Alpha Winter 2010

We have been blessed with a very diverse group of about 25-30 seekers each week during Alpha this winter. Just the other night I looked around at all the people who were listening intently to Nicki Gumbel’s sermon and thought to myself with a warm smile, “Wow, now this is the church!” Everything about the Alpha experience screams the Body of Christ, and this session is no different. What is even more of a blessing is that many of those who went through Alpha in the fall have returned to be helpers this time around. They are doing a marvelous job! In my group, the sharing we do is so open. Some of our group members are even sharing their testimonies and wanting to know Christ deeper. Our retreat is this weekend and just about everyone who attends Alpha is going, which is amazing! I anticipate a large turnout and would love your prayers this Saturday for our day away. Bob Berghorst will give a message on the Holy Spirit which is sure to be insightful and compelling.

Another additional note: typically, when our small groups let out at the end of the evening, many of the leaders assemble to debrief. During last week’s “debriefing” some the guys from the mission were there waiting for their ride. This time of meeting was absolutely hysterical as we were all just joking around and making each other laugh. Watching this, one of the guys said, “Wow, I just didn’t realize that Christians could have so much fun!”

I continue to be amazed by how the Alpha program transforms people’s lives. I feel utterly blessed to be a part of it. Thank you for all your support and prayers.

Becky Steiner