“A Clarion Call for Moral Leadership”
A Higher Calling is a personal journey from a dance studio to the court house, then on to the U.S. House of Representatives with intriguing tales along the way and how one’s personal faith made a difference, especially the delicate balance between religion and politics in the public square. It is also a timely portrayal of a select number of leaders whose commitment to the common good stood above the self Interest and politics that will serve as an anchor for future generations.
“A Higher Calling is also a tale about the pursuit of high personal values ‘in the arena’ – where politics and business, ambition and gain tangle, under the relentless glare of the media. Don Bonker is a man of faith – often struggling with being both a Democrat and Christian…and has the key, if quiet, force for others who contend in public life.”
Shelby Coffey
Former Editor, Los Angeles Times
David Applefield
On the book cover is the name David Applefield, who helped mentor the author and editing that made A Higher Calling all the more special. His notable accomplishments as a writer, journalist, editor and publishing were recognized globally. A Higher Calling inspired him to run for Congress, the Fourth District in New Jersey in 2021. The day after the primary election, which he lost, David Applefield had a heart attack and did not recover. Amherst College, David’s alma mater, has established the David Applefield Fellows program in his honor. Donations are welcomed here.
Don Bonker
U.S. Congressman (1975-1988)
During Don Bonker’s fourteen years as a U.S. Congressman, he served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, overseeing human rights and international trade issues. After Congress, he continued his work internationally with APCO Worldwide, a global public affairs firm. He also was president of the International Management & Development Institute and chairman of the Parliamentary Human Rights Foundation. He is author of America’s Trade Crisis. Don and his wife, Carolyn, have two children, Dawn Elyse and Jonathan, and four grandchildren. They reside on Bainbridge Island, WA.
