Workshop Inspires 38 Christians to Write for Impact

Monday, Sep. 28, 2009 Posted: 8:51:04PM HKT

(Photo: Armour Publishing)

Is there a future for Christian writing by locals? A workshop on the topic conducted recently seems to suggest so.

The inaugural Armour Publishing event brought out the writer in 38 people representing diverse professions.

All of them presented book ideas during the three-day meeting from August 27 to 29; Some already started on their books or completed magazine articles.

The workshop inspired Kenny Chee, Senior Pastor of World Revival Prayer Fellowship, who keeps an active weblog, to write ‘well’ and to start on a book.

An Anglican missionary wants to write a book on his experiences as a Southeast Asian pastor in South America leading an international team.

A young missionary who has served for four years on board a missionary ship plans to publish a book on the journey to 31 countries.

Another participant, a speech trainer, plans to start working on a manuscript for a commentary on Mark.

“These are manuscripts that need to be written and, most importantly, published,” said trainer John Maust, President of Media Associates International, according to a report by Sofina Tan, a participant and writer.

He recalled a session in which participants were asked to name their favourite author. Thirty-three authors were named, only three of whom were Asians.

“Why aren’t there more Asian authors?” Someone asked.

“That’s why you’re here,” said Maust, who has led writer workshops in Africa, Asia, Latin America, East/Central Europe and the Middle East.

“Many laughed, but we all saw the need and opportunity for Singaporean Christian writers to move forward in their journey toward becoming skilled published authors,” he said in his sharing about what was most rewarding for him as a trainer.

A MAI publication on the personal journeys of Asian Christian writers spoke on the importance of nurturing local Christian writers.

“Indigenous authorship is vital. Christianity takes root more swiftly and firmly when expressed and shared by creative national Christian writers within the context of their local culture.”

Armour’s Managing Director Christina Lim observed: “The wealth of topics for book projects shared was amazing and showed a richness of life experiences that will meet needs.”

The workshop was held to teach Christians how to write in answer to a call to create Christian content that impacts lives and draws readers to Jesus Christ.

Themed Christian Writing: Hearing the Call and Honing Your Craft, it focused on helping two groups of people.

Firstly, the workshop attempted to help budding writers and those with a passion to write to bring their concepts to fruition.

And then, it also encouraged published writers to persevere in their work.

The event began with a devotion by Methodist Bishop Dr Robert Solomon, who has released six titles with Armour, in which he spoke on the lasting power of the written word and how it defies space and time. Good writing can make a difference in someone’s life even if writer and reader never meet face-to-face, he said.

Through the workshop, participants learned to write personal-experience and devotional articles, and get started on writing a book.

The programme ended with participants showing their appreciation for the trainer. Some participants also came together after the meeting to form a writers’ group, keeping in touch via email and Facebook.

Armour Publishing is a leading Christian publisher in Singapore. Many of its publications are by local Christian authors representing both church leaders and laity.

Edmond Chua
edmond@christianpost.com