We concluded our final round of articles from our Young Writer’s Cohort this week. Read Unchanging Truths Amid Changing Twenties by Christine Song and Do I Share The Gospel Now? by Ben Chow.
Check out clips from our messages at AALC 2024 on Instagram. The full messages are available for you on YouTube and at www.sola.network/aalc. We launched our new book, A Letter to the Asian American Church, at the conference. Find a sample, links to purchase, and a free discussion guide at sola.network/book.
It was great to see so many of you at our AALC. Let’s keep in touch on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group and TGIF Playlist on Spotify. This newsletter is one of the many ways you can stay connected with SOLA Network. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Aaron Lee, Editorial Curator
Enter our giveaway! Thanks to The Good Book Company for providing, in partnership with @diveindigdeep, SOLA Network, and FCBC Walnut. 1 winner will receive a physical copy of this beautiful book!
As a parent, I have often found myself at a loss for words when my children are sick. This book gives you the words to say to God. It includes prayers for healing, prayers for pain, prayers for perseverance, and more. I was pleased to see that each prayer makes note of Scripture references, so you can use them for meditation and be confident that your prayers are grounded in God’s Word. Read my full review.
Articles From Around The Web
1. Esther Liu: The Beauty of “I’m Trying”
“I am slowly learning about the heart of God, that he is pleased to accept in Christ that which is sincere, even if it is very imperfect.”
2. Heidi Tai: It’s OK to Fail
“+ other life lessons learned from the Michaels who drew me out of my hiatus.”
3. Chris Tachick: Does God Speak My Language? The Pioneering Legacy of Cam Townsend
“Cam Townsend was a visionary pioneer, decades ahead of his time.”
Will you join us in embracing the call for the Asian American Church? The collective voices in our new book argue that there is underappreciated beauty, diversity, joy, benefit, and place for the Asian American church. Asian American leaders need to joyfully embrace the call to serve the Asian American church, not only for the emerging generation but for the broader church. Find a sample, links to purchase, and a free discussion guide at sola.network/book.
Books, Podcasts, Music, And More
1. Faith Chang: Is Perfectionism Stealing Your Peace?
Struggling with perfectionism and anxiety in your relationship with God? The peace God offers can feel elusive. Join Faith Chang and hosts Dave and Ann Wilson on the Family Life Today Podcast for a discussion on how to recognize perfectionism, its spiritual impact, and how to move towards God’s peace and freedom.
2. Geoff Chang: New Insights into the Formative Influence of Spurgeon’s Early Years
This article draws on lesser-known primary sources to argue for the formative influence of C. H. Spurgeon’s early years on his future ministry. First, it examines John Spurgeon’s time in Raleigh, which explains why Spurgeon spent the first five years of his life with his grandfather, a relationship that shaped his view of ministry and the church. Second, it reflects on the ministry of T. W. Davids, pastor of the Congregational church in Colchester, and his influence on young Spurgeon. Third, it summarizes new insights from Spurgeon’s earliest preaching notebooks.
3. Aaron Lee: Related Works
Book Review: J. I. Packer: His Life and Thought by Alister McGrath. Listen to our TGIF playlist on Spotify. Join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group.
Our Books and Reviews page is your one-stop resource for all of your reading needs. It features Asian American authors and issues, recommendations, and interviews.
Featured This Week On SOLA Network
1. Aaron Lee: Christ is King: A Book Review of “Now and Not Yet” by Ruth Chou Simons
How can you balance longing for the future with living in the present? In Now and Not Yet, Ruth Chou Simons explains how we can press into Christ when we are waiting, wanting, and restless for more.
2. Ben Chow: Do I Share The Gospel Now?
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). This verse is often quoted to encourage Christians to share the gospel. I would say, however, that it is much more difficult to pray for months and maybe years for God to work in a person’s heart than it is to mention the gospel once and be done with it.
3. Christine Song: Unchanging Truths Amid Changing Twenties
As I learn to become an independent person in these next few years, there is no guarantee that aspects of my life, from career and community to family and relationships, will unravel in any way I wish or expect. But there is one thing I can expect: I will grow in trusting God as I continue to learn how He always has my best interest at hand.
4. TGIF: Roundup for July 5, 2024
From Data to Discernment: Why AI Can’t Replace Cultivating of Wisdom / A Father’s 5-to-9: The Holy Ambition of Godly Dads / The Biblical Language of Missions / Learning to Love the Local Church: Connection / Bible-Teaching Strategies from Women Leaders
5. SOLA Network: TGIF Subscription
Get our TGIF installments delivered straight to your inbox for free every Friday. Join today so you never miss out.
General disclaimer: Our link roundups are not endorsements of the positions or lives of the authors. Header image by Peter Thomas on Unsplash.