Sign in

isabel ong

@isabelong.bsky.social
92 followers 32 following 118 posts

asia editor at christianity today (currently on maternity leave). opinions are mine 🇸🇬 in 🇨🇦

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by isabel ong
Andy Olsen @andyrolsen.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Absent from protests, some Twin Cities churches are nonetheless mobilizing quietly to help foreign-born neighbors—delivering food, driving kids to and from school, committing to assume parental rights if the worst happens. Great dispatch from my colleague @emilybelz.bsky.social
christianitytoday.com
In a Tense Minnesota, Christians Help Immigrant Neighbors - Christianity Today
As the Twin Cities reel from ICE arrests and the killing of Alex Pretti, churchgoers drive immigrants to work and doctor’s appointments.
012
Reposted by isabel ong
kate shellnutt @kateshellnutt.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
“It’s amazing what cutting a bad sentence will do. Or taking out a bad paragraph. Cutting is essentially a kind of sculpture. It reveals the face inside the piece of rock.” - James Magnuson tumblr.austinkleon.com/post/8064561...
tumblr.austinkleon.com
Austin Kleon
Five years ago, a reader emailed me this November 2005 Texas Monthly profile of Austin writer James Magnuson and said he had it taped above his desk. Magnuson died this week.
163
Reposted by isabel ong
Ruth Graham @ruthgraham.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
"If you tell your companion that you are feeling sad, it will pray for you." Smart challenging questions here from @bonniekristian.bsky.social: www.christianitytoday.com/2026/01/cree...
christianitytoday.com
‘Think of It As a Best Friend and Youth Pastor in Your Pocket’ - Christianity Today
A Q&A with the CEO of a Duolingo-style “Christian AI” app aimed at Gen Z.
11193
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Has KPop Demon Hunters' popularity fueled cross-cultural missions or galvanized the production of more Christian K-pop music? Find out in our @christianitytoday.com story: www.christianitytoday.com/2026/01/kpop...
christianitytoday.com
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Helped a Missionary Talk About Jesus - Christianity Today
But some believers remain wary of adapting the popular music genre for worship, so Christian K-pop isn't going up, up, up.
011
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
More evangelicals from China and Taiwan are finding Eastern Orthodoxy appealing. One researcher sought to uncover why. New @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2026/01/chin...
christianitytoday.com
The Chinese Evangelicals Turning to Orthodoxy - Christianity Today
More believers from China and Taiwan are finding Eastern Christianity appealing. I sought to uncover why.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Happy new year! Don't miss our editors' picks of stories about the vibrant global church in 2025 @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/12/glob...
christianitytoday.com
15 Stories About the Vibrant Global Church in 2025 - Christianity Today
A doctor caring for Congo rape victims, pastors shepherding a Ukrainian youth group in wartime, and leaders serving faithfully in Christian-minority Japan.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Meet Lu Xiaomin, a prolific hymn writer with no formal music training who is a household name in Chinese Christian communities @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/12/lu-x...
christianitytoday.com
The Chinese Christian Behind 2,000 Hymns - Christianity Today
Lü Xiaomin never received formal music training. But her worship songs have made her a household name in China’s churches.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Indian Christmas traditions are delectable--and also inspiring. Read how Christian believers open their homes to people of other faiths amid rising persecution @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/12/indi...
christianitytoday.com
Celebrating Christmas with Hot Chai and Crispy Murukku - Christianity Today
Amid rising persecution, Indian Christians share Jesus’ love with friends and neighbors through delectable dishes.
032
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
As we begin Advent, here's a piece I wrote a few years ago @christianitytoday.com on popular misconceptions about this season that Majority World Christians often encounter: www.christianitytoday.com/2022/11/adve...
christianitytoday.com
3 Popular Misconceptions About Advent - Christianity Today
Christian leaders from Brazil, Colombia, France, and the Philippines weigh in on mistaken beliefs about the season.
021
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
How do Bible verses talking about prayer as incense shape and inform our understanding of this spiritual practice? Prayer is "a sacred entreaty to God that rises toward him with the fullness of what we carry," Bohye Kim writes @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/pray...
christianitytoday.com
Our Prayers Don’t Disappear into Thin Air - Christianity Today
Why Scripture talks of our entreaties to God as rising like incense.
041
Reposted by isabel ong
kate shellnutt @kateshellnutt.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
The evangelical theologian who founded Regent College didn't halt ministry as he aged—he just moved it into the nursing home. @christianitytoday.com profiles Jim Houston, who turns 103 today: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/jim-...
christianitytoday.com
What Do a 103-Year-Old Theologian’s Prayers Sound Like? - Christianity Today
Jim Houston’s scholarship centered on communion with God. His life in a Canadian care home continues to reflect this pursuit.
042
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
British-born Canadian evangelical Jim Houston turns 103 today. For this @christianitytoday.com story, I got to ask him questions like: What will you say to Jesus when you get to meet him? What do you want to share with CT readers? www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/jim-...
christianitytoday.com
What Do a 103-Year-Old Theologian’s Prayers Sound Like? - Christianity Today
Jim Houston’s scholarship centered on communion with God. His life in a Canadian care home continues to reflect this pursuit.
051
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
"Reorienting a church’s musical culture toward grassroots songwriting and local eclecticism could be one sign of our upside-down kingdom." -- @kkramermcginnis.bsky.social www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/god-...
christianitytoday.com
God Loves Our Middling Worship Music - Christianity Today
Songwriting might be the community-building project your church needs right now.
021
Reposted by isabel ong
Christianity Today @christianitytoday.com · 19/11/2025
The Christianity Today Board of Directors has unanimously elected Dr. Nicole Massie Martin as its next President and CEO. Read more: chrst.today/3LLtTER
0163
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
The high court concluded that Malaysian pastor Raymond Koh’s kidnappers acted in a “sophisticated manner” that suggested institutional involvement and ordered the state to reopen the investigation. New on @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/mala...
christianitytoday.com
Malaysian Court Vindicates Family of Abducted Pastor - Christianity Today
A judge finds authorities complicit in Raymond Koh’s disappearance, granting millions in damages and ordering a new investigation.
001
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Adoption fraud in South Korea is a “state-driven act—an actual crime,” Kim Do-hyun of Christian nonprofit KoRoot said. “These false records erased the truth of [a person’s] birth and enabled abuse, alienation, and despair." More in @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/10/sout...
christianitytoday.com
‘Every Adoptee’s Worst Nightmare’ - Christianity Today
The horrifying history of adoption fraud in South Korea has spurred Christians to finally care for orphans in their own country.
011
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Spoke to folks in/from Peru and Nigeria for this story out today @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/bibl...
christianitytoday.com
Bible Reading Is Up Among Young Adults - Christianity Today
Millennial readership has increased; zoomers read less than other generations but are on a steady upward trajectory.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
NEW: In interviews with @christianitytoday.com, adoptees and advocates from South Korea grieved the recent adoption-fraud findings, which have spurred Christians in the country to reevaluate the church’s role in adoption. www.christianitytoday.com/2025/10/sout...
christianitytoday.com
‘Every Adoptee’s Worst Nightmare’ - Christianity Today
The horrifying history of adoption fraud in South Korea has spurred Christians to finally care for orphans in their own country.
111
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
I first pitched this story idea to my colleague Kara Bettis Carvalho in 2023. This month, I finally put words to my experience of miscarriage, shame, and how Eli and Hannah's conversation in Scripture can shape ours @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/10/ther...
christianitytoday.com
There’s No Shame in Talking About Pregnancy Loss   - Christianity Today
Eli and Hannah’s conversation in 1 Samuel holds wisdom for Christians on how to care for people who have lost babies or experience infertility.
131
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
You can now read and share @christianitytoday.com's story on China detaining Zion Church's pastor Jin "Ezra" Mingri in Chinese (simplified & traditional), Spanish, and French. Chinese: zh.christianitytoday.com/2025/10/ezra... zh-tw.christianitytoday.com/2025/10/ezra...
zh.christianitytoday.com
中国政府拘捕具影响力的家庭教会牧师 - 《今日基督教》简体中文 | Christianity Today | 今日基督教
锡安教会的金明日牧师,以及数十位教会领袖在一次有组织的全国性突袭中被捕。
101
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
On October 8, Singapore hanged Pannir Selvam Pranthaman. More @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/sing...
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
In honor of International Translation Day yesterday: Check out @christianitytoday.com's multilingual efforts in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, French, Indonesian, and more! christianitytoday.com/translations/
christianitytoday.com
CT Translations - Christianity Today
Christianity Today provides thoughtful, biblical perspectives on theology, church, ministry, and culture on the official site of Christianity Today Magazine.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Yoichi Fujiyabu has spent three decades sharing God’s love to people who want to end their lives. From Kazusa Okaya in Shirahama, Japan: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/japa...
christianitytoday.com
The Pastor Who Rescues People from Japan’s ‘Suicide Cliff’ - Christianity Today
Yoichi Fujiyabu has spent three decades sharing God’s love with people who want to end their lives.
010
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Out on @christianitytoday.com this month: A personal essay by writer Ann Harikeerthan on growing up at a leprosy hospital in Vellore, India, and what that taught her about communal healing and restoration: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/lepr...
christianitytoday.com
What I Learned Living Among Leprosy - Christianity Today
My 16 years at a rural hospital in India showed me what healing and restoration in Christian community look like.
011
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
“The largest obstacle to evangelism in Japan may be a deeply internalized identity of ‘Japaneseness,’ which is inevitably entangled with a Shinto worldview,” evangelical scholar Yoichi Yamaguchi says. More @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/shin...
christianitytoday.com
Missions and Evangelism in a Shinto-influenced Culture - Christianity Today
"We must avoid both excessive fear and uncritical sentimentalism of Shinto," evangelical scholar Yoichi Yamaguchi argues.
010
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Although institutional Shinto is declining, Japanese people still have a Shinto-influenced worldview which makes it difficult for them to ascribe to Christianity’s exclusive claims, says evangelical scholar Yoichi Yamaguchi @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/shin...
christianitytoday.com
Christianity and Shinto - Christianity Today
Japanese believers must be wary of falling into syncretism again, evangelical scholar Yoichi Yamaguchi warns.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Can Shinto be considered Japan's "national religion"? How did Christians in Japan respond to State Shinto, which revered the emperor as a supreme being? Find out more @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/shin...
christianitytoday.com
Shinto’s Historical and Contemporary Influences on Japanese Society - Christianity Today
Evangelical scholar Yoichi Yamaguchi shares how Shinto influenced the development of emperor worship and the ways Christians responded.
012
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
“One defining characteristic of Shinto is its emphasis on ritual purity and harmony with nature. But this notion of purification differs considerably from the Christian concept of holiness before God.” www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/shin...
christianitytoday.com
Shinto’s Key Teachings - Christianity Today
Evangelical scholar Yoichi Yamaguchi explains why Japan's indigenous religion lacks a transcendent notion of God.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
NEW @christianitytoday.com: Kazusa Okaya interviews Japanese evangelical scholar Yoichi Yamaguchi on the nature of Shinto, its development in Japan, its interactions with Christianity, and its implications for evangelism in the country. www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/shin...
christianitytoday.com
What Christians Should Know About Shinto - Christianity Today
Evangelical scholar Yoichi Yamaguchi on the indigenous religion's key teachings, its historical development, and ways to evangelize effectively in Japan.
121
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
"Women are grieving real children whom they carried in their bodies, and we address them as if they have merely lost an aspiration. But God does not view preborn babies this way." -- Brittany Lee Allen
christianitytoday.com
I Lost Three Babies in a Year. No One Knew What to Say. - Christianity Today
Christian misconceptions around miscarriage are not new, but need to change.
010
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Encouraging to see 3 Asia stories trending @christianitytoday.com! Links in thread
110
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
Just me popping up to talk about having a baby face, ageism, and leadership in Asian Christian ministry settings: www.instagram.com/reel/DNa1d1p...
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
Editing this piece made me think I should start hand-copying Scripture too. I’ll probably begin with the Psalms. What about you? www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/chin...
christianitytoday.com
China’s Quiet Revival, One Handwritten Bible Verse at a Time - Christianity Today
A church sought 1,200 participants when it launched a Scripture-copying initiative. Millions of believers across the country responded.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
On Korea's 80th Liberation Day, Ahrum Yoo reflects on widespread portrayals of Japan as Korea’s brutal oppressor and how she grew to view Japan through the lens of another biblical story @christianitytoday.com: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/japa...
christianitytoday.com
Learning to Forgive the Country That Oppressed Mine - Christianity Today
On Korea’s 80th Liberation Day, I exhort fellow evangelicals to view Korea and Japan’s relationship through one of Jesus’ parables.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
"I am intrigued by our modern-day penchant for making monsters and demons safe—or cute or attractive or morally ambiguous—and how this might be creating a sense of spiritual ambivalence." My reflection on "KPop Demon Hunters," "Demon Slayer," Labubu: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/labu...
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Labubu, ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ ‘Demon Slayer’: We humanize these otherworldly creatures because we’re spiritually ambivalent. My latest @christianitytoday.com:
christianitytoday.com
We’re Not Afraid of Monsters and Demons Anymore - Christianity Today
Labubu, ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ ‘Demon Slayer’: We humanize these otherworldly creatures because we’re spiritually ambivalent.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
"MAID now accounts for about one in 20 deaths in Canada—more than Alzheimer’s and diabetes combined"
theatlantic.com
Canada Is Killing Itself
The country gave its citizens the right to die. Doctors are struggling to keep up with demand.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Singapore turns 60 on Aug 9. The prophetic call for the country to be an Antioch of Asia has helped and also hindered mission efforts, said the Singaporean Christian leaders I interviewed in my @christianitytoday.com report last year: www.christianitytoday.com/2024/09/sing...
christianitytoday.com
The ‘Antioch of Asia’? - Christianity Today
Christian leaders in Singapore wrestle with a prophetic charge and diminishing cross-cultural evangelism.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
"In this passage, knowing Jesus comes not by way of word but by way of smell. Fragrance, rather than doctrinal revelation, becomes the medium of recognition." -- Bohye Kim
christianitytoday.com
To Know Christ, Use Your Sense of Smell - Christianity Today
Mary pouring nard on Jesus’ feet isn’t only about extravagant worship.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Anyone else partial to cozy fiction lately? I shared some recent reads in @christianitytoday.com's Weekend newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: pages.christianitytoday.com/ct-weekly
021
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Had a great time talking with The Sola Network's Aaron Lee about my work as @christianitytoday.com's East Asia editor!
sola.network
Telling East Asia's Stories at Christianity Today: An Interview with Isabel Ong - SOLA Network
Aaron Lee interviews Isabel Ong, East Asia editor at Christianity Today. They talk about presenting Asian stories to a majority culture, her research and writing process, and what she hopes her reader...
110
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
One thing I love about my job is the opportunity to publish pieces that wrestle with aspects of Chinese culture from a Christian perspective. Here are some stories I recommend @christianitytoday.com (see thread):
christianitytoday.com
Chinese Christians Have Conflicted Feelings About ‘Saving Face’ - Christianity Today
Though a significant part of their culture, not all feel like it best honors how God wants conflict dealt with.
100
Reposted by isabel ong
Christianity Today @christianitytoday.com · 28/07/2025
Jesus’s presence lingers in those who love him, “a fragrance that emerges not through ritual smoke but through lives thoroughly shaped by the enduring imprint of knowing him.”
christianitytoday.com
To Know Christ, Use Your Sense of Smell - Christianity Today
Mary pouring nard on Jesus’ feet isn’t only about extravagant worship.
0101
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Anyone else spending summer weekends at the beach or at a lake? This @christianitytoday.com piece offers a deeper understanding of the sea in Scripture:
christianitytoday.com
The Raging Sea Is More Than a Symbol of Chaos - Christianity Today
The Bible's favorite metaphor to remind you that you're not in control.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
South Korea recently detained six Americans for attempting to send rice and Bibles to North Korea. Christian nonprofits and groups in South Korea worry that the incident will hamper efforts to reach the reclusive country. On @christianitytoday.com:
christianitytoday.com
Christian Groups Perplexed, Wary After Korea Bible Incident - Christianity Today
South Korea detained six Americans trying to send rice and Bibles by sea to North Korea.
112
Reposted by isabel ong
kate shellnutt @kateshellnutt.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
In Anchorage, a hymn-singing hiker shares God's creatures through game-camera footage. @christianitytoday.com reports from Alaska: www.christianitytoday.com/2025/07/sing...
christianitytoday.com
Singing Hymns to Scare The Bears - Christianity Today
On the outskirts of Anchorage, a Southern Baptist retired science education professor captures creation on her cameras.
173
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
We have a small and dedicated team @christianitytoday.com covering the Asia region. Read our latest pieces about India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, China, and more: www.christianitytoday.com/topics/asia/
christianitytoday.com
Asia Articles - Christianity Today
Explore in-depth articles, news, and Christian perspectives connected to Asia. Stay informed with trusted insights from Christianity Today.
062
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
A recent interview with Singapore pastor Kong Hee, who was convicted of fraud years ago, brought out issues of repentance and prosperity-gospel teachings among Chinese Christians. My report for @christianitytoday.com:
christianitytoday.com
Singapore Megachurch Pastor Criticized for Lack of Repentance - Christianity Today
An interview with Kong Hee, who was convicted of fraud years ago, sparked controversy among Chinese Christians.
000
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
160 years ago, Hudson Taylor founded China Inland Misison (CIM), now OMF. Read how his wish for a 'thousand lives' for China's millions has become a reality:
christianitytoday.com
Hudson Taylor’s Wish for a ‘Thousand Lives’ for China’s Millions Has Become a Reality - Christianity Today
The legacy of Hudson Taylor and his China Inland Mission is still inspiring new generations of Christians in China and beyond.
001
isabel ong @isabelong.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
“We must stop using Scripture to justify our political opinions. The Bible is not a partisan weapon," says one Korean evangelical amid deepening political polarization in the country. NEW on @christianitytoday.com:
christianitytoday.com
Evangelical Fault Lines Revealed in South Korean Election - Christianity Today
Some Christians are troubled by politicians’ anti-Communist rhetoric. Others are preoccupied with it.
010