We hope to share regular newsletters with our GAF community to keep everyone updated with our events and activities, what we’re meditating on, and how you can join into creating relational communities wherever you are. Learn more about us here, and feel free to send any feedback to us by emailing us!
Venturing Into My Asian Identity
by Pastor May Lee
I didn’t have a choice. I didn’t get to choose where to be born or when to be born, nor did I choose my gender. I arrived as a total stranger in a world that was to be my home. It is in my location and time I ventured into this world that defines my identity and my purpose.
I was born in America to a Chinese family. This defines me as a ‘JOOK SING’, or an American Born Chinese (ABC). You can read my JOOK SING story here. In this photo you will see my mom holding me and my brother. There are packages on the left and the ironing board on the right. This was my home. I searched online and found some interesting information.
I found the second photo on the internet. It looked so familiar. Is that me? Is that my home? I looked through my photo album and found the third picture. I realized that I was part of a particular Chinese community with historical roots in America’s history. My father was in the Hand Laundry business dating back to the Chinese Exclusion Act, when the Chinese were being discriminated against, seen as a disease, not allowed to work, and pushed into poverty. The White men did not wash their laundry because it was beneath them to touch dirty underwear, and disgusting handkerchiefs. They would send it out overseas to get it washed. The Chinese took this opportunity for survival by offering hand laundry services. Soon it became an industry associated with the Chinese diaspora around the world. This connects me back to the anti-Asian hate crime that is happening today. This is exactly why we need to know our stories, tell our stories, and be understood not targeted.
Have you ventured into your story? Where does your story take place? What is your cultural context? What is the story you are experiencing and telling? In my search I found our friend, Robert Gee, telling the story of his uncle closing Sun Laundry after 60 years due to Covid-19.
Food for Thought:
Unlike us, Jesus chose when and where to venture into our human world. Get to know his story and be amazed how it connects with our story.
Join us for our upcoming virtual events!
May Celebration Service
Friday, June 4 • 7PM - 8:30 PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 429125
JOG (Journey of Grace) Small Group
Weekly on Sunday • 11AM - 12:30PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 429125
Communion Fridays
*We’re moving our prayer Friday’s to every 3rd Friday of each month. This is a time of fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
Friday, June 18• 7PM - 8:30 PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 429125
Offering / Donations!
Now that we are an official 501(3)c, we have a bank account! For administrative purposes, please fill out this Google Form each time you donate to GAF.
Donate via ACH/Wire: Use Account #: 875101564230; ABA #: 031101169; Alternative ABA #: 031101279 (ACH payments only).
Donate via Check: Mail your donation to Manni Lee, 275 South Street, Apt 19D, New York, NY 10002.
We currently allocate 90% of tithes towards our staff stipend and 10% towards an organization supporting our community during this time.
This past April, we donated to Center for All Abilities, a Chinatown-based organization that empowers people of all abilities through enrichment programs to reach their full potential and thrive in community. In May, we donated to Heart of Dinner, who have been nourishing NYC’s Asian elders with love and food every week since COVID-19 started last year.
Resources
This past month, Manni led our Sunday JOG group into a time of contemplative prayer / lectio divina. She shared some resources with us if you are interested in learning more about this topic!