The Alpha Course

Obviously we are back from Canada, the forest fires and all that rot. Of course, I've been meaning to tell everyone this but, I am sure you figured it out long ago. Duh. Meanwhile, it's been back to work and back to school the last few weeks. I just returned home from Union Church, where this evening I delivered the introductory talk for The Alpha Course. The program is described as follows: "Millions of people all over the world have attended an Alpha Course. It is an 11-week practical introduction to the Christian Faith, and is a simple and effective way of presenting claims of the Christian Faith in a clear and non-threatening manner to people from all walks of life."

I have delivered this talk before, but re-wrote parts of it to reflect some of the themes of my life in 2009:

1. Where's home?
2. What does God have in store for me in the coming years?
3. What's the Hong Kong Exit Plan, should there even be a plan?

Roughly fifty people attended the evening that included dinner and lots of ambiance. Rumour has it the evening was recorded and might be made available on the Union Church web site in the coming days or weeks.

Tess wrote about our weekend in Bangkok and yes, it was great. Great because Tess and I spent time alone together and had lots of fun. Great because we were able to spend time talking about the above three points in new ways we'd never before considered. And great because of of our health check-ups!

Some of you know - but most of you don't - that for several months in early 2008 I felt led by God to quit drinking. After months of resisting I finally obeyed on June 13, 2008. I have not had a drink since. Meanwhile, and unrelated, the first time Tess and I went to Bumrungrad Hospital for check-ups (Sept 2005) I was told I had a "fatty liver." ("Like the fatted calf?" I thought!) One year later (Sept 2006) I was warned it was getting worse. Having had no alcohol for fifteen months ~ and undertaken numerous intense lemonade fasts, also known as the Master Cleanser, of which I know many of you disapprove ~ I was quite curious to find out about my liver last weekend: squeaky clean! This was a huge accomplishment for me and a graceful bi-product of obedience. I can't find any statistics on how many people reverse a fatty liver but I gotta believe the percentage is low. Praise God I managed to do it.

Comments

[Mo aka Maureen aka Grandmother aka Mum]

Delighted you gave the Introductory talk for the Alpha Course, Charles. I remember clearly how strongly I was impacted when I listened to Stephen Miller deliver this same talk at Union Church based on his life and experiences.

And also delighted that you and Tess had such a good time in Bangkok and actually could talk and exchange thoughts and ideas without being interrupted :-)

Love, M xox