I first attended an Alpha course the year
before last. I was in the attitude of
seeing what was going on, as I thought
I knew a lot about this kind of message.
Well, I've known the Lord for more than
20 years. During those last 20 years,
I have visited churches of different denominations.
I had received the Lord as my Savior and
professed Him before others. I also participated
in many different church activities and
functions. However, I never planned to
be baptized because I didn't want to commit
myself to any one church or denomination.
I thought, the most important thing was
to dedicate ourselves to the Lord, and
that the church was not important at all.
On the other hand, I thought if I want
to be baptized, I must go to the best
church. It is just like a man going around
looking for the right woman to marry,
but finally finding out that it was just
a matter of him being the right man. Women
are all beautiful in their own ways.
During my attendance at the Alpha course,
I realized that I had a lot more to learn.
I found that the course was not just for
non-believers, but believers can benefit
from it too. So, when I heard about the
next course, I decided to enroll for it
right away with the expectation that I
could learn more and may be a blessing
to others.
Now,
let me share with you why I join the Alpha
course again and again. There are many
good spiritual and physical reasons behind
my decision. The food is excellent! Spiritually,
there are many inspiring songs, which
you would also enjoy. Followed by the
most engaging talks from Nicky Gumbel
and some other live speakers! Small groups
are formed for sharing and giving feedback
about the talk. Some questions you ask
might not always be answered immediately,
but eventually, you will find the answers!
At the end of the course, strong fellowship
is built and we start giving gifts to
each other. The most valuable gift is
the gift of Christian love and friendship.
I can go on and on. I highly recommend
you to join and find out for yourself!
God
is so faithful that HE never sends us
away empty. HE knows our needs and will
fill us. I am really thankful for this
Alpha Course!
My
searching and shopping around is over.
On the last day of Alpha I was baptized.
Well, I believe that this is the church
the Lord has for me. It is just a matter
of acknowledging it. I think in a way
my decision to be baptized is like a joint
venture of the love and care of the congregation
as well as the warm message of the Alpha
course. Thank you Lord!
At
the beginning of last year my mother passed
away, during that time I was trying hard
to conceal my emotions, especially when
my children and close relatives were around.
Brothers from the congregation came to
the funeral and gave me a lot of comfort.
At
the end of the year my brother passed
away. This time it really hit me hard,
I wasn't sure if I could control my emotions
when I faced others.
My
brother's death taught me that life is
short and time is precious. It reminds
me of a verse from James 4:14 "Yet
you do not even know what tomorrow will
bring. What is your life? For you are
a mist that appears for a little while
and then vanishes".If I had not procrastinated,
maybe I could have helped my brother more.
I am here to urge you, my friends, if
you feel you should attend this course,
don't hesitate!
Thank
you and may God bless you!