Bridgeway Community Church’s Missions Ministry hosted an Asian Heritage Celebration on March 18th, 2020 to celebrate and lift up the part of our body that is hurting from the increase in hate crimes toward Asian Americans.
“One of the greatest ways you can affirm the value in another person is by giving them the gift of your undivided attention, the kind of attention that says, ‘I hear what you are saying because I value who you are.’”
Below is a summary of the event
Insights and Learnings
Asian Diversity is vast:
- 48 countries
- Thousands of people groups
- Generational differences
- Food and hospitality is a vital expression of many Asian Cultures
- The immigration process is complicated, and many don’t realize the hardships Asians face when trying to go through the immigration process
Bridgebuilding tips:
- Smile
- Extend a warm greeting
- Know that eye contact in many Asian cultures is considered disrespectful while in American culture it is respectful
- If you are invited to a home, bring a gift, and do everything you can to accept the invitation
- Remember our common needs: Love, acceptance, caring for family
When you see the Asian community hurting:
- Reach out to your Asian friends
- Make it known that you stand with them
- Be welcoming and accommodating to immigrants
The Asian community is very diverse. Seven different countries were highlighted in our discussion (6 listed below). Thank you so much to each of our guests.
- Thailand- Don & Judi Stinnett
- Korea- Amber Anderson & Pastor William Jin
- India- Tim Samuel
- Singapore- Lavinia Rowell
- Indonesia- Maria Suwandi
- Philippines- Tyron Basilio
Resources to learn more:
More than Serving Tea: Asian American Women on Expectations, Relationships, Leadership & Faith
The Asian American Christian Collaborative
Stop Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate
Behind Being: Indonesian art & culture, rooted in community
10 Best Places to Visit in Indonesia
Singapore’s Founding Father & Prime Minister- Lee Kuan Yew from 1959 to 1990, died in 2015
Crazy Rich Asians shows off the beauty of Singapore
15 Best Singaporean Foods & Dishes
Pray for Bridgeway’s Missionaries. Listed below are the missionaries who are Asian &/or minister in an Asian context.
- Don & Judi Stinnet- Thailand- Mission Pattaya Facebook
- S & T – Ministering in Southeast Asia
- James & Christina – Serving in East Asia
- Milton & JeeYoung Lee- Ministering to the Navajo Nation in North West New Mexico