Student of the Month: Wing Yi Wong

Wing Yi Wong黃詠貽 (she/her) is a Ph.D. candidate in Homiletics at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto. She holds a Th.M. degree concentrated in preaching from Princeton Theological Seminary and an MDiv. degree from Alliance Bible Seminary (Hong Kong). Before pursuing her education aboard, she served as a full-time minister. Currently, she is going through the ordination process at the United Church of Canada. She is the first generation in her family to pursue higher education and one of the first female homileticians in Hong Kong.

What are you studying and why? How do you imagine yourself using that in your call?

My major field of study is homiletics. I still remember the excitement I felt when I delivered my very first sermon in a preaching course. It was an eye-opening experience, and I was struck by the realization that every sermon was a journey where hearers could encounter God and experience transformation in their lives through God’s Word. After the Hong Kong Protests took place in 2019, I felt the need to study more about homiletics. I began to wonder how the preaching of God’s Word could mirror the need and cry of this wounded globe, especially the suffering people in Hong Kong.

I would want to respond to God’s calling by using what I have learnt to serve as an ordained minister of word and sacrament and to teach practical theology at a seminary or university. With more and more individuals, including Hongkongers, migrating to North America and other countries because of political turmoil, war, and poverty, I feel moved to support these wounded communities in their healing journey through theological education and preaching ministry. My vision is to build bridges between homiletics and other disciplines, with a focus on fostering joint postcolonial efforts to advance social justice in society.

What has your experience been with PANAAWTM?

Attending the 2023 PANNAWTM annual conference was truly a remarkable experience for me. It marked my first in-person contact with this community, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations of attending a conference. It was a harmonious blend of support, insights, and enjoyment. Our interactions were genuine and encouraging. I felt no pressure to perform to impress, but I could simply be myself and enjoy each other’s company. One of the best things about joining PANAAWTM is the experience of cross-cultural and cross-generational solidarity shared by many Asian women who have a heart for theological education or ministry.

What has been your most insightful learning experience?

My most insightful learning experience came through my ministry and teaching. When I first started teaching bible study at church as a lay person, I was amazed by how inquisitive the youth were about the Bible. Their curiosity compelled me to dig deeper into the scriptures and the study of God. It was a rewarding experience because, in the end, it fueled my passion to serve and later led me to study at the seminary. Truly, “when one teaches, two learn.” And this is something that I continue to experience in my current ministry and teaching.

What brings you hope and joy?

I find great joy and hope in genuine and loving human relationships. I treasure the time I can share with small groups of friends and families, which gives me warmth and strength to go through challenging times.