Exploring the Christian Faith and meaning of life
Mega English Celebration Alpha Course 2018
美佳之窗 His Window 86（ Apr - June 2019 ）
Text by Mun Wei Cheah
Mega English Celebration (MEC) ran the very first Alpha course catered for university students and young adults in October 2018. This is a series of sessions for new believers to explore the Christian faith. Every Tuesday evenings for 9 weeks, about 18 new comers (non believers, new Christians, and anyone rediscovering their faith) gather together to meet with 9 Alpha volunteers from church to engage in activities specifically designed to explore different questions around faith and inspire conversations among different groups.
There is a 3 days 2 nights getaway in the midst allowing everyone to bond and have an enjoyable time of fellowship; providing a great opportunity to explore the Christian faith away from familiarity and stress of life.
MEC Alpha Course 2018 Core Team
From Volunteer Kar Mei:
Brief Introduction
I am 22 years old, currently a student studying physiotherapy at Mahsa University. I wasn’t born into a Christian family but I was blessed with the opportunity to get to know Christ during my teenage years through a friend. I began joining a life group and started attending MEC services since 2016, and 2 years later I finally got baptized. My family members came to support me and witnessed my baptism.
What made you interested in volunteering for the Alpha Course?
I got interested because I think the Alpha course introduces Christianity thoroughly. How I wished I could have joined an Alpha course when I first started to learn and figure the Christian faith out myself. The series starts with the most basic knowledge and introduces important foundations of Christianity; hence I wish more people could have the opportunity to join the course.
Besides that, as I volunteer for the Alpha Team, I am able to serve the community beyond church. I was once a non believer, so I truly understand from a young Christian’s point of view. Alpha is also a place to witness spiritual growth and how God supernaturally transforms a life. It always reminds me of how great our God is and how blessed I am to be His child.
How did the Alpha Course help or encourage you in sharing your faith with others?
I find that it is not always easy sharing the gospel and I don’t feel like I am doing it enough, but through Alpha, I can share my faith with others by first inviting them to join the course! It is an alternative to introduce Christianity to non-believers with a gentle and holistic approach as they learn about the basics and history of Christian beliefs through the weekly topical videos.
It also provides an open platform especially for non-believers or new believers to discuss any doubts or questions they may have in a comfortable environment. Through the videos, I definitely learned something new as well as revisiting some basics of this faith, which will surely help me in sharing my faith with others in the future.
From Volunteer Daniel Woon:
What do you think are some challenges of sharing the Gospel’s message outside the church walls for Christians today?
Personally, I think the challenge lays in sharing the truths about the gospel especially in the area of sin and grace without taking the easy road with the story portraying Jesus as just a morally upright person. It is hard for people outside the church walls to comprehend the weight of sin and this amazing Grace.
What makes you passionate about sharing the Alpha Course?
I believe Alpha is a very good platform to help others who haven’t experienced the love of Jesus to have that opportunity. It is more than learning from the videos presented during the course, it is about showing the love that Christ has shown me to others.
From Participant Lau Jayxi:
Brief Introduction
My name is Lau Jayxi, I am 19 years old and currently studying A-levels. I am not born a Christian but I went to a church camp when I was 8 years old, and that was my first time exploring Christianity. I only started to attend Sunday services at MEC regularly after my father had his baptism in 2017.
I often find peace within and answers to things I was struggling with during worship sessions and while listening to sermons.
But at the same time, I was still confused. I don’t really understand everything and I don’t have a solid knowledge of the bible and Christianity.
Therefore, when I heard about Alpha, I knew that it would be a great opportunity to know more about God.
Alpha Retreat at Port Dickson
What are some of the topics/discussions that stood out to you the most at the course?
The first topic at Alpha was ‘‘Is there more to life than this?’’. This really got me thinking and question myself whether I am living a life that is only up to expectations or a life that is lived to the fullest. I also thought about what more I can do with my life. How would a life that glorifies God or is pleasing to Him be like?
Other than this, there was one discussion that stood out to me as well. When I was sharing about the problem I faced in life, someone who was in a similar situation encouraged me. She told me that it is okay to be different from others and I should just do what I love and stay firm in what I believe in. She has helped to solve the insecurity that was deep within me as I always tend to do things that are really different from all my friends. I had a sigh of relief after I thought about it over again that night.
Can you share about the areas in your life that has changed since the course?
I grew in faith, received a lot of advice about life that saw me through the tough times, and helped me see every situation from different perspectives.
Ever since the course, I got connected to a life group in MEC. I got to know God more continually and had many chances to study God’s words in an effective and interesting way. I also got to know more friends where we discussed on how to be a wise witness and how to build a strong relationship with God.
My life is not only about studies, family and friends anymore. I feel my life is way more fulfilled than it has ever been before!
From Participant Nicholas Lee:
Brief Introduction
My name is Nicholas! I’m 19 years old and currently studying in Sunway College doing A-levels. I have been attending church for the second year now and have been enjoying the many experiences I have gained.
What are some of the topics/discussions that stood out to you the most at the course?
All the topics gave me a greater insight into who God is and how to develop a closer relationship with Him. Among all of those weeks, I think the week about ‘How to Pray’ was one where I really enjoyed and gained a lot from. I have been applying the tips that were taught and it has definitely helped bring me closer to God.
Besides that, the topic on ‘How to Read the Bible’ also stood out to me. I have always had a hard time understanding the word of God and at times felt frustrated. However, the lessons I have learned really helped clear my doubts and helped me in understanding the various ways God works in our lives which motivates me to learn more about our great God.
All Volunteers and Participants
Can you share about the areas in your life that has changed since the course?
I have definitely been able to appreciate the love of God in my life more after attending the course. I have been able to notice God working in my life a lot more ever since and I also started changing negative habits in my life in order to become more like Him. I would definitely encourage anyone who wants to learn more about God to attend the Alpha course as it will definitely be a rewarding experience.
Try Alpha!
What is your purpose in life? This is definitely not a light hearted topic of choice to bring up as we buzz around life with the people that we meet daily. But it could be the one thing you ponder about when you have a sleepless night, or stare blankly into traffic stuck in your car.
Jesus left this world with one great commission before He ascended to Heaven, it is not a tip to live a balanced work-life- church healthy lifestyle, or planning out our next career goal; it is to go make disciples of all nations (Matthew 20:19), in essence we ought to go and share the Gospel to people as how we have come to know and receive it ourselves. Now, the challenge is how do we begin? Especially in this age where we live in the fear that the slightest slip of tongue could be an offense to another.
To date, the Alpha course has reached out to millions across the globe and has been translated into 112 languages. From its humble beginnings in the 90’s, many churches have embraced this interactive evangelical tool to help their congregation share the good news. The vision is to explore faith and meaning of life with new comers in an unpressurized and non confrontational environment. Don’t wait for the next Christmas or Easter to introduce your faith today, try Alpha!
MEC will be running the next Alpha course on the 20th September 2019. It is open to everyone above 18 years old. Whether you are rediscovering Faith for yourself or you’d like to bring in a close friend or family member, get inviting!