Elizabeth Chan

Liz is a young Christian who is excited about the power of God, faith in Jesus, and His work in individuals and community. A native of Queens with a nonreligious upbringing, Liz knew close to nothing about Christ or Christianity until a few years ago. Ironically, she was surrounded throughout college by close Christian friends and still knew close to nothing. What brought her to start questioning was Bill Maher’s film “Religulous.” She was eager to see it and after watching it, couldn’t stop thinking about it. She had little interest in learning about God or the three major monotheistic religions, but started wondering a whole slew of things. How do people relate to a God or have faith in something that can’t be seen? How could some people use something so personal to exploit or oppress others? And what comes of all this devotion to a particular belief? It all seemed foolish. Needless to say, a whole can of worms was opened.

Through discussion with one of the aforementioned friends from college, Liz was challenged to ask God Himself. She read the Bible without any expectation for a relationship with Him, but just to learn more about what some believed. At Psalm 50, she felt moved by God’s words that assure He is God who knows all and made all, who does not need people’s possessions or rituals, but who wants people to let go of pride and instead be filled with simple thanks. This is a sense of gratitude towards Him but also to fellow neighbors, which allows one to begin relationship with Him and other people.

Liz is happy to have found Ascension, a community that integrates growth in following Jesus and connections with others in Queens and even beyond. With a background and strong interest in design, she lends her skills to the church’s visual communications. She is also inherently organized and helps in administration. On her off time, she loves traveling, reading, knitting, and a good meal.