Grateful to Be Filled to Overflowing

Encouraging Conversations with So Many Great People

The first half of November of travels to the East Coast was filled with encouraging conversations with old and new friends, and if I were to name every person, this update would be too long to read. Thank you, friends! Your words truly fill my emotional tank to keep on going in life, faith, and ministry.

Though, I will name one person, my traveling companion, colleague, and dear friend, Pastor Jin Lee of Catalyst Coalition. 10 days together in person were valuable, fun, and bonding. I’m also especially grateful for his enthusiasm support and partnership in launching Catalyst Wellness Alliance as a coalition for pastors, churches, counselors, researchers, and nonprofits to collaborate and partner in serving the mental health and wellness of AAPI faith communities nationwide.

“Comfort for the Uncomfortableness with Mental Health”

Thanks to Chinese Bible Church of Maryland (in Rockville) for hosting its first Asian American Community Mental Health Conference on November 4, 2023. I was honored to share a keynote message titled, “Comfort for the Uncomfortableness with Mental Health.” Also, you can watch the entire morning session with opening remarks from Tim Tang, and another keynote from Pastor Hugo Cheng and his daughter Victoria Cheng.

AAPI Mental Health Gathering

Then on November 13th, we gathered almost 2 dozen pastors, counselors, and community leaders to dialogue about faith, AAPI, and mental health. We recorded a raw video of the sharings from Pastor Sam Kang (a testimony of lived experience) and Dr. Roger Lin (on emotional intelligence)—watch on YouTube.

You Can Support Mental Health & Wellness

To fuel the mission of nonprofit work, it takes staff and volunteers, as well as financial contributions. During the past year as Christian Asian Mental Health launched, I’ve connected with these Christian nonprofits and ministries that I’d like to bring to your attention, just in time for Giving Tuesday (November 28, 2023). [Thanks to Kenny Jahng for prompting this idea for encouraging generosity.]

• Christian Asian Mental Health (CAMH) camh.network - advancing compassion and care through Asian American faith communities.

• Mustard Seed Generation mustardseedgeneration.org - raising awareness around mental health for Korean Americans by educating families, equipping church and community leaders, and empowering mental health professionals.

• Lighthouse Counseling Network lighthousecounseling.co - to provide accessible Christian counseling services to the greater Northern New Jersey region.

• Barnabas & Co. barnabasandco.org - to come alongside Asian American Christian leaders in order to encourage, strengthen, and care for their souls.

• Oak Health Foundation oakhealthfoundation.org - providing resources for a comprehensive approach by integrating mental, physical, and spiritual health care.

• Center for Asian American Christianity caac.ptsem.edu - to advance theologically rigorous research and relevant ministry tools for Asian American Christians and faith leaders in four areas of focus: race, mental health, discipleship, and leadership.

• All Seasons Counseling and Spiritual Direction allseasonscounseling.org - helping people to heal emotionally, grow spiritually and attain wholeness

May your hearts be filled to overflowing with gratitude and generosity. (By the way, I found a broken link in the previous update about a big idea for growing more generous Asian American Christians together. This is correctly linked.)

Upcoming Conference

And, this January 12-13, 2024, the Center for Asian American Christianity will host its 2024 Mental Health Conference both in-person (in Princeton, New Jersey) and online. Get more info at https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/

Thank you for subscribing. I’m grateful for YOU! Happy Thanksgiving!

// DJ CHUANG, Director of Christian Asian Mental Health