Alpha

I was quite cynical...but it was brilliant to be able to question openly in a supportive atmosphere'

Jan

I just want to encourage you all that the Alpha course is a truly amazing life changing experience that will leave you renewed and refreshed.  The course taught me that you could have all the money in the world, have all the looks, have the friends but you will never be truly satisfied with all of that. But only when you come to know Jesus and give your heart to him and have an intimate relationship with him, then you will find true satisfaction - the satisfaction of having inner peace and joy that can only come from God. 

Claudine

For me personally Alpha was refreshing. It reminded me of how awesome, amazing, majestic and loving God is.  He is truly above and beyond anything or anyone.  His love is unconditional.  He paid the ultimate price for us by sending his only begotten son to die for our sin and to set us free from every care and burden in this world and in our lives.  The Holy Spirit is our comforter and sustainer and yet in times of trouble it’s so easy for us to forget all Jesus has done for us. We take Him for granted.  If anything, Alpha restores or takes you back to your first love for Jesus, reminding you of His goodness, His plans and purposes for you, which are only the best.  It will also give you the courage and boldness to tell others about the gospel. I thank God for Alpha and for using Nicky Gumble to be such a blessing. It has helped me to remember that when the enemy is out to destroy you, your weapon against him is the word of an almighty God.  

Navisha 

The teachings have really grown us spiritually and has given us deeper understanding of the God we serve.  Through this we are able to build a closer relationship with God and it is so true that no matter how much we search after in life, we will never be satisfied until we find Jesus who is the only one that can satisfy our hunger.  The group discussions after each lesson has really impacted people’s lives and the enthusiasm and eagerness to grow deeper with the Lord has been so visible. I thank God for that because many have come without much enthusiasm but the end results can now be seen.

Vimla

If you want a no-holds-barred, open and honest discussion, you can bring all the questions and things that annoy you about anything to do with Christianity or religion to Alpha. You ask it, listen to what has got to be said and then make a decision. If you never ask the questions you'll never get any answers, and if you never give it a go you'll never know whether it was right or wrong, good or bad.'

Scott

I tried to control life myself; I could sort out all my problems myself, I didn't need anyone else's help. When I did have problems I would fill it with something else like women, beer, shopping, money. It got to the point where I was just turning up for work and didn't see anywhere else to go. All this time I said, no, no, I'm all right, I'm fine, I can take control, until I realised I couldn't. Since doing the Alpha course I have more of a positive outlook on life, if I've got a problem I'll sit and pray about it, talk to God about it. I feel so much happier.'

Paul

I do not come from a Christian background, I didn't even know anyone who was a Christian, so when a work colleague invited me to an Alpha supper I had to think about it for several weeks, because part of me was interested in why people go to Church but part of me was very wary.

When I walked in on that first night, I thought the hall was going to be full of people who all had grey hair and looked like they were sucking on half a lemon. I couldn't believe it when I found the hall full of people of all ages and all backgrounds, I remember thinking I don't know why I was so worried about coming.

I found the group discussion about the various Alpha talks each week a really good chance to learn. One of the bits that I personally liked was the fact that I could ask any questions and everyone was interested in them.

When I came on the course I thought they might try and get me on some sort of Religious treadmill, but the Alpha course taught me that I could have a personal relationship with God, and that God was but a prayer away.

I went on the Alpha course with an open mind expecting nothing. I still find it hard to take on board the positive difference it's made to my life, marriage and family. The Alpha course helped to look at myself as I really am, and helped me to love and respect other people, even those I considered not my type. Considering how reluctant I was to go, I actually found myself looking forward to the Alpha course each week.'

Jim