Our SOLA Network Magazine covers a spectrum of topics, including insightful commentary on current events, reflections on historical occurrences, and thoughts on navigating the Christian life. The diversity of voices—spanning across genders, generations, and ethnic backgrounds—reflects the richness of our shared experiences as Asian American Christians. Read and download it for free – and enter to win a physical copy.
We’re writing a book! We believe it is time for SOLA Network to put in writing thoughts that would help the emerging generation of Asian American leaders and churches. Our book will launch at the 2024 Asian American Leadership Conference. Registration for the conference is open.
This newsletter is one of the many ways you can keep in touch with us. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more, check out my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group and TGIF Playlist on Spotify. You can reach me on Twitter and Instagram.
Aaron Lee, Editorial Curator
Enter our giveaway! Thanks to SOLA Network for providing, in partnership with @diveindigdeep, SOLA Network, and FCBC Walnut.
Our SOLA Network Magazine covers a spectrum of topics, including insightful commentary on current events, reflections on historical occurrences, and thoughts on navigating the Christian life. The diversity of voices—spanning across genders, generations, and ethnic backgrounds—reflects the richness of our shared experiences as Asian American Christians. Read and download it for free – and enter to win a physical copy!
Articles From Around The Web
1. Geoff Chang: Principles from Spurgeon’s Sermon Prep Process
“As exceptional and gifted as Spurgeon was in his preaching, he understood that there were no shortcuts, but he gave himself to a diligent process of preparation week after week. So, pastor, go and do likewise. Give yourself to prayer, the study of God’s Word, and the preparation of faithful, excellent, gospel-rich sermons. And may the Lord use those labors for the blessing of his people.”
2. Jen Pollock Michel: Why ‘Lone’ Artists Need the Church
“As soon as ‘originality’ is removed as the proof text of good art, Christians are free to collaborate.”
3. Brett Rayl: Even Japan Has Seen Revival: Hope for Hard Places Like Mine
“God has worked in Japan powerfully in the past, and nothing can stop him from doing so again.”
Asian American Leadership Conference 2024: “Writing the Next Chapter.” April 23-24, 2024, Orange County, CA. Registration and more info can be found at aalc.network.
The vision of this conference is to equip Asian-American leaders with gospel centered, contextual resources that will empower men and women for local church ministry. Our conference strategy is to equip leaders, platform voices, and connect with one another for life-giving relationships.
The theme of our conference is “Writing the Next Chapter: Empowering Asian American Voices for Gospel Ministry”. The Asian American church today is at a unique inflection point with leaders in diverse stations across multiple generations. This conference will be an opportunity to learn from these voices for the sake of continued and future Gospel work together.
Books, Podcasts, Music, And More
1. Tasha Jun: Finding Belonging in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
“For the solitary and the lonely, the Disney Plus series offers a model of God’s welcome home.”
2. The Digital Examen Podcast: Examining How Self-Forgetfulness Can Save Us with Felicia Wu Song
“Host Jay Y. Kim welcomes the wisdom of Dr. Felicia Wu Song, the author of Restless Devices and a cultural sociologist. Together they delve into the ways that social media and other digital platforms push us toward both a self-centeredness as well as an outsized concern for how others might view us. In contrast, Dr. Song encourages us to implement practices in our lives that help us pursue and experience the benefits of healthy self-forgetfulness. Tune in to learn the importance of creating spaces of stillness, cultivating self-awareness, and carving out opportunities to allow God’s gentle voice to care for us.”
3. Aaron Lee: Related Works
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. Hannah Chao: Introducing the 2023 SOLA Magazine
My sincere thanks extend to all who entrusted us with their thoughts and words. I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our dedicated editorial board and volunteers. From pitching compelling stories to meticulously editing drafts, your commitment has been the backbone that sustained our platform. And again, thank you to SOLA leadership, who supported me throughout the years.
2. Tom Sugimura: Why Can’t My Teen Make Normal Conversation?
Most teens, especially boys, give grunts and one-word answers when asked about their day. Yet the art of conversing with teens is a bit like talking with an AI bot: Much depends on user input.
3. Heidi Wong: Presidents Day, Election Year Edition
“The body of Christ should engage with one another in a way that is altogether distinct and different from those who have not yet experienced the grace of the cross. When we are mistreated by others this election season, we have an opportunity to respond by using the words of Jesus not as a weapon but as a way to bless others.”
4. TGIF: Roundup for February 16, 2024
‘Past Lives’ Is the Anti-‘Notebook’ / Preaching Advice for Busy Pastors / Take Up and Read, Take Up and Listen! / On Congregational Singing / TGC Announces New Resource Hub for Pastors
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.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash