Make Room For Wonder

The Bible ascribes wonder as something that is splendid, like a miracle or a marvel to witness; or an amazement.

Join us in MAKING ROOM FOR MORE WONDER!

We are humbled to bear witness to the deep work God is doing to restore, renew, and rebuild individually and collectively in and through WOW! over the years.

Thank you for being part of these amazing journeys. May our hearts continue to be stirred and opened to welcome wonder!

WELCOME WONDER

WOW! Wonder

Share with us who you are and any ways WOW! has impacted or shaped your own faith journey

CARMEN CHAU

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, MOTHER, NEW YORK

My name is Carmen Wong and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NYC. I am also a mother of 2 boys, a kindergartner and an 8 month old baby. Currently, I work full time in a faith-based community health center in Staten Island and started my own private practice part-time. I have not always been a counselor. WOW! Discernment ministry helped me in making that life-altering event in 2012-2013. After teaching in NYCDOE for 2 years, and serving in youth ministry for 5 years, I felt a nudge from God to go back to school for counseling. Knowing what that would entail, new fears and doubts emerged. My mind tunneled in my flaws, my limitations and the what-ifs. However, my trusted friends and the discerners of WOW! were my lamp posts that guided me out of that darkness during the 9 month discerning process. They asked deep questions to help me reflect about the road map at that point in my life. They reminded me of my gifts and the skills God had equipped me from teaching and serving in youth ministry. They reassured that God’s grace is like “walking in a big field and not on a tight rope”. They prayed with me. They never rushed me nor did they pressure me to take any immediate action but gave me just enough of a push to take the leap of faith to enroll in grad school. With God’s confirmation, I was able to persevere through the papers and exams in grad school, the internship, more training to obtain my hours, and lastly, the completion of the exam to be licensed.

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jessica hwang

TEACHER, MOTHER, WIFE, NEW YORK

My name is Jessica and I’ve got a wacky 1 year old Jocelyn and an awesome partner Vinny. We live on Roosevelt Island and started attending a church in the neighborhood called Mosaic this summer. I’m currently a teacher working in the west village with 8th graders and finding my way through the work/mom world. I’m so grateful to God for what He has done through WOW. Especially in the last 5 years, WOW has helped shape my vision of marriage and leadership that joins in God’s work. Receiving teachings from women, as well as learning about women and men partnering together from WOW has nourished me and broadened my understanding of God’s heart and good purposes. From learning how to study scripture from Anna Lee-Winans or understanding what marriage can look like from Drew Hyun, to being cared for And prayed over on Zoom by Christians I don’t even know, I can see how WOW has discipled me and helped me draw near to God. The church I attend is led by a female pastor, and as this is a new experience for me, I’m so grateful for the affirmation of God’s calling for women. Looking back on my time with WOW, it’s clear to me that God was laying a foundation to be amazed by how He works through women and men as leaders and partners together. And I will always feel such fondness and tenderness for the leaders of WOW, who welcomed and discipled me and my family with such love and humility. I hope we can be people of faith like them.

MILLY SILENCIO

WOW! BOARD MEMBER, FOUNDER: HOPING GREATLY, NEW YORK

Hello all, my name is Miluska E. Silencio and I’m a WOW! Board member. My journey didn’t start there but back in 2017 as I discerned my next after a huge burn out season and thought God would approve what I expected to be my journey in higher education administration. He closed doors to it yet through WOW! I learned to listen to Him, and trust His leading beyond my unmet expectation. I ran from my calling but couldn’t hide as I attended a seminar in WOW! where a dear sister who I never met gave me a prophetic word of my pastoral calling. I wrestled with it but knew it was Divine as we were encouraged in the seminar to trust God beyond our concrete plans. I have leaned into the Word received from that day along with learning from my Soul Care Cohort and contemplative times the challenge of being with God helping our doing for God. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the lessons learned in WOW! and continual support from the staff in my various transitions these past years. Due to their prayers and empowerment, I’ve built the stamina to continue in ministry as a licensed Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) clergy on the road to ordination and advocate for immigration reform as a 1st generation Latina DACA Dreamer via my platform to encourage others called Hoping Greatly, Regional NYC Representative in Passion 2 Plant and working as a Communications Coordinator at the Hispanic Theological Initiative.

CHRISTY CHIA

M.Div Candidate, Fuller Theological Seminary, Former WOW! Intern

CAROLINE TELFER

WOW! supporter and intercessor, Former board member and chaplain. Caroline is also a devotions author

WOW! was the sanctuary I needed for healing and safety when the church sanctuary became a place of danger. The WOW! team empowered me to play and explore. They were the support that I desperately needed and they’ve been my cheerleaders ever since. My time with WOW! was what led me to start my MDiv at Fuller Seminary. Now, 3 years later, I’m almost done! Since WOW!, I have led Fuller’s Asian American Student Fellowship and have served on the Fuller Student Council, advocating for students reaching the Board level. I served on the team to find the next President of Fuller and have had various publishing opportunities. I assisted in diversifying a Women in Church History and Theology class to include more voices of women of color and women with disabilities. Currently, I am the Women in Ministry Coordinator for Fuller’s Asian American Center. Most of all, I am becoming increasingly me. I’m finding the passions that move me and the courage to use my voice – something WOW! was sure to encourage me in.

WOW! came alongside me in a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of my life as I knew it. I never imagined that I would be where I am now or that I would be who I am now, but this was never too wild of a dream for WOW!. I’m reminded of Genesis 18:14: “Is anything too hard or too difficult or – Grace May’s favorite version – too wonderful for the Lord?”.

Happy 10th Anniversary, WOW!! Here’s to many more years of seeing our sisters soar!

This organization has been an integral part of my faith journey. WOW! was initially introduced to me through my sister in Christ and coworker, Belly Hom. She is a childhood friend of the founder, Rev. Grace May. After observing Grace’s zest for teaching women in ministry, my curiosity peaked.

WOW! has been a good fit since I consider myself as a lifetime student of the Bible. They encourage and motivate women (and men) to mature in Christ through Bible study. Participation in the Women of the Bible classes has been especially useful in gaining knowledge of our biblical sheroes. These lively discourses are usually followed by a Q&A and break out groups to further engage in lively discussions. This has awakened a desire in me to do personal research and learn more. I have learned historic information, which only enhances previous knowledge of Bible passages.

Lastly, WOW! is a multicultural organization that offers people an environment to invest in godly friendships. I view myself as a supporter and cheerleader for WOW! and the work they continue to do.

CHRISTY CHIA

Seminar teacher, Mentoring Support Network, Former WOW! Intern

WOW! was the sanctuary I needed for healing and safety when the church sanctuary became a place of danger. The WOW! team empowered me to play and explore. They were the support that I desperately needed and they’ve been my cheerleaders ever since. My time with WOW! was what led me to start my MDiv at Fuller Seminary. Now, 3 years later, I’m almost done! Since WOW!, I have led Fuller’s Asian American Student Fellowship and have served on the Fuller Student Council, advocating for students reaching the Board level. I served on the team to find the next President of Fuller and have had various publishing opportunities. I assisted in diversifying a Women in Church History and Theology class to include more voices of women of color and women with disabilities. Currently, I am the Women in Ministry Coordinator for Fuller’s Asian American Center. Most of all, I am becoming increasingly me. I’m finding the passions that move me and the courage to use my voice – something WOW! was sure to encourage me in.

WOW! came alongside me in a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of my life as I knew it. I never imagined that I would be where I am now or that I would be who I am now, but this was never too wild of a dream for WOW!. I’m reminded of Genesis 18:14: “Is anything too hard or too difficult or – Grace May’s favorite version – too wonderful for the Lord?”.

Happy 10th Anniversary, WOW!! Here’s to many more years of seeing our sisters soar!

CAROLINE TELFER

WOW! supporter and intercessor, Former board member and chaplain. Caroline is also a devotions author

This organization has been an integral part of my faith journey. WOW! was initially introduced to me through my sister in Christ and coworker, Belly Hom. She is a childhood friend of the founder, Rev. Grace May. After observing Grace’s zest for teaching women in ministry, my curiosity peaked.

WOW! has been a good fit since I consider myself as a lifetime student of the Bible. They encourage and motivate women (and men) to mature in Christ through Bible study. Participation in the Women of the Bible classes has been especially useful in gaining knowledge of our biblical sheroes. These lively discourses are usually followed by a Q&A and break out groups to further engage in lively discussions. This has awakened a desire in me to do personal research and learn more. I have learned historic information, which only enhances previous knowledge of Bible passages.

Lastly, WOW! is a multicultural organization that offers people an environment to invest in godly friendships. I view myself as a supporter and cheerleader for WOW! and the work they continue to do.

ELIZABETH MCnEILL

PH.D CANDIDATE: HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT, NEW YORK

I am a doctoral student, completing a PhD in Health Policy and Management here in NYC. When I arrived in NYC in 2019, I was weary of religion. I didn’t know where I fit into Christianity as a woman. I was tired of fighting for my place, and I was tired of trying to find a reason to stay. Knowing all of this, my friend Krystin introduced me to WOW! and invited me to join a silent retreat. It was exactly what I needed – I experienced peace, and I saw women who were truly free and looked like Jesus. Since then, I joined the mentoring program, which has strengthened my faith and established peace in my life. My time with WOW! allowed me to identify the ways in which I can look like Jesus, and be perfectly free, too. I’m looking forward to many more years with WOW!

erika dayle siu

PUBLIC POLICY SPECIALIST, CHICAGO

My name is Erika Siu, and I am a public policy specialist. WOW! was a gathering of candlelights for me. When I joined in my singular light, my calling as a woman, in whom my Creator is fully pleased, erupted in a flame of encouragement and hope. With every step, through the early Board meetings where we imagined a future for WOW! and set out its goals and objectives, to the meetings and retreats, where God’s palpable presence never fails, I am so grateful for this group. And because of the women of this group, with whom I have been able to journey over the past decade, I have been so blessed and enriched. WOW! to me is a home, where I can fully be and grow into all that I am destined to become.

MARILYN LAW

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER TEACHER, MINISTER, NEW JERSEY

WOW! gives a platform for many women, including myself to contribute to spiritual formation work they offer. For me leading contemplative reflections with their board and also the overall WOW! community of friends has been meaningful for my own passions to serve God. As we explore together, going beyond our training and skills, we help one another thrive. God is using WOW! to see the value of women in serving in God’s Kingdom and not competing with men. Women are partners and co-heirs alongside men to steward what God has given us. I love the fellowship with the WOW! Team; As we pray and share life and ministry together weekly, we experience God speaking energy and life into us. It is a reflection of Christ Jesus’ love, the Holy Spirit’s healing and empowerment to be God’s children.

“I first joined WOW’s Bible study when I was a fresh grad from seminary. I hadn’t realized how hard it would be as a female minister, though somebody already told me so. It was a great preparation before I started serving as a minister at church. Throughout the years, the WOW team connects to me and brings me in to the programs that benefit my soul and ministries. I really appreciate all the check-ins, prayers, support and friendship.”

Chelsia Tam

Part-time Minister, Bayside Community Bible Church

Cheers to Wonder