Knowable God, an online evangelism ministry, is changing the narrative for young adults in our nation. Their latest project, a writing contest, Gen Z Speaks, is an invitation and a catalyst for young adult Christians to share their unique perspectives on life and faith.
Cash prizes range up to RM3,500 but it is the opportunity to be featured on prominent Christian platforms like Asian Beacon, Christianity Malaysia, Faithour, and Knowable God itself, that makes Gen Z Speaks not simply a contest but also a powerful platform for Gen Z voices to be heard.
Acts 17 and the Inspiration for Knowable God
Inspired by and taking its name from a passage in Acts 17, Knowable God is an exciting new ministry designed to encourage and empower Gen Z Christians to share about their faith, particularly through the expression of their own voices and testimonies, in the process providing also an opportunity for online evangelism.
In the said passage, Paul arrives in Athens, a city filled with idols and philosophical thought, and encounters the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who represent two contrasting beliefs: the pursuit of happiness and the emphasis on reason. Recognizing that the Greeks were searching for wisdom and life’s meaning, Paul seized the opportunity to introduce them to the one true God using an altar inscribed “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” He explains that this God is the Creator of Heaven and Earth, who doesn’t dwell in man-made temples but desires a personal relationship with humanity.
In essence, Paul’s message emphasizes that, although we cannot find God on our own, He has revealed Himself through Jesus Christ, who came over 2,000 years ago to make God known to us. As Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). God is near; in fact, “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:27-28). Far from unknowable, God in fact yearns to be known and have a relationship with us. He can be known by us.
The Reason for Knowable God
Speaking to David Chong, founder of Knowable God, we find the reason for the ministry. With a background as an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Strategist, David does a lot of research on what people are searching online. He shares that the search term “I hate my life” actually has a lot of searches in Malaysia.
“In a world where questions and struggles feel overwhelming, Knowable God exists to remind Gen Z that hope and answers are within reach. We believe that God isn’t distant or unknowable, but rather desires a relationship with each of us. (This is why we are called Knowable God),” David shares. “Inspired by the cries for help we see online – from the search term ‘I hate my life’ to countless other questions and doubts – we knew there was a need for a safe space to explore faith and find real answers.”
Despite the passage of two millennia since the apostle Paul’s time, the human quest for purpose and connection with God remains unchanged. Knowable God was designed to provide that safe space, particularly for the next generation of seekers and believers. Recently, they launched Gen Z Speaks – a digital movement specifically built by and for Malaysia’s young adult believers.
Gen Z Speaks – More Than Just a Contest: A Movement for Gen Z
Gen Z Speaks is more than just a writing contest – it’s a movement designed to inspire, equip, and amplify the voices of the next generation. This initiative aligns with Knowable God’s mission of engaging Gen Z in their digital landscape, allowing them to express their perspectives and stories.
Founder David Chong noted the importance of hearing directly from Gen Z, which has already proven effective, as articles written by Gen Zers on Knowable God have attracted over 10,000 views. With a judging panel that bridges generations, including experienced writers like Lysha Tan and Gen Z talent Gwyneth Lim, the contest aims to identify writers who can genuinely represent their generation.
Open to Christians residing in Malaysia aged 16-27, Gen Z Speaks offers various categories, such as the “Gen Z Unfiltered Award” by Knowable God and others on friendship, mental health, stress management, and sports. Each category winner will receive a cash prize of RM500 and a copy of “Twelve Strands” from Graceworks. Even those who aren’t writers can join the movement by sharing the contest, with a chance to win a special RM500 giveaway. Submissions are due by November 15, 2024, providing an exciting opportunity for young voices to be heard. Knowable God shares more about their vision and hopes for the Gen Z Speaks movement in their contribution article.
The fact of the matter is there is a great need for Gen Z Christian ministries in our nation. Alongside this great need is also a vast potential. Especially of value is a movement that not only provides but nurtures and encourages the sharing of young adult voices in issues of faith and great relevance.
An Empathetic and Strategic Approach
“Another reason why we’re a ‘volunteer-powered’ platform is that I feel Christians are evangelizing less and less compared to previous generations,” David shares. “This platform empowers young adults to evangelize through writing, enabling us to reach people online—hence the name ‘online evangelism ministry.’ We don’t just want to reach people; we want to give Christians an avenue to evangelize in this digital age. That’s why volunteerism is our core.”
Knowable God’s approach is both empathetic and strategic, with an aim to meet people where they are in their moments of struggle. Using SEO skills to identify real needs and provide a space that offers hope and genuine answers, this insight-driven ministry can truly make a difference for younger and older Christians searching for guidance and connection. Gen Z Speaks has vast potential as a catalyst for greater Gen Z participation in the faith dialogue in our local Church.
Event Key Details
Gen Z Speaks: A Digital Movement for Gen Z
Categories
The contest features a variety of categories to encourage diverse expressions of life and faith:
- Gen Z Unfiltered Award by Knowable God: This is an open category where you can share your authentic Gen Z perspective on any topic.
- Friendship Award by Graceworks: Share the meaning of friendship and its impact on your life.
- Shadows and Light Award by Campus Crusade: Share your journey through mental health challenges and the moments of light that brought healing and hope.
- Calm in the Storm Award by Thomson CalmiLax: Share your practical tips and strategies for managing stress and maintaining calm.
- Sports Friendship Award by FCA Malaysia: Share how sports have helped you foster friendships, share your faith, and make an impact on your community.
Winners in each category will receive an RM500 cash prize and a complimentary copy of “Twelve Strands,” courtesy of Graceworks.
Submit your story and stand a chance to win up to RM3,500 and be featured on Asian Beacon, Christianity Malaysia, Faithour, and Knowable God.
Contest Rules
- This writing contest is open to Christians aged 16-27, residing in Malaysia.
- Stories must be original works that have not been previously published anywhere, including personal blogs or social media.
- Stories must also be at least 1,000 words long.
- By submitting your story, you grant Knowable God and its media partners the right to publish and edit your story for clarity and style.
- You may use a pseudonym to publish your story.
- All entries will be considered for publication.
- The deadline for contest submissions is November 15, 2024.
Do grab the opportunity to be a part of this momentous event if you are a Gen Z believer or if you have friends or family members who are Gen Z, do invite and encourage them. More information about Gen Z Speaks can be found on the campaign page by Knowable God
Christianity Malaysia would like to thank David Chong and Knowable God for their hospitality and partnership throughout this project. May it be a fruitful one and may the campaign be a transformative positive force for the Gen Z believers in our nation.
|Share The Good News|
Leave a Reply