ALPHA goes to Sarawak

Feb 23, 2020

SONG:  The ALPHA Belia team, led by Fr John Gnanapiragasam of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, was given an enriching experience of the Church in Song and Kapit.

Fr David Ho, the rector of St Herbert Church, Song, shared on the work of the early missionaries to Sarawak. In 1881, under Cardinal Herbert Vaughan MHM, the founder of Mill Hill Missionaries, zealous missionaries were assigned to Borneo. Despite the challenges of travelling through rain forest and rivers, mission stations and schools were set up one after another among the tribal population.

Later in the 20th century when the Chinese labourers came to exploit Sarawak’s natural resources, the missionaries tapped on this influx of immigrants and started schools for the children. The evangelisation work through education became one of the most progressive works of the Mill Hill missionaries.


Thankfully for the people of Sarawak, foreign missionaries are still permitted to enter the State and serve in the local Church. Amongst them are Fr Philip Abaso, Fr Mathews Olili and Fr George Omutto – the energetic Mill Hillers whom the ALPHA team had the privilege to meet.

ALPHA Belia was first conducted in Kapit in 2015. At that time, Fr Ho was the rector of the Church of Mary, Immaculate Conception. Alpha gives the youth an opportunity to encounter Jesus and helps them to connect with their faith at a deeper level.

Seeing the fruits of the course, Fr Ho invited the teams from Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to St Herbert Church when he was transferred there as the rector. Proven as an effective tool, Alpha also allows young people to be coached to give live talks. This was what happened in Song. The KL youths, Aaron Bradley and Eric Charles, worked with the local youth team from Song, coached and equipped them to deliver some of the sessions. They were also trained to host the small groups.

With encouragement, these young leaders from Song can indeed be further equipped to be missionary disciples for Christ. Sharon, who heads the music ministry, is exceptionally talented. She is also pursuing a degree in political science in UITM, Kuching. During the Praise and Worship sessions, Sharon played the guitar and was also the lead singer. She was assisted by Archelous, a keyboardist.

Liza was roped in to be overall coordinator and she did a fantastic job in bringing the team together.


Clara, who teaches in the primary school next to the church delivered a talk and hosted a small group.

The young guests were delighted when Emanuel delivered Siapa itu Yesus? in Iban. The third local speaker was Jerome, who delivered his talk with much enthusiasm too.

Together with the rest, we believe with extra coaching, these can be the ones to spearhead the next ALPHA Belia in the neighbouring towns. As it is, a couple of these young leaders are already the catechists in the parish.

Eric testified to the fruits of ALPHA when he returned to Kuala Lumpur. He said, “I am so touched by the outcome and responses to all the sessions we delivered. During the Sacrament of Reconciliation, nearly all of the youths went to the three priests who administered the Sacrament to them: Fr John Gnana, Fr David Ho and Fr George Omutto, MHM. I witnessed many in tears and I believe the Holy Spirit has touched them deeply.”

Aaron too gave a written testimony, believing so much that the Holy Spirit was the Prime Mover in all that took place in Song.

The leaders who hosted the small groups were heartened by the openness of the youths as they shared freely and openly.

Two testimonies came from students who are pre-believers. They both enjoyed the sessions and all the activities and there is now the desire to know more about Christianity.

Doris from SMK Song testified that she was touched during ministry time. She and many more received much healing during the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

One student from SMK Katibas was deeply moved when she made her confession. She shared that she had low self-esteem but she experienced healing through the Holy Spirit and she wanted to grow deeper in her love for the Lord.

Many more testimonies were recorded. The Holy Spirit was definitely hovering over the youths in Song as they soaked in the gospel message of love and reconciliation.

The Bishop of Sibu, Bishop Joseph Hii, has given his approval to allow Alpha in the Sacred Heart Cathedral. The rector of the Cathedral, Fr Philip Hu, hosted a sumptuous meal for the Alpha team. The team will be working closely with him to organise the next Alpha and they look forward to returning to Sarawak. 

What else is interesting in Song? The most exotic jungle fruits come from Song. If one has tasted durians from Song, you would not be craving anymore for the cloned durians available in Peninsular Malaysia. There are also other exotic jungle produce which you may not have seen, let alone tasted!!

The tagline for ALPHA is Come & See so that you can Go & Tell … so we bid you come.