by The Forerunners Ministry (TFM)
“For the disciple of Christ to evangelize is an obligation to love.” – St. John Paul II
SANDAKAN, 12 July 2025 – With the aim of strengthening grassroots ministry leadership, over 20 participants gathered at the St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Sandakan for the one-day Alpha Team Training. The event was organized in collaboration with The Forerunners Ministry and Alpha Malaysia.
Icebreaker Session
The purpose of the training was to empower parish facilitators and volunteers to effectively conduct ALPHA courses in their local communities. The interactive training included an introduction to ALPHA’s structure, tips for leading small group discussions, and role-play activities that simulate real-life ALPHA experiences.
Trainers from the Alpha Malaysia Team delivered inspiring and practical content, building the participants’ confidence and readiness to serve as local leaders of future ALPHA sessions.
“This training opened our eyes to how impactful ALPHA can be in building a vibrant and welcoming faith community,” shared Freddy Graman, the Chairman of Parish Pastoral Council, St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Sandakan.
B. Malaysia Group – ‘Sesi Doa’
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MORE TESTIMONIES:-
The English Group with Joyce Ting
(Left to right: Airene, Clare, Joyce, Davina, Faustina, Gregory and Jayronna)
“Salam damai.
Puji Tuhan kerana dapat menyertai ‘Alpha Team Training in the Catholic Context’ (Sesi Bahasa Inggeris) pada 12 Julai lalu.
Sesi-sesi yang dijalankan adalah santai tetapi padat dengan informasi semasa berkenaan dengan pelayanan orang muda masa kini.
Antara sesi yang menyentuh hati saya adalah Sesi ‘Come Holy Spirit’; iaitu satu ruang dicipta untuk mendengar keperluan sesama peserta untuk didoakan secara spontan dalam kumpulan. Ianya secara tidak langsung memberi ruang kepada diri masing-masing untuk belajar kemahiran bagaimana berdoa secara spontan mengikut keperluan.
Secara keseluruhannya, latihan tersebut membantu saya untuk melihat kembali pelayanan saya dalam ministri, tugasan hakiki serta panggilan berkeluarga.
Tahniah kepada penganjur di atas pelaksanaan latihan ini – kerjasama utuh terlihat dalam pelayanan muzik, tim makanan/minuman dan suasana sepanjang sesi dijalankan sehingga selesai.” – Airene A. Gumanas (Youth Ministry)
“Hi, my name is Faustina.
When I first heard about the Alpha Course, I honestly had no idea what it was about. I joined simply out of curiosity, not expecting much.
One moment that stood out to me was during our small group discussions when we had to take on different roles and share what love means to us. My assigned role was “New Age,” and I felt scared and awkward. But through that exercise, I realized how different perspectives could shape our conversations and how important it is for someone to step in and help when things feel off or misunderstood. It showed me how much our approach can impact group relationships.
Another surprising moment was when I prayed for someone by physically laying hands on them. I’ve always prayed privately in my room, so this was completely new for me. At first, I was unsure if I said the right words or did it “correctly.” I started overthinking. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, I came to understand that prayer isn’t about perfection, it’s about having a sincere heart and letting God work through us.
After the Alpha Team Training, I feel renewed. I’ve experienced God’s love in ways I never expected, and I’m so thankful for this journey. Thank you to the Alpha Malaysia Team and everyone who guided me along the way.” – Faustina Renee (Catechetical Ministry)
The Praise and Worship Team
“Alpha Team Training was such an enjoyable, meaningful, and inspiring experience! Every session was fun, easy to follow, and really helpful in preparing us to serve more confidently and effectively. We were guided step by step on how to become Alpha trainers ourselves.
One of the most memorable parts was the role-play session. It was both fun and eye-opening. It gave us a real sense of what we might face during Alpha sessions and helped us get ready for all kinds of situations with future participants.
Another highlight was the prayer ministry session which I think was truly uplifting. You could really feel the Holy Spirit moving. That time of prayer helped us break through any awkwardness and reminded us how powerful prayer is in bringing people together not just as friends, but as family in Christ. We saw how prayer opens hearts and creates real connections.
Huge thanks to Joyce and her husband, Sebastian, for their amazing guidance and support throughout the training (English Group). They didn’t just teach us, they walked with us, shared their wisdom, and showed us how to reach out to people with different personalities and needs. Their presence made such a big difference.
I’m really grateful for this whole journey, and I can’t wait to team up with everyone to help run Alpha Course.” – Jayronna T Johnny (The Forerunners Ministry)
The Bahasa Malaysia Group with Trainer, Simon Siah
“Salam damai.
Saya rasa sangat terharu dan diberkati kerana berpeluang mendapat pengalaman indah dan berharga setelah menyertai Latihan Pasukan Alpha Konteks Katolik.
Ini merupakan pertama kali saya mengikuti program Alpha. Jadi, dalam fikiran saya pastilah saya akan rasa mengantuk nanti. Namun, apa yang terjadi adalah sebaliknya. Saya langsung tidak rasa mengantuk sepanjang program latihan tersebut kerana saya rasa seronok pula.
Mulai saat itu, saya tersedar bahawa kita seharusnya mengambil serius terhadap iman kita sendiri. Berkongsi iman dengan sesama juga sebenarnya amat menyeronokkan.
Apatah lagi saya lebih terkesan semasa sesi saling mendoakan di mana saya dapat benar-benar merasakan kehadiran dan sentuhan Roh Kudus. Saya merasakan suatu sentuhan yang panas dan seluruh tubuh saya bereaksi sehingga bergetar, kedinginan. Badan saya seperti terapung-apung.
Saya berharap agar latihan tersebut akan diteruskan agar lebih ramai lagi belia atau orang muda yang akan mengetahui dan memperkongsikannya kepada yang lain pula. Saya yakin bahawa program Alpha dapat memberi kesan baik bagi anak-anak generasi akan datang untuk tetap teguh dalam iman mereka.”
Terima kasih dan Tuhan memberkati.” – Mary Teresa Gabriel (Catechetical Ministry)
B. Malaysia Group – ‘Sesi Doa’
Meal, Talk, Small Group Discussion
What is Alpha?
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring the Christian faith. Alpha runs all around the world in cafes, churches, universities, homes, bars – you name it. No two Alphas look the same, but they have three key things in common: food, a talk, and good conversation.
To know more about ALPHA: Click link https://malaysia.alpha.org/
To join the Alpha Course in St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Sandakan: WhatsApp to +60 11-1190 9414 or +60 16-834 3410 (The Forerunners Ministry)
