Curious about how faith can guide us through life's most challenging moments? Join us as Karl Chan, a leader at the Bowery Mission, shares his extraordinary journey of balancing faith and ministry work across cultural landscapes from Malaysia to Australia, and now in New York City. Karl's story is one of resilience and insight, where he examines the complexities of living up to a family legacy of faith while navigating personal beliefs and cultural expectations. His candid reflections on anger, questioning God, and the vital role of stewardship and gratitude offer a powerful testament to the strength faith provides during uncertain times.

Discover the profound influence of generational faith intertwined with historical and cultural shifts. As an eighth-generation Christian, Karl delves into his family's journey from a pivotal Christian conversion in a Chinese jail to today’s evolving faith amidst the backdrop of colonial history. This episode uncovers the pressures and expectations tied to maintaining a family legacy of faith while adapting to modern cultural shifts. Karl's narrative illuminates the delicate balance of personal faith and family expectations, weaving a tale of identity formation and spiritual exploration that resonates with anyone navigating similar paths.

Explore the transformative power of community and compassion in addressing social challenges in New York City. Karl illustrates the holistic approach of the Bowery Mission, which addresses not only immediate needs like food and shelter but also tackles deeper issues such as trauma and addiction to empower individuals towards independence. We highlight the importance of community engagement, language, and perspective in tackling homelessness and social issues. Through personal anecdotes, Karl emphasizes the power of familial guidance and embracing one's identity in serving others, offering a heartfelt exploration of the simplicity and grace needed to foster understanding and drive positive change.

(00:01) Navigating Life and Ministry Through Faith
(03:45) Generational Faith and Identity Struggles
(20:04) Embracing Compassion and Community in NYC
(28:36) Bowery Mission
(40:33) Building Bridges Through Community Engagement

Website - https://faithly.co
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Karl Chan
https://faithly.co/profiles/karlchan

Bowery Mission
https://www.bowery.org