In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang, continues his conversation with Pastor Dave Gibbons of Newsong Church in Southern California. Pastor Gibbons explores the profound impact of storytelling on healing and self-discovery. He shares insights on how personal narratives can resonate with readers, providing them with the words to express unspoken emotions. Pastor Gibbons presses on the importance of shared experiences and connections fostered through literature, highlighting the transformative power of stories in people's lives. Tune in to today's episode and share it with a friend!

Dave Gibbons is also the author of The Shape of My Eyes. His book beautifully weaves historic reference points of the oppression and discrimination against Asian Americans with Dave's own personal story. Dave's wrestling with belonging in his family, in America, and in the church creates a raw, thought-provoking memoir about race, religion and finding home.

Linked Resources: www.davegibbons.org www.newsong.net

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guest: Dave Gibbons

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Producers: Daniel Harris & Josh Huver

Coordinator: Amber Rhee

Producers & Coordinators from Newsong: DJ Estioco, Jean Lee, Steven Kim

Editor: Paul Yeej Kong

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

A huge thank you to our episode's sponsor, Brazos Press. Brazos Press is a proud sponsor of the Asian American Christian Collaborative Conference 2025. Brazos Press publishes books that creatively draw upon the riches of the Christian story to deepen our understanding of God's world and inspire faithful reflection and engagement. Learn more at BrazosPress.com.

In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang engages with Pastor Dave Gibbons and they explore the unique position of Asian-Americans in society today, highlighting the cultural adaptability of AAPI and the opportunities available for them to leverage their experiences and voices in addressing societal challenges. Pastor Gibbons emphasizes the favor that Asian-Americans have in the current cultural landscape and the potential for their stories to inspire change. Join us in the conversation and share your thoughts with us!

Dave Gibbons is also the author of The Shape of My Eyes. His book beautifully weaves historic reference points of the oppression and discrimination against Asian Americans with Dave's own personal story. Dave's wrestling with belonging in his family, in America, and in the church creates a raw, thought-provoking memoir about race, religion and finding home.

Linked Resources: www.davegibbons.org www.newsong.net

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guest: Dave Gibbons

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Producers: Daniel Harris & Josh Huver

Coordinator: Amber Rhee

Producers & Coordinators from Newsong: DJ Estioco, Jean Lee, Steven Kim

Editor: Paul Yeej Kong

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

A huge thank you to our episode's sponsor, CRU. At CRU, we're a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus. Through campus ministry, we help churches equip young adults, whether middle school, high school, or college, to live out their faith as multiplying disciples.

In this episode of the AACC podcast, host Ray Chang engages in a rich conversation with Helen Lee and Shin Maeng about their collaborative children's book 'Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the evolution of its themes, particularly around prayer, and the importance of cultural identity in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Asian American creatives in the publishing industry and the hope that this book will inspire meaningful conversations between parents and children about prayer and global issues. Join us in the conversation!

A huge thank you to our episode's sponsor Boston University's School of Theology. At Boston University's School of Theology pursue your ministry and public leadership as you become a leader ready to respond to the challenges of today's global religious landscape. Transform yourself, then change the world. Find out more about their programs on BU's School of Theology website at www.bu.edu/sth/.

Linked Resources:https://www.shinmaeng.com/ https://www.helenleebooks.com/

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guests: Helen Lee and Shin Maeng

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Producers: Daniel Harris & Josh Huver

Coordinator: Amber Rhee

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

Today's episode explores the intersection of Asian American Christianity and justice, discussing the historical context of justice within Christianity, the separation of evangelism and justice, and the impact of Western individualism on Asian American faith. Our host, Raymond Chang, together with Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, emphasize the need to recover a theological understanding of justice and provide practical steps for engaging in justice within the Asian American community.

Linked Resources:https://www.professorrah.com/

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guest: Reverend Dr. Soong-Chan Rah

Engineer: Elliot Koo

Producer: Daniel Harris

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

In this episode, AACC President, Ray Chang, and Professor Daniel D. Lee explore the complexities of Asian American Christianity, discussing the integration of theology and identity, the challenges faced by the community, and the importance of contextualized ministry. They emphasize the need for nuanced understanding and language to articulate the Asian American experience, while also highlighting the significance of preserving cultural heritage and history. This podcast provides insights into how Asian American Christians can navigate their identities and experiences within the broader context of faith and community.

Linked Resources:

https://aac.fuller.edu/

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guest: Daniel D. Lee

Engineer: Elliot Koo

Producer: Daniel Harris

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Ray Chang and Reverend Dr. Abraham Cho explore the complexities of Asian American Christian leadership, the journey into ministry, and the cultural identity that shapes their experiences. They discuss the challenges of navigating predominantly white evangelical spaces, the diverging paths of career choices among Asian Americans, and the cultural costs associated with these dynamics. As they explore the evolving landscape of American Christianity, particularly focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by Asian American Christians, Dr. Cho points out the significance of cultural identity in faith and leadership, encouraging younger leaders to embrace their unique experiences and take initiative in their communities. Listen or download for the whole conversation and share your feedback with us!

Linked Resource:

https://www.globalfaithandwork.com/our-team/abe-cho

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guest: Abraham Cho

Engineer: Elliot Koo

Producer: Daniel Harris

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Ray Chang interviews Alice Matagora and discusses the journey of finding belonging and embracing her identity as an Asian American woman within white evangelical spaces. Alice emphasizes the need for communities that embrace and value the full expression of God's kingdom, where individuals can be their authentic selves. When faced with challenges as Asian American Christians in discipleship and leadership development, she emphasizes the importance of true belonging and being fully oneself, rather than fitting in and disowning parts of who we are. Listen in as we explore the question: How do we find true belonging and take up space?

Linked Resources:

https://www.alicematagora.com/

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guest: Alice Matagora

Engineer: Elliot Koo

Producer: Daniel Harris

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

In this episode of the AACC podcast, Ray Chang interviews Prasanta Verma about her book on ethnic loneliness and her personal journey of growing up as an Indian immigrant in predominantly white spaces. She dives deeper into the loneliness and identity conflicts she experienced while also navigating different forms of racism and marginalization that she and other Asian Americans face, both overt and subtle. Prasanta emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing one's own identity and finding community within one's own ethnic group and among allies in the dominant culture.

Linked Resources:

https://prasantaverma.com/

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guest: Prasanta Verma

Engineer: Elliot Koo

Producer: Daniel Harris

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Raymond Chang sits down with the dynamic author and speaker, Simi John, for a powerful conversation about identity, faith, and culture. Simi shares her journey of navigating life as both an Indian and a Christian woman—two identities that often felt at odds. Through raw insights and personal stories, she reveals how she found clarity and confidence in scripture, embracing both her faith and heritage without compromise.

Simi dives into the importance of Southeast Asian representation, the challenges and joys of raising Indian children in faith and culture, and why meaningful connection matters now more than ever.

Linked Resources:

https://www.simijohn.tv/

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guest: Simi John

Engineer: Elliot Koo

Producer: Daniel Harris

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Raymond Chang speaks with Walter Kim on the relationship between Asian Americans and Evangelicalism. Should Asian Americans Christians use the term "evangelical"? Where do AAPI fit in the changing demographics of evangelicalism? And how can Asian Americans lead faithfully in evangelical contexts?

Linked Resources:

https://www.nae.org/

Hosts: Raymond Chang

Guest: Walter Kim

Engineer: Elliot Koo

Producer: Josh Huver

Manager: Gracie Hulse

Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab

To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.