In this interview, Chester shares the joys and challenges of being a ‘Girl Dad’ and how God has used his daughters to grow him in love, patience, and prayerfulness. Having grown up in a non-Christian home, Chester also shares how knowing God the Father has influenced his parenting decisions and spiritual disciplines as a family.
- Please introduce yourself!
My name is Chester Wong, and I’ve been married to Ka for 19 years. We have two daughters: Ava, who’s 15 (yes, I’m in the teenage stage), and Jemma, who’s 11. We attend Auburn Anglican Church, a great place for our girls to see that God’s Kingdom is wonderfully diverse, with people from all over the world—perfect for a city like Sydney.
When I’m not ‘babysitting’ the kids (though they’ll tell you they’re too old for that), you can find me in lycra; cycling around Sydney or glued to the TV watching Formula 1. As our girls get older and more independent, they might not need us for every little thing, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need us. Sometimes, just being there—like now, as I’m sitting on Ava’s bed while she studies for exams—makes all the difference.
2. What has been the greatest joy and challenge of being a ‘Girl Dad’?
Being a ‘Girl Dad’ has been a crash course in hair conditioner, hair dryers, and mastering the art of JoJo Siwa bows. One of the biggest challenges? Learning how to do plaits—let’s just say I’m still in training. I’ve also had to figure out how to be gentle and soft. Growing up with a brother, we were always roughhousing, but with my girls, I’ve had to learn to use loving and encouraging words, and to keep my voice down. The joys? They love cuddles, and they’re always up for teaching me the latest TikTok moves.
3. How has coming to know God, the perfect Father, influenced the way you father your girls?
Growing up in a non-Christian home, I’ve had to rely heavily on prayer and to seek wisdom and guidance from other godly fathers to help me keep Jesus at the center of our family. God has really shaped my character, especially my temper. Early in my fatherhood, I noticed I was quick-tempered, much like my own dad. But as I look to Christ, I’ve been reminded that this isn’t the way to raise my girls in a loving and patient manner.
4. How has God used fatherhood to grow and sanctify you?
Fatherhood humbles me every day as I constantly question whether I’m doing enough to nurture my daughters in Christ and provide for their needs. I keep coming back to the truth that it’s God who ultimately shapes their hearts. Our hope is that they will genuinely love Christ and choose to follow Him.
5. What is one piece of advice that you would give to new Dads this Father’s Day?
Pray for your children often and pray with them every night. Before I tuck my girls in bed, even my 15-year-old, we read the Bible and pray together. This is our nightly anchor—a time to stay rooted in God’s word and prayer as a discipline. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to chat, play random games, and share a laugh.
