As we step into Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Month, we often celebrate the vibrant traditions, rich histories, and influential contributions of AAPI communities in the United States. However, this month also serves as a critical time for reflection and action, especially against the backdrop of increasing social challenges in our college campuses and conflicts across the globe. Recent findings from this year’s STAATUS Index revealed a troubling contradiction: while the broader public may not perceive an increase in hate towards Asian Americans, a significant portion of the community continues to face stark realities. Shockingly, 32% of Asian Americans reported being subjected to racial slurs, and 29% experienced verbal harassment or abuse in the past year.*

As a Filipino-American, I don’t hear these statistics as just numbers; they reflect a part of my daily reality. At Bridgeway I have always felt a strong sense of belonging and acceptance. However, stepping outside this sanctuary, the world often greets me with a different narrative—one where I must continually navigate the complexities of my identity in a society that still grapples with deep-seated biases and misunderstandings.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Dr. Anderson and his team. While I was there, I learned of the large community of Filipinos working in Israel. They are nurses, nannies, and domestic workers. They seek work abroad to send money back to their families in the Philippines. While in Israel, I heard harrowing stories of sacrifice and deportation. Their journeys, like my own and that of many Asian Americans, are punctuated by moments of both pride and pain. The pride comes from our rich heritage and resilient spirit of our ancestors; the pain comes from the instances when we are reminded that some see us as “other.” It is a duality that we carry with us—celebrating the beauty of our culture while confronting the prejudices that attempt to undermine it.

In our church, I have had the unique opportunity to bridge understandings. Whether I’m traveling for a mission or sharing Filipino traditions during fellowship, these moments are opportunities to educate and enlighten my brothers and sisters in Christ about the diversity within our own congregation. Each story I share about Filipino values of kapwa (shared identity), bayanihan (community spirit), and pag-asa (hope) not only enriches our collective understanding but also reinforces the biblical teaching that we are all made in God’s image.

Yet, the recent rise in anti-Asian, anti-semitism, anti-anything sentiment has sometimes made these conversations more poignant. It has become increasingly important not to just share in cultural celebrations but also address the challenges our community faces. The disparity between the perceived decrease in hate incidents and the actual experiences of Asian Americans calls for a deeper engagement from all of us. It invites our church to not only be a place of celebration but also a sanctuary for advocacy and support.

Our response to this can be modeled on the biblical call to “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15) and to seek justice and love mercy (Micah 6:8). As a church, our role extends beyond spiritual nurturing; it includes standing against injustices and providing a voice for the voiceless. By acknowledging the pain within the AAPI community and actively working to combat racism, we can help heal and strengthen the body of Christ.

Our Senior Pastor, Dr. David Anderson, teaches us to heal with others as the eighth saying of a Gracist. The sayings of a gracist can provide a roadmap for how we can actively support and uplift each other. Here’s how these sayings can guide our actions during AAPI Heritage Month and beyond:

  • “I will lift you up”: In the spirit of lifting each other up, we can amplify AAPI voices and stories that highlight both the successes and struggles within our communities.
  • “I will cover you”: Protecting one another from harm involves not only intervening when we witness discrimination but also educating others to dispel stereotypes and misinformation about AAPI cultures.
  • “I will share with you”: Sharing resources, whether they be educational tools, platforms for advocacy, or spaces for cultural celebration, can foster greater understanding and solidarity.
  • “I will honor you”: Honoring the dignity and worth of every individual means recognizing the contributions and unique perspectives of AAPI members within our church and community.
  • “I will stand with you”: Standing with those who face discrimination entails being present—physically or in spirit—at rallies, community meetings, and in legislative processes that seek to protect and uplift marginalized groups.
  • “I will consider you”: Considering the needs and feelings of AAPI community members can help tailor community and church initiatives that address specific challenges faced by these groups.
  • “I will celebrate you”: Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month is not just about recognizing historical figures and past accomplishments. It involves joyously participating in and promoting AAPI cultural events, supporting AAPI businesses, and acknowledging the everyday heroes in our communities.
  • “I will heal with you”: Engage in mutual healing processes, acknowledging the wounds caused by discrimination and working together towards emotional and communal healing.

Let’s commit together to breaking down walls and encampments of misunderstanding and prejudice. Let’s strive to sing the same song of unity and grace, ensuring that no one has to face the harshness of discrimination alone. This month, let us be Gracists, not just in word but in deed, as we celebrate and protect the diverse tapestry that makes up our church and our nation.

  • Learn more about Bridgeway’s Asian Ministry at our upcoming event.
  • Kyle is a graduate of The Gracism Academy class of 2022.  To learn more about this opportunity and how to build bridges across color, class, and culture, contact us.

*Source: https://www.taaf.org/our-work/staatus-index-2024

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Videos

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