Alpha for Seniors

I decided to do the Alpha course when one of the leaders invited me to attend. I first heard about Alpha twelve years ago and made a mental note to find out more about it. The motivation for attending the course was quite straightforward, if I could learn something new and deepen my faith in the process that would be first prize. If not, then perhaps I could meet some new friends.

Luckily for me, I managed to do both! I would describe my faith as quite strong prior to the course. I had been brought up in the Anglican Church by my mother whose commitment and dedication I would describe as unshakable. It was my mother who ensured that I attended Sunday school at St Dunstans when I was just three years old, later I was confirmed and even later married at St Dunstans. No matter where I find myself in the world the pull to return remains strong.

I had been invited to attend the Alpha course at St Dunstans, how could I refuse? I realised quite early on during the course that for many people some of the concepts came as life changing realisations. At first I was a little envious. How wonderful to discover the Holy Spirit! Then I had my own 'road to Damascus moment', I was driving home from the Alpha Weekend Away when I encountered the most electrifying electrical storm. I was travelling with divine company. If I were to describe a single incident that deepened my faith it would be this.

Some times, most times in fact, you have to let go and let God take charge.  This has been and still is a very difficult thing for me to do. I am so self reliant and find it very difficult to let go. When I give something over in prayer, I nearly always take it back. 

As the Alpha course progressed I understood more and more that the Holy Spirit was with me always and this was a guiding comfort to me. I understood the importance of reading my Bible, something I only did occasionally but now practice daily. This together with a quiet prayer has really enabled me to discover a deep connection with myself and thus God. When I am struggling to make sense of a challenge I ask the Holy Spirit to guide and protect me. As my faith has deepened my intuition has become stronger. I am able to understand myself with more clarity. I also understand that there was meaning and purpose behind some challenges that appeared everyday.

When my husband and I decided to immigrate I was so homesick. My husband also returned later. In retrospect I know that there was a reason for this and that things have worked out for the better.

I am back home both physically and spiritually! I still struggle but I have a deep inner peace because I am more open to Jesus' love and grace. I know that I have experienced this before but now I am experiencing it in a new and different way. I am more trusting.

The Alpha course has given to me, a quiet stillness when all around me is chaotic and frenzied. I know that every person comes away from Alpha healed in a unique way and this is why I can recommend it so enthusiastically.

by Julia Nelson