lange has announced that he will depart his role as Executive Director.

Josh has steered CWEF with wisdom, perseverance, and prayer during his time as our leader. He led the organization through a difficult time for non-profit organizations in China. He brought us through these difficulties to complete non-profit registration in Yunnan Province. This registration and partnerships with local government bodies allows us to continue to carry out impactful education and health programs in China, powered by your faithful prayers and generous support.

Josh has led CWEF with a servant heart. Under his leadership, CWEF decided to close the Guangdong office and instead moved to support a local non-profit, Shining Star, that was formed by previous participants of CWEF programs. Josh served as a mentor and invaluable support to Shining Star’s leadership during their initial phases. This relationship has come full circle as one of Shining Star’s leaders now serves CWEF on our Board of Directors.

Josh has invested deeply in CWEF staff members. He has united the China and Cambodia offices around shared goals and vision and expanded our work in Hong Kong as well. These investments in staff have strengthened programs and impacted those we partner with and serve. The Board thanks Josh for sharing his gifts with all CWEF stakeholders and with each of us individually. He will be missed!

While we as a Board are sad to see Josh leave the organization, we are excited for the many opportunities that we know God is preparing for Josh and his family as they move to be closer to Josh’s aging parents and his extended family in the United States.

If you would like to help financially support the Lange family during this transition period, please visit the following link and choose “Lange Family Support” from the Designation selection box.

As we look to the future, we thank God for His faithfulness in preparing the person who will serve as the next Executive Director of CWEF.

Thank you for your partnership with CWEF as we continue working together to equip young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to become servant leaders in their own communities!

Sincerely,

Iantha Scheiwe, on behalf of the CWEF Board of Directors