The first Alpha course to be held in Kota Bharu began on Thursday night and continued after the Friday mass yesterday. The presenters were Damien and Terence from the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang. Due to the short duration of the course, the content of the actual Alpha course was reduced to 8 sessions to fit into the tight schedule. 28 participants registered for the course. The participants enjoyed the lively presentation especially the various stories and experiences related by the presenters. The talks were enriching and in their testimonies, some of the participants expressed their enthusiasm and how some of their questions were answered through the talks and small group-sharing.
The Alpha course is a series of interactive sessions to discuss the Christian Faith in an informal, fun and friendly environment. It is open to all who are interested to know more about the Christian/Catholic faith. The course was first started by an Anglican pastor, Nicky Gimble but has spread throughout the world and adapted for adults and teenagers and youth. For us, it was Alpha in the Catholic context.
We hope to conduct more Alpha courses in the future, for those who could not make it the first time.
The parish would like to thank the organizers, especially Sr. Jackie for the sumptious food, and the presenters for taking the trouble to come all the way to Kota Bharu. A special thanks especially to His Grace, Archbishop Murphy Pakiam, who brought the Alpha to Kota Bharu.
(Photos courtesy of Sr. Jackie, Tijan and Joseph Wang)
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| Main presenter, Damien from Klang |
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| The first night sessions, Who is Jesus? and Why Did Jesus Die? |
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| Youthful presenter Terence |
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| The Participants with the Presenters of Alpha. |
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| KCYS participant giving her testimony |
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| Testimonies form participants |
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| Gerard Yeo, sharing how the Holy Spirit guided the PHDC Flood Relief mission |
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| Christine, one of the youth participants hopes that there will be an Alpha for Youth in the future. |
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| Dr. David thanking the presenters and organizers |
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| Paul Lai, giving his reflection on the importance of reading the Bible |
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| Joseph Wang, hoping that future Alpha courses can be conducted in the parish |
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| Opening song - 'Hari Ini' in action |
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| The participants singing with action |
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| Dr. David accompanying music for the participants |
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| After each talk, there is time for discussion in small groups |
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| Small group sharing - where you can ask questions, share and find out what others think |
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| Sharing in small groups is important part of Alpha |
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| Alpha in progress. |
