Food, one of the important ingredients of any Alpha meeting, encourages sharing, fun and laughter, fellowship and friendships and so much more. It is also important in all Caribbean gatherings.

Our Caribbean culture was definitely in the mind of God when He inspired Nicky Gumbel to put this programme together. The food for the soul offered in the programme however, was meant for all God’s people.

The announcement was made in church “All are invited” – every Sunday 3.30 to 6.30 p.m. for ten weeks which would include a day away and a gala dinner. Well! Many of us at St Charles parish had serious reservations.

First meeting – February 25, 2007, a few who came out of sheer curiosity fell off, but 29 eager participants often had the leaders staying after the prescribed time from that very first session.

Alpha participants raise glasses in a toast at the gala dinner

Many of us thought we already knew Jesus. Catechists, Bible School graduates and other spiritually involved people – we all grew in faith and appeased our hunger for a deeper understanding of Christ and the meaning of His sacrifice for us.

Through video presentations and follow up discussions on topics such as “Why did Jesus die?” “How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?” and so many other “attention grabbers,” the Lord taught and coaxed and drew us in closer to Him.

We had our doubts removed, questions answered, alterations in attitudes, healings – physical and spiritual – even of people not present, gifts such as speaking in tongues and interpretation – testimonials confirmed it all.

Our “Day Away” retreat at Mount St Benedict was wonderful - the scenery and the ambience immediately connected us to God. Sorry – we can say no more! This you have to experience yourself.

Our Gala Dinner – words are insufficient to describe the décor, the delicious meal, the camaraderie, the beautifully gowned women and well-groomed men. Our appreciation to Cherrie Chang for sharing the evening with us as representative of the Archdiocesan Commission for Evangelisation.

 To our parish priest Fr Reggie, and the chairperson of our parish council Lucy Regis, thank you for your words of wisdom to us. To the leaders from Malabar parish, Loretta Smith, Victoria John and Sandra Ealie – we know that this was a challenge for you, but you mastered it beautifully. May God richest blessings be upon you all.

To our own leaders, Louise Zamora, Glenda Augustus and Vera Allen, who was also the gracious emcee at our dinner, our heartfelt thanks for every effort, and we know there were many. We look forward to supporting you in your future Alpha endeavours.

The Alpha experience is a spiritually rejuvenating and fortifying one – the first step to a new way of life. To all of you out there – we encourage you to take that first step.