

SOLA Network
The SOLA Creative
SOLA Network exists to influence the emerging generation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 17, 2023 • 24min
175: How to Care for People with Cancer: An Interview with Two Cancer-Surviving Pastors
How do we care for people who have cancer? What should we say (and not say), and how can our churches support them? In this compassionate interview, Pastor Steve Moy of Evangelical Chinese Church of Seattle and Pastor Helicon Kuan of Chinese for Christ Church of San Jose share their experiences as cancer survivors and provide insights into how to minister to those who are receiving treatment.
SOLA Network’s Daniel K. Eng moderated this candid conversation in which both pastors discussed their battle with cancer and how encouraged they were by their friends and church communities.
We hope their talk encourages you to care for those you know who are sick through actions and prayer.
Video and transcript:
https://sola.network/article/how-to-care-for-people-with-cancer-interview/
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SOLANetwork
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network

Aug 15, 2023 • 7min
Your Coming of Age and Story of Sanctification
The coming-of-age movie is a film genre in which the main character goes through a maturing event that results in the protagonist becoming enlightened, entering adulthood, and beginning a new stage of life. These films are meaningful to us because growth is good and beautiful, and in fact, these stories are worth sharing and experiencing together.
But what is a Christian’s coming of age? How does someone grow spiritually? Is it tied to an event like baptism or communion? Does it take place at a retreat or on a short-term missions trip? What makes someone mature as a Christian?
Written and read by Aaron Lee for SOLA Network:
https://sola.network/article/your-coming-of-age-and-story-of-sanctification/
Aaron Lee is our Editorial Curator. Aaron also serves as the Social Media Officer of First Chinese Baptist Church of Walnut in California’s San Gabriel Valley, home to the largest concentration of Asian American communities in the United States. Visit him online at http://DiveInDigDeep.com.
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@solanetwork
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network

Aug 10, 2023 • 15min
173: Preaching to a Divided Nation: An Interview with Matthew D. Kim
How can we, as a nation, come together when we seem so deeply divided? In this insightful and thought-provoking interview, SOLA’s editorial curator Aaron Lee talks with Professor Matthew D. Kim to discuss his book, Preaching to a Divided Nation (read our review here), which he co-authored with Paul Hoffman. Professor Kim exhorts preachers by saying the power of preaching takes on a new significance in today's rapidly changing and divided world.
In their interview, they discuss: Current political rhetoric and its impact on the current state of affairs, the urgent need to seek Christ-like reconciliation even in the face of disagreement, and the importance of fostering understanding and empathy among diverse perspectives.
Listen to their conversation as Professor Kim navigates the complexities of multicultural identities, especially within the Asian American context, and sheds light on the challenges and potential solutions for these communities.
Video and transcript:
https://sola.network/article/preaching-to-a-divided-nation-interview/
Shownotes:
https://sola.network/article/preaching-to-a-divided-nation-book-review/
https://sola.network/article/finding-our-voice-book-review/
https://sola.network/article/finding-our-voice-interview/
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SOLANetwork
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network

Aug 3, 2023 • 25min
172: Healing Shame and Becoming “Myself”: An Interview with Ken Shigematsu
Delve into the world of healing shame and rediscovering one's true self with pastor and author, Ken Shigematsu. His recently published book, "Now I Become Myself: How Deep Grace Heals our Shame and Restores our True Self," explores the profound impact of shame and how embracing God's love can lead to personal transformation.
Throughout this conversation with SOLA editorial curator Aaron Lee, Pastor Ken shares his journey, his experiences as an Asian Canadian, and the wisdom he has gained in his pursuit of beauty and joy. We hope this interview is a source of hope and inspiration as we become our truest self in light of God’s love.
Video and transcript:
https://sola.network/article/healing-shame-and-becoming-myself-interview/
Shownotes:
https://zondervanacademic.com/products/now-i-become-myself
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SOLANetwork
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network

Jul 25, 2023 • 15min
171: Finding the Big Idea When Preaching and Teaching: An Interview with Matthew D. Kim
In this engaging interview, professor Matthew D. Kim and SOLA Network editorial curator Aaron Lee discuss "The Big Idea Companion for Preaching and Teaching," a book edited by Kim and Scott Gibson. The book serves pastors as a guide to approach different biblical passages by identifying the central "big idea" that shapes the sermon's message. Kim explains that the big idea represents the main thrust of the biblical text, allowing listeners to take home a clear and applicable message.
Listen in on their interview as they talk about: The book compilation process involved collaborating with contributors who understood the big idea philosophy deeply, how the book is structured, and how preachers should use the book to prepare for sermons.
Transcript:
https://sola.network/article/finding-the-big-idea-when-preaching-and-teaching-interview/
Shownotes:
https://sola.network/article/the-big-idea-companion-for-preaching-and-teaching-book-review/
https://sola.network/article/preaching-that-pleases-god/
https://sola.network/article/preaching-to-people-in-pain-interview/
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SOLANetwork
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network

Jul 20, 2023 • 22min
170: The Chinese Christian Diaspora in Ireland: Interview with Tommy Kyaw Tun and Caleb Teo
What is it like to be a Chinese immigrant in Ireland or an Irish-born Chinese? What are churches in Ireland like? How can we support and encourage our brothers and sisters in the Emerald Isle?
In this 20-minute conversation, SOLA editorial board member Daniel K. Eng interviews two leaders of the Chinese Gospel Church in Ireland. Tommy Kyaw Tun is an elder at the church and a first-generation immigrant. Caleb Teo is the youth leader and an Irish-born Chinese.
Join us as we delve into their insights into the Chinese church in Ireland—from their ministries to to unique blessings. We hope that this conversation encourages you to pray for the church in Ireland.
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/vyQ2WSqRjg8
Transcript:
https://sola.network/article/the-chinese-christian-diaspora-in-ireland-interview/
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SOLANetwork
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network

Jun 29, 2023 • 4min
Preaching that Pleases God: Three Lessons I’ve Learned as a Beginner Preacher
"How do I preach the gospel? What if I’m not good at it? As messengers of the good news of Jesus Christ, we all need to start somewhere. Whether it’s leading a devotional in a small group, volunteering as a Sunday School teacher, or sharing your testimony at an outreach event—these are places to grow your skills and practice preaching.
I’ve been consistently preaching for a year. I’m getting my reps in with writing and delivering sermons, and I’m grateful to my church for the opportunity. If you’re like me, you might feel a bit foolish as a beginner preacher—but don’t let this discourage you. Here are three lessons learned after one year of preaching."
Written and read by Aaron Lee for SOLA Network:
https://sola.network/article/preaching-that-pleases-god/
Aaron Lee is our Editorial Curator. Aaron also serves as the Social Media Officer of First Chinese Baptist Church of Walnut in California’s San Gabriel Valley, home to the largest concentration of Asian American communities in the United States. Visit him online at http://DiveInDigDeep.com.
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCqsoKbSYBbZZoovA24PhqAg
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network

Jun 22, 2023 • 37min
168: Praying for Discipleship in the Chinese Christian Community in the UK
What’s it like growing up Chinese in the United Kingdom? What are the challenges of immigrant churches or second-generation churches? How can we pray for and encourage our brothers and sisters there?
In this interview, we delve into the experiences and ministry of Josh Shek, who works for Chinese Overseas Christian Mission, an organization that supports Chinese churches across the country and Europe UK and Europe with leadership development, training, missions, and more. He is interviewed by SOLA Council member Daniel K. Eng.
Shek gives insights into the history of Chinese immigrants in the UK, from sailors to takeaway workers to British nationals from Hong Kong. He also shares about the struggles and hopes for the Chinese church, and asks that we pray for them.
We have provided the complete video and transcriptions of two portions of this conversation:
https://sola.network/article/praying-for-discipleship-in-the-chinese-christian-community-in-the-uk/
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SOLANetwork
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network

Jun 20, 2023 • 14min
167: How to Understand People Who Doubt: An Interview with Sam D. Kim
Aaron Lee interviews Sam D. Kim, author of A Holy Haunting: Why Faith Isn't a Leap but a Series of Staggers from One Safe Place to Another. They discuss spiritual puberty, deconstruction, and crossing the swamp of doubt.
"But why I think deconstruction was hard for me in particular was because there’s no theology of weakness. There’s nothing taught on grief, there’s nothing taught on ambiguity. There’s nothing taught on being nuanced about life when the Bible speaks a lot about it. So I think that I was taught to think very black and white. And to process that was very difficult. And I didn’t want others to feel that and do it alone. And I hope that in some small way, my memoir, in many ways, could help them not feel alone. That’s really the goal. To know a friend along the journey that feels that way."
Video and transcript available at SOLA.NETWORK:
https://sola.network/article/how-to-understand-people-who-doubt-interview/
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SOLANetwork
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network

Jun 8, 2023 • 18min
166: Exploring the Nordic Chinese Christian Experience: An Interview with Pastor Billy Lo
Asian American Christians can feel like they have a singular experience when it comes to growing up in a country with a culture that looks and feels different from what they're growing up with at home. That's why it can be helpful to look at the experiences of immigrant and children of immigrants
In this interview, we delve into the unique journey of Pastor Billy Lo, who is a part of the Nordic Chinese Christian community. Interviewed by Daniel K. Eng of the SOLA Network, their conversation sheds light on the challenges, successes, and spiritual needs of the Nordic Chinese diaspora. Their conversation includes the following topics: Pastor Billy’s experience as a second-generation immigrant from Hong Kong, insights on the interplay of culture, faith, and identity in Sweden, and the importance of intergenerational leadership.
Watch the video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DUX4-GaG5nQ
Full transcript available at SOLA.NETWORK.
Links:
Weekly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/tgif
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/sola/newsletter
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesolanetwork
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesolanetwork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesolanetwork
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SOLANetwork
Podcast: http://anchor.fm/solanetwork
Website: https://sola.network