Far from Home with Mabel Ninan

Far from Home with Mabel Ninan


Episode 32 – Storytelling and Spiritual Formation with Jenn Suen Chen

November 18, 2025

Jenn Suen Chen is a spiritual director, speaker, and leader in the area of spiritual formation and cross-cultural ministry. In this episode we discuss her latest book, Dim Sum & Faith: How Our Stories Form Our Souls. As an Asian American and a child of immigrants, Jenn’s unique perspective on storytelling and spiritual formation is powerful, thought-provoking, and inspiring. She and I talk about her upbringing in an immigrant household, how navigating two cultures can be both a joy and blessing, how to cope with spiritual dryness, and the role of hospitality in storytelling, among other topics.

Takeaways Our value has been assigned to us by God who created us in His image. This powerful truth transforms how we see ourselves and others and how we receive and give love. Many immigrants or Third Culture Kids live between two or more cultures. Being grounded in our biblical identity can make us confident and empathetic as they navigate cultures. Sharing stories helps build empathy, process our spiritual formation journey, and bridge cultural gaps. Hospitality can lay the grounds for a safe space where people can share stories.

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