5 minutes with Grace

Tell us a little about you.

I'm currently working three part time jobs! (1) Director of the Centre for Asian Christianity at the Brisbane School of Theology; (2) Program Coordinator of the Next Generation Bicultural Program and Melbourne School of Theology; (3) Pastoral staff alongside my husband at Rise Alliance Church. I'm married to Chris and we have one daughter, Naomi. We are Australians with Chinese heritage. 

Do you have a favourite Bible passage? If so, what is it and why?

Matthew 28:20b "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (CSB) I experienced many lows in my 30's and this verse was a great source of comfort and assurance.

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

Since entering my 40's, my husband and I have taken the entire day off every Tuesday. We try to practice contemplative practices regularly: journalling, prayer, silence, and listening to God's voice. It has been incredibly helpful for our whole selves; body and soul.

You've published a chapter within a fantastic book, God's Yes to Women. What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

You're not the only one with doubts about where God has placed you. You have permission to question. The scriptures and God can stand up to it. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.  In my most confused and lonely times, God allowed me to find 'my people': in books, in virtual communities, and back in Scripture. I tried to trust Him one decision at a time and He showed the way.

What’s one thing that you love about your local church?

I love our core values of rest, heart renewal, holistic flourishing and humble diversity. These were forged from prayer and deep contextual analysis and I'm so proud of what we've been able to create. I pray people will continue to find joy, safety and friendships in Jesus here.

What did you learn about God during a time in your life that you found hard?

I went through a period of deconstruction in my life, where I found it difficult to trust things I had learnt from church leaders and institutions in the past. But God was always near; He showed me that He alone is truly trustworthy and my faith came back alive unlike ever before. 

What are you passionate about?  

I am passionate about helping individuals and faith communities address the difficulties and tensions that Christians experience between cultures, races and generations. This means helping people to become ethnically, culturally and racially competent both in ethnic migrant churches as well as helping Western churches who are seeking to welcome minority ethnicities in their church communities.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

Resting is so important! I enjoy good quality tea with a good science fiction or mystery novel. That, or Asian snacks with a good cdrama or kdrama! 

Is the message of the Bible good news for women? Does God say "no" to women who desire to use their gifts to serve the church? What is the Bible's vision of true partnership between men and women?

This book is about the wonderful news that followers of Jesus are one in Christ, in their difference as women and men. It outlines the biblical pattern of serving together for the good of God's people.

The message of the Bible is good news for women, good news for the church, and ultimately good news for us all. Purchase your own copy of God's Yes to Women here