Our Chinese Alpha course started on 27 July and this week we finished our third session. This course is conducted fully onsite at TAVA. We have a team of warm-hearted and enthusiastic members who come together to ensure that Alpha is conducted smoothly. Everyone is clear on the focus of Alpha. It is really encouraging to see how we serve together, and our guests are slowly opening up to the cosy and friendly set up. On the third session we saw them warming up, talking and sharing more freely.
This week's topic is 'Why Did Jesus Die?'. It is a deep topic to grasp. Watching Alpha series over and over is like reading the bible: there are always new revelations and also it is a fresh reminder that we have a great God. The key point of this topic is that Jesus died for us to save us from our sin so that we can reconcile with God. This episode points out human sin that many may not be aware of. For example, greed, pride, and jealousy. Many of us may think that these are 'small' sins. However, we are reminded that all kinds of sin, big or small, is the root to the ruin of any kind of relationship, including our relationship with God. The great news is the gift of Jesus, our Saviour.
To relate this key point to guests from different backgrounds is tricky. This is where I find Alpha is wonderful for people to learn more about Jesus. They are given a space to share and ask questions. It is also a place where they can make friends. As facilitators, we need to learn to listen and how to tactfully use questions to encourage guests to share their thoughts. This week Ps Ben shared some valuable insights with the team on hosting Alpha effectively. We were also very amused and impressed with how he swiftly shared that Jesus is like how some people love durian while others run away due to its pungent smell. Thus it is important to remind ourselves to be a ready vessel for God’s kingdom project. It is a process of continual growing Christ-like to embrace every opportunity to share about Jesus.
Besides Alpha, I am also glad to share about the meeting with SSO (Social Service Office) on Tuesday. This meeting brought an understanding of the kind of work SSO does and how we can collaborate with them in our ministry at Bukit Batok. We thank God that He opened our eyes to available resources we can tap on in the future. When God calls us, He will not leave us alone, He sends help.
All in all, this week has been fruitful! Living out God's word brings joy and growth that draw us closer to God. I pray for the rest of the Alpha series, that every member will experience a deeper encounter with God and for every guest that come, may they too experience the goodness of God.
Signing off
中文小组
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