Wednesday, August 30, 2023

RiverLife Church Alpha Ministry Encounter Weekend 260823

 Last Saturday was the Alpha Ministry Encounter Weekend. It use to be called the Holy Spirit Weekend. But that name may not jell well with guests who aren't ready for such an experience!

Worship Time!

I was appointed by Pastor Julia as the Prayer Co-Ordinator for this Alpha July-September run. Which mean that I need to submit prayer requests and needs every week before the Alpha session. I also have to lead the prayer meeting before Alpha starts for half an hour. To do so, I need to be on my toes and be very sensitive to what is going on in Alpha and also what God, the Holy Spirit is doing in our midst so that I could pray as according to God's directions. (Very tough assignments)

This is what happen on Friday 25 August 2023:
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(25th August 2023 Friday morning 7am, as I send out my prayer items to the Alpha servants)

Blessed morning to everyone!

This morning, I was awoken at 5am with this prompting: *“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” – (William Carrey 1761-1834)*. And so let pray audacious prayers for this Encounter Weekend, “Dare to ask God, Wait and See God at work!”

Read: Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV) For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

 

This is the Alpha session #8 Encounter Weekend Prayer Pointers (26/8/23)

1. Pray for us that as we wait in stillness and tranquillity for the Holy Spirit to work in us, may our strength be renewed and recharged; our faith will soar as an eagle (Isa 40:31).

2. Pray for protection from spiritual attack, from sickness and any obstacles to stop us (guests & Alphaholics) from coming to the Encounter Weekend on Saturday.

3. Pray that the Holy Spirit to come into our midst and

(a) encounter the outpouring of the baptism of the Holy Spirit on Saturday;

(b) Holy Spirit to give the gift of tongues and other Spiritual gifts

(c) guide us to do HIS works & truth that glorify Jesus Christ (John 16:13,14);

(d) teach us to minister and to pray (Rom 8:26-27);

(e) use us to speak words of grace; blessings and response as according to the situations (Col 4:6)

(f) convict and convert the lives of pre-believing guests to the saving grace of Jesus Christ (John 16:8) (remember to ask them to receive Christ by faith)

Heavenly Father, I come to you with gratitude and full of Your love and hope that You are going to touch my life and many others also. Thank You for bringing them to Alpha and spending time with us all these weeks as we plant the seed of faith in them. Lord, You told us that some of us plant, some of us water, but it is You who give the growth (1 Cor 3:6), and so do Your work of growth as according to Your time which is always timely and beautiful. Thank You, in Jesus’ name; Amen!

Have a blessed day! Blessings

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Saturday Alpha session was extra-ordinary. We were very much by ourselves as many Pastors and their wives who usually came to help us did not come. So, we were fully on our own to serve and ministers to our guests. 

My team (Team 3) with Yong Chuan (on the right), Chinese pastor

Last night, I did some reflections on last Saturday encounter and send out a post on Alpha whatsapp:
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29th August 2023 Tuesday night 11pm

Now that the Encounter Weekend has passed, I was reflecting on how the prayer pointers which came to me on last Friday morning were answered:

 #3(f): I was expecting God to give 2 salvations. Psalm 62:1-2 has the word "salvation" appeared twice, and so I was praying for 2 salvations. I requested Ps Ju to put up Psalm 62:1,2 as we prayed on Saturday morning and she agreed. Thank God that Wee Kee and Isaac received salvations. God reminded me that some plant, others watered, but God gave the growth and harvest. God is good when we wait in silence.

 #3(b): gift of tongues - Yong Cheng and Erica received. Thank God. Other spiritual gift - Word of knowledge - Kian Seh shared about him giving it to Lionel that set him thinking. May God work in Lionel's heart. Let continue to pray for Lionel. I was asking God for Word of knowledge for Charlotte (team 3 guest), as I was watching fervently when everyone was praying (and so appeared to be idling, doing nothing). Cindy then asked me to pray for Charlotte, I was still waiting and listening to the Spirit prompting. Did not receive clear direction what was troubling her except John 14:27 came to mind to pray for peace. So, I guess I am still not ready to receive the gift of Word of Knowledge; only heard the word "troubled" & "peace John 14:27".

(PS: I observe from PS Thomas during the previous Alpha Encounter Weekend, he just place his hand on Grabiel, Danny and listened while sitting down. So, this Encounter Weekend, I am learning to listen with my heart).

 #1. Has faith within you increased? I certainly do

 May the Lord strengthen you all with this Encounter/Empower/Holy Spirit Weekend.

Good night


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