ALPHA NEWS

Spring time is a joyful season that brings hope and new life, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, ND Corner which ever direction one looks, life is buzzing. New life is definitely springing up from many churches and organizations which are running Alpha in Spring. We are particularly thrilled to see one church which seems to be winning seven new souls for Jesus every week of their Alpha Course; can you hear the angels rejoicing in heaven? In this year, we look forward to networking with like-minded organizations to make a greater impact for Christ. With the arrival of the Cantonese version of the Parenting Children Course, we are confident that this much awaited tool will bless our community with practical skills for parents to deal with challenges of raising kids today. This is one of the few practical, easy to use, Cantonese parenting tools with a Christian background. While the course is designed for anyone to attend, it is built on a biblical foundation. By the end of the course, participants would have been gently introduced to Christian values; it is our hope that non-believers will be attracted to explore the Christian faith further. We are connecting with various organizations to maximize our reach to penetrate churches, schools, community centres, and anywhere that parents may be seeking support in the shortest span of time. If you can help us achieve this goal, please get in touch with us. For those of you who missed the fun of the inaugural Alpha Walkathon in January and the Alpha Volunteers Thanksgiving Gathering in February, here are some highlights in photo for a peek into these joyful family events.

April 2013

Caroline Liu Alpha Hong Kong National Director

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marriage

We felt we understood each other well; there were no problem in our marriage. Do I need to take The Marriage Course? Lam & Ivy
Lam: Before my wife and I did the Marriage Course, we actually were not fighting very often. Whenever we were about to fight I would keep silence. I thought if I remained quiet that would prevent the onset of an argument. I believed this would keep both of us calm. To avoid conflict, I rarely talked about my feelings. I didnt think we needed to take the Marriage Course. I also wondered if the course would make any difference to our marriage. However, after completing the course, I learnt that other than discussions, listening is a crucial element to communicating. I used to think listening is an accessory. When my wife talked to me about something, I would provide her with lots of methods. I thought that was the way to express my opinions. If she disagrees, I would not be interested to further the communication. I had no idea that listening was a form of respect to my wife and that it is an essential ingredient of my love to her. I did not realize listening is a way of decompression to my wife. Having children changed our life pattern. When we learned the importance of having regular dates from the course, we tried to practice it. Although we dont go out on dates as often as we would like, we learnt to take this opportunity to reconstruct our intimate world, to practice our communication skill, and to upgrade our harmony. We learnt about the love languages in the Marriage Course. With this new understanding, I have learnt to put myself in my wifes shoes to understand her needs and her perspectives. Before, I thought keeping silence during conflict is calming down; but to her was being ignored.

Ivy: My husband and I met at our workplace. As we were both working for the same company from dating, getting married and after the birth of our daughter, we felt we understood each other well and did not think there were any problems in our marriage. We hardly argued with each other. Even though I relied and care for him, I realised that deep inside I did not respect him. I would become frustrated when he did not respond immediately to a question. In occasions, I even score him in front of other people. I never say sorry although I know Im wrong. Our company decided to transfer my husband to an office based in mainland China. I have heard stories about having affairs and mistress in mainland China. I was very stress about my marriage. My husband knew that I was worried so he agreed to attend the Marriage Course, which turned out to be a blessing. There were no immediate or obvious changes after we completed the Marriage Course. The transformation was imperceptibly and slowly by reviewing and practicing what we had learnt from the course. Now, I am willing to love him truly, to respect, appreciate and care more for my husband. I am more sensitive, not only about his daily live, but also his spiritual live. I have learnt that my husband is the head of my family; I have learnt to leave him more space; I have learnt to say sorry when I was wrong. I understand more about the difference between man and woman; and practicing acceptance and inclusion as a wife. I am trying every effort to explore his love language, to confirm and show my appreciation for his contribution to the family...... We dont get this right all the time. However, I am willing to maintain and invest in our marriage.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7

parentingteenagers

Highly recommend The Parenting Teenagers Course.

Peter & Annie
The Parenting Teenagers Course exceeded our expectations in nearly everyway. Firstly, the course was very professionally prepared and presented making it easy for us to understand and relate to. It covered a big (and difficult) topic in a structured but easy to understand way by explaining the concepts and then making them real by having professional child specialists, the parents of teenagers and teenagers themselves comment on each of the topics based on their real life experiences - its a 360 degrees approach so you get the whole (balanced) picture not just one from the adults or childs perspective alone. Also, the pace of the course was just right given the amount of material to be covered you left the sessions feeling challenged but not completely overwhelmed. 2

Secondly, as the parents of a pre-teen, and having just started to experience the first stages of teenage behavior, the course really put things into perspective for us as we were ignorant or naive about what was really happening or what to expect going forward having never been through it before. Accordingly, we werent making a good job of it. This course has opened our eyes to what is really happening with our child and that this is normal not abnormal behavior for teenagers. It has armed us with some tools to help us deal with the changes that are occurring so hopefully we can achieve a better outcome for both us and our children. One statement from the course that I think really summed things up for us is that our child is going through the process of moving from parental control to self control this is the reality of the teenage years and so all we can do is try to guide them through this difficult and often confusing process as best we can. Lastly, by being with other parents of teenagers, you realize that you are not alone everyone is experiencing the same things as you which is a relief. We highly recommend this course for anyone with pre-teens through to full blown teenagers you cant leave without having learnt something of value.

 ?

Lam
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Ivy
......

Lam & Ivy

- 4:7

Peter & Annie
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Spiritual Growth
As a Masters Degree student coming from mainland, I have encountered much cultural difference since I came to Hong Kong. One of the greatest differences is the development of Christian organizations. Honestly, whenever I see Jesus Is Love, the big red sign on the top of the buildings, I feel so grateful and fortunate, for God has led me to such a city filled with His love and wise guidance. I have joined a lot of Christian activities and learned a lot from local pastors. However, my life was not fully transformed until I had attended in the Alpha Course held at Polytechnic University. I really enjoyed the way that my friends and I studied bible by watching videos followed by discussion. Though we had only about 6 people, everybody talked from the very depth of heart, translating the Bible knowledge to his or her own daily lives. I realize that in the path of faith, there are friends walking with me side by side, implementing Gods will and learning how to devote my life to God. The Alpha Course helped and influenced me to grow to be a person with Gods value, rather than human values, as the first priority. One of the philosophies I love in the Bible is If you are going to gain in Christ, you need to lose this world. I learned this from a Bible story talking about a rich young man who asked

Paul

Jesus what good things must I do to get eternal life Matt 19:16. He had almost owned everything that an ordinary people possessed but he wanted to get something more to make his life perfect. However, Jesus told him to give up what he possessed. Then come, follow Him. Finally, that young man left sadly. In the past, I did treasure my GPA for it influences my future. I did care much about my physical ability and fitness, for I wanted to do better in basketball competitions. Now, I am trying to build a constant relationship with Jesus. I do research and physical exercises by the will of God in order to glorify Him. I believe that to build a relationship with God means I should do my utmost in my daily activities to fulfill His will. God, please forgive me that there were occasions when I put deep doubt on you; when my faith was moved by values of world or envy; when I desired to give up my identity as your son, and did whatever I wanted; when I took no care about eternity and your redemption but immediate excitement; when I said words with the awareness that you did not want your son to say. Please grant me faith, guide me and make me stand boldly in you. My desire is just to experience the death and the resurrection in you. Amen.

 19:16 GPA ()

China Pastor Training

Re-thinking of my ministry direction

Brother Lin
Through the training of The Marriage Course, I noted once again how tremendous the impact of marriage on individuals, families, churches and society. When a marriage is not happy, the individuals will not have joy and peace; the churches will not be developed healthily and lively; nor will harmony be found in society. The wound caused by failure of marriage will never be cured by success in any other aspects. Through this course, my family members and I gained a lot. Furthermore, the Course explicitly shows me my ministry direction in future. What impressed me the most were the Alpha staff. Evangelization is not only an ideal or slogan but an actual way of living and action. From their sharing, I learned the method of evangelization as well as the way of living an obedient attitude towards the great mission. The course itself has also given me much insight. The longer I am as a Christian, the less likely am I able to understand the feeling of the non-Christians, and the less likely am I able to think from their point of view. However, Alpha Course allowed me to experience the will of Jesus once again. Jesus loves all men and is willing to sacrifice for them - this is what I should learn from Him. If I cannot think from the position of non-Christians, I will not be able to share the message of Good News with them. If I cannot devote my life to the great mission, I will not be able to love Jesus truly. The specially designed course for evangelism is blessed by The Lord. I have gained much from the course. Thanks for the abundant grace of the Lord and to the teachers. 5

God - themaster mindof

I was baptized in the Catholic faith as a child with my mother about 60 years ago. She went on for confirmation but I did not. Now having lived over a half century: one jiazi to be exact, I have come to be baptized again in April 0f 2013 as my confirmation and my new covenant with our God. In the early years of my life, all I knew, I was a Catholic! I went to church regularly, but probably not often enough, I didnt even own a bible or probably truly knew the meanings in a sense of my life, only it is a lot of words, chapters and versus However I recall in a vague sense, my first encounter with God: in 1970, I was a graduate student at Tufts Medical School which ironically is located right next to the long established Saint James Parish, a Catholic church in Boston China Town. This was the church we went often, but as I said early, probably not often enough considering the commitment I feel today. Well, late one evening, I was studying Biochemistry, one of those new courses of the era, and in particular, I was on the paragraph discussing transfer RNA (tRNA)that thing in biology is a protein manufacturing device in molecular level that assists in the creation of all life form.. Specifically under the chapter of DNA, a life building block, the essence uniquely of each one of us I was wondering why this tRNA molecule looks so familiar. As I look out the window of my laboratory office, which was across the street from the church, on the third floor, I gazed toward the church. It sounds crazy but for me, I found this tRNA molecule looks almost the same as the top part of the cross lying on the roof of that church. For me, at that moment, somehow, and in some way, I knew immediately, God is sending a message to me and in that reality...To all of us, something He creates in nature contains has an element, has the essence of the lives of us all and is memorialized in a way for what His son suffered through. Even though that was a turning point and I knew God was with us, things didnt change much thereafter. You know how, scientists always have a problem with biblical merits because they cant physically prove it on Paper. They describe the problem is that the biblical timeline doesnt exactly match what we found in archaeology. The genetic finding (evolution) vs. Gods creation is a conflict with the tangible reality we demonstrate under a microscope. I have no solution to it. Nevertheless, more I study in life sciences with my colleagues and the community; the more I believe there is a creator that makes things happens: That is God. Year 2000, I came to Hong Kong and met a former elder. He told me about IECC, but not until 2005, my step-son invited us to the church. We became a non-regular but often enough to understand the meanings of sermons. 6

In the fall of 2008, we watched a series of DVD on Nicky Gumbel at home and suggested we should also attend for a 10-week-Alpha Course. I was struggling at the beginning as I was so busy setting up a company research facility in New Zealand, thousands of miles away. However, my wife attended. There was also an Alpha retreat on one Saturday, and it happened I was in Hong Kong, my wife invited me to go with her even though I have no idea what it was for. Later I found out! It was on the topic of the Holy Spirit. During the afternoon session on How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit? Our group leaders suggested to pray for me and asked what exactly do I want to ask God.

DNA

I work all my life on drug development; the drug I develop could save life, animal and human life. However, there is always been one question on my mind: Do I work for or against Gods will? During the prayer, I vividly heard a voice telling me: son, go ahead, you are doing it for Me. Electricity like striking force came from above through my head to my toes that made me feel the Holy Spirit It was entering into my body, it was a new feeling that I never experienced before. I knew it, at that very moment that I must committed to Christ. After that submission to Christ, I have changed my prospective toward those conflicts. I have found people often neglect the beauty of Gods creation. For example, I mentioned earlier about tRNA and DNA. DNA carries genetic information for different species, from generations to generations for all living creatures including humans. When we look carefully on what is DNA; the structure of a DNA sequence has only four chemicals: four different pieces called nucleotides. Amazingly with only different combinations of these four parts and with different lengths strung together, it translates into different creatures, different functions, and different thought, different yet the same common thread LIFE. If there is very little difference in DNA sequences, it separates you and me; if there is more differences, it separates human, animals, plants and all micro-organisms. I do not know of an answer for such a simple combination that eventually makes such a complicated planet: if not from God, our creator, I dont know who else? It deepens my faith in Christ as on Mark 11:22 Have Faith in God. My wife and I joined a care group (WIP) which helps us to grow to be a Christian, we have set up a spin-off care group on March 7, 2012, and named as HTC (Humble To Christ) to share our fellowship with others especially for those just finished studying from Alpha. I praise our Lord for leading me to be a loving and caring person and gives me a clear direction on my research which makes me continue working even passing my retirement age, it is a Gods blessing.

design for all life forms

Bing Lou Wong

60 2013 1970 (Tufts Medical School) (DNA) (tRNA) DNA tRNA tRNA 2000 IECC2005 2008 10
7

tRNA DNADNA DNADNA DNA 1122 (WIP)201237, (Humble to Christ) HTC

There is no

love

greater than forgiveness

Jacky

He became leader of a child gang in the Sheung Wan and Western district at the age of 14, and started indulging in collecting protection fee and bullying in the area. In order to climb up to a higher position in the gang, he assaulted a police officer while his big brother was confronted with police. He also saved his big brother risking his own life. By his bravery, he advanced to a higher position as wished. He then engaged in manufacturing and selling fake credit card to earn fast money; and could spend 80 to 100 thousand daily in entertainment with fake cards. At the age of 17, he used his illegally acquired money to open a karaoke nightclub with friends, and enjoyed a glamorous life.
At the age of 17, Jacky was arrested and imprisoned because of manufacturing and selling counterfeit credit cards. He was already married with a pregnant wife. Because he was expecting a daughter, he violated probation and became a fugitive. At the age of 18, he turned himself in to the police when his daughter was half a year old. Jacky could still remember returning home from prison to an empty house. His wife already left with their daughter, and the house was in a mess. He finally reached his wifes mother, who then arranged for some friends to bring his daughter to him. However, when he saw his daughter, he was struck by how ill-taken care of his little girl appeared to be.

that time, the fellow Christians from Tung Fook Church of Evangelical Free Church of China were running Alpha in the Prison to proclaim to prisoners about the salvation and grace from Jesus Christ. These faithful Christians were persistent in their visits to the prison, even in times of heavy rain storms. Jacky was so moved by their sincerity, and started to read the bible and pray. Agonised by the lack of freedom and frustration in the prison, Jacky was comforted by those who experienced similar struggles in the Bible. One time, after reading Gospel Corner, he finally made a prayer to submit his life to Christ. Meanwhile, when he read the extensive media coverage on the Sichuan earthquake on 2008 May 12, he realised how fragile human lives were, and how helpless in controlling their own destiny. He then began to reflect on his own life, and softened his heart to the notion of Christianity. Through faith and prayers, he overcame many temptations, like smoking and gambling. In 2009, after being discharged from prison, he tried to overcome the fears from previous failure to start his renovation business again. He prayed: I have printed 20,000 handouts. If I get my first business deal before finishing all these handouts, this would be a sign from You that You are giving me favour to take a right path. To his surprise, he was stopped by a passerby on the street when he was carrying a ladder and a tools kit. Master, would you take any work projects? the passerby asked. This is how he got his first deal even before distributing the first handout. Jacky met Lai-lin through friends when she was working at nightclub in Shenzhen at the age of 16. She started her rocky life from then. Jacky was in jail after jail. The worst was knowing Jackys unfaithfulness to her. He had other girl friends living close to their home. In 2008, the last time when Jacky was taken to prison again, she was so helpless and trying to commit suicide but was stopped by Jackys parents. So again and again, she forgive him, accept him and wait for him. She refused to give up on the marriage. The faithfulness and unconditional love from Lai-lin touched Jackys heart. He began to treasure their relationship. It also became the power to his repentance. Lai-lin and Jacky got married on December 30 of 2009. No ceremony, no wedding gown, no banquet, just a ring and a life long vow of love. In her eyes, Jacky is a faithful, trustworthy husband who loves her, loves the family, and loves God. Jacky said that receiving forgiveness from his parents, wife & daughter was a great gift. But the greatest of all was receiving forgiveness from God. He felt that he did not deserve any forgiveness because of his track record of sins, but God has forgiven him against all odds. God has freed him from the yoke of sins, made him a new man, and experience the greatest love of all through forgiveness. 8

After released from jail, he started a renovation business. In the beginning he was doing well, but later he was left in tatters as his contractor refused to pay a major project he had undertaken. In order to settle the bills and pay salaries to his employees, he had no choice but to broke the law and committed burglaries. In the next few years, he was repeatedly admitted to prison because of burglaries. But his heart remained unrepentant until in 2008 when he was put to jail again. His mother, a former Buddhist, came to know about the Christian Prison Pastoral Association from a radio program. Feeling moved by the sharing in the program, she contacted Pastor Lee to visit & help her son. Pastor Lee then started paying visit to Jacky at Pak Sha Wan prison and arranged him to attend religious studies. At

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Kei Yuen College

news

2013 2232011 30 2013

The first Youth Alpha Course of CCC Kei Yuen College was launched successfully on 23 February 2013. Much earlier, in January 2011, Rev. Chan already took part in the Youth Alpha training. During these two years, Rev. Chan was introduced, recognized and finally organized the course. It is a process starting from null to all, experiencing the grace & guidance of God who provides everything before we need. Prayer Before the Youth Alpha Course was introduced, the CCC Yuen Long Church (Church of Christ in China) had already prayed for the evangelism of Kei Yuen College for 6 months. God listen to our prayers and prepared the followings for us. Food Food for Youth Alpha Course was always simple and convenient. However, Kei Yuen College innovatively invited the women volunteers of Yuen Long Church to arrange food. They decorated the place wonderfully, prepared or ordered food. They even did the dish-washing and cleaning up the venue. Compared with those serving of Adult Alpha Course, they had done much better. Leaders and Speakers Senior Students God had already prepared the manpower for us! To start with, only Rev Chan and his colleague were available for the course, but ends up with all members of the Youth Fellowship of Yuen Long Church were willing to serve as leaders or helpers for Course. They also shared their testimonies in the activities and the group meetings. That is, not only a blessing to the students of Kei Yuen College, but also led to the growth of youth ministry. The major speakers and group leaders were senior students coming from Kei Yuen College. How marvelous is Gods plan - far beyond our expectation and planning! The Church-School Partnership The school coordinated with us at such a speed that one would not have expected. Starting from day one, the two chief responsible Christian teachers had publicized the event widely. The 30+ participants of the Youth Alpha Course mainly came from two forms, School Fellowship as well as the Morning Prayer Group. In additions, a teacher came with the daughter to share their belief. Their great effort demonstrated tremendous support. The Follow-Up - Planting Preparation 2013 is the year after Yuen Long Church has started the Church Planting Project at Kei Yuen College. Aiming at gathering those students who have not yet believed in God, the Youth Alpha Course of this year serves as the preparation for the Church Planting Project.. The timing of God is always the best! After the Youth Alpha Course has completed, there will be Saturday Worship Services for the youths at Kei Yuen College. 10

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