Alpha – Summer 2011
The latest Alpha Course, albeit a smaller group, has now finished. It remains special, but because of numbers, more intimate. It is a constant source of wonder and joy that individuals, some with no previous church connection or one that heralds back to childhood or early adult days, should consider that this may be the opportunity to take a fresh look at faith in Jesus Christ. It remains the only directly evangelistic tool we are using at Newhills Church to bring in new believers to our fellowship, and so should as such be hugely supported by every member of the congregation, whether by prayer, personal encouragement or the practical ways of help with catering. We are so grateful for that support, for we know that the prayers of many around the church for this work and ministry are undoubtedly being answered as we witness the steady introduction of new Christians into the life of the congregation.
I will be attending the Alpha International Conference in London during June again this year. Last year I joined with nearly 2,000 delegates from 77 different countries to be inspired and humbled by stories of faith against significant odds of persecution, discouragement and threat. The freedom we have in our own country to share our faith has not been appreciated when we hear of the suffering that fellow Christians willingly endure in other parts of the world all for the sake of Jesus.
The Board of Alpha Scotland, of which I am a member, will be meeting during the Conference to plan for the development of Marriage Courses, Parenting Courses, Work with Ex-Offenders, God at Work courses and other crucial aspects of engaging with the culture of our day with the ever relevant and fresh Gospel of Jesus.
You can always find information about the work of Alpha on their website: www.alpha.org
Hugh Wallace