Of all my days of attending ALPHA, I was feeling a little lazy on this particular Monday. I entertained the little voice of the devil in my head and told my sister that I might not make it for ALPHA. But I wasn't 100% firm. Surprisingly, I left my office building at about 6:10pm and the roads were clear. A very unusual sight on a Monday i thought. Hmm... I'm sure there will be a jam at some juncture. Surprise again.. Damn... I got hold of VJ on the phone and checked his co-ordinates. At Curve meeting a friend and gym afterwards. What happens if you see me I asked, what changes? He will not go to the gym he said. Well, no worries then. Go ahead with your plan and I will go home. Still not decided on ALPHA i headed home. I reached at about 645 or so. Plenty of time I thought. I took my own sweet time to shower, had dinner and took the kids out with Rita to fuel my car at Shell Jalan Ipoh.
Time was 8:25pm when I got home. Just right for me to go for ALPHA and I left for church after dropping them off. The unfortunate part of the matter is that I also told VJ earlier that we could do dinner together once I was done. This was approximately at 9:30pm.
When I got to the seminar room, I saw that Nikki Gumbel has already started. Damn.. I mis-calculated my time I thought. Anyway the topic of the day was "Does God Heal Today?"
As usual, Nikki held my attention well with his animated talk and jokes throughout the session. Unusually though, after the session, we would usually break into our own groups for discussion. Time check then was about 9:15 or so? I thought okay, 15mins to go. I can run away now. The lady who got up to do the announcements gave a short summary on how to allow God to heal us and led us into prayer. I was lost in prayer and lost track of the time. SInce i put my phone in silence - no vibration or notice when the phone rings or messages come in. We all got up from our seats and grouped. This time we joined another group since there was only 4 of us who came. This shouldn't take that long I thought. I can finish it by 945 i thought and sent VJ a quick sms and joined my group. What followed was an express session of praying for each other. We all observed silence and in the moment of having invited the Holy Spirit into our midst, we continued praying for everyone in the group. As a group and individually after. For my part, when I stood in the centre, I lifted up those I know who needed God's healing. I was glad I took that center space because I know something moved within me that night.
I felt awfully guilty about keeping VJ waiting though. As soon as we sang praise and final thanksgiving, I left the room heading to my car. I was worried that VJ might have come over and waiting for me downstairs. Fortunately he wasn't downstairs but unfortunately he was upset. He waited for an hour he said. I felt guilty for not having told him earlier. But as I told him, I didn't expect the healing session, no one did.
Anyway, next week will be my last ALPHA.
It was testimonial time and we were encouraged to bring a friend who would benefit from the program. I thought of VJ since I have been asking him since day ONE. I also thought of Rita, Janice and even my mother. In fact anyone and everyone must attend the ALPHA. It was an eye opener and simplified version on how we can approach our own faith.
So, there goes - an unregrettable decision. I'm glad I went that Monday.
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