STUDENT ALPHA WITH KA SOCIETY

Student Alpha

Hi Guys, Matt here. We’re just about to embark upon another Alpha Course this term at UB on Tuesday 10th October, if you’re a new Christian or simply wanting to investigate what all the hype surrounding Jesus, then come along. It’s a really friendly environment to ask questions, and to eat free food! Read on to find out more information about the course and what to expect.

Testimony - What others say

Matt Student - "I only went on the course to please my girlfriend"

I was probably about eight when my mum and dad broke up. I lived with my mum and step-dad for about seven years, but I hated him, writes Matt Turner, 22.

I resented the fact that he wasn’t my dad and he told me to do jobs. We both did some pretty awful things to each other.

I kept saying, ‘I’m going to move out, I’m not happy here. I hate you.’ Finally he said, ‘I hate you as well so why don’t you just go?’ After that, I went to live with my dad, who lived eight miles away.When I left school, I worked as assistant manager of a hotel.

One night, I was in a nightclub with some friends. We were dancing and returned to our seats to find some girls sitting on our coats. We started chatting them up and I got on particularly well with this girl called Rachel. We met up again a week later and started going out together.

She was at university at the time and I discovered that she and her family were all Christians, although she never really talked about it.

One day I was racing to catch a train to see Rachel. She had asked me to pick up some books for her, so I ran into her house and said to her mum, I’ve got to get some books for Rachel, but I’ve got to get a train in five minutes.’

She said, ‘Right OK, here they are.’ Then she added, ‘By the way, can you do Alpha on Wednesday night?’

I said, ‘No problem, I’ll be back by then.’ So I ran off to the car and thought, ‘What is Alpha?’

I met Rachel and said, ‘Oh, your mum said something strange. She wants me to go to Alpha on Wednesday night and I said I would. What is it?’
She said, ‘It’s just dinner at a church.’ And that’s all I knew about it.

But when I went along, I enjoyed it at once. There was probably about five non-believers including me. I was an atheist. I genuinely didn’t believe there was a God at all. My family are all very matter of fact and I just thought we all evolved.

We had a good meal, then watched a video. Each time I wanted to go back. I asked lots of questions.

I was definitely only doing the course for Rachel. I wouldn’t have thought of doing it if someone else had asked me.

On about week two or three, I prayed to God when I was in bed at night. I said sorry for all the things that I had done wrong – for all the times I’d lied, all the ill feeling I’d had against people like my step-dad. I invited God in and although nothing major happened, I knew. I knew that it was real and that I was being changed.

I could feel my attitude towards people changing. I was becoming less selfish and a lot more tolerant. I was also less interested in money and possessions. My life changed dramatically during Alpha.

That was September 2000. After Alpha was over, I started going to church and I have helped lead other Alpha courses.

I prayed about my attitude towards my step-dad and after that I started looking at him in a totally different light. I started to value him. I told him I was sorry for my part in what had happened – and I was genuinely sorry. Now we are getting on much better.

Before Alpha, I didn’t know anything about Jesus at all. Now I depend on him. I pray every day, all the time. I’m always praying wherever I go. I also read the Bible a lot.

I’m hoping to go to Birmingham Bible College this year or next year. I’m just praying that I can get in there and that God will equip me. One thing more. Rachel and I are engaged to be married.

Call Matt or Euan for more details and to book your place

What is it?

It's relaxed and fun...

It starts with a light meal and is followed by a talk about the Christian faith - shown either on video or presented by a guest speaker or student.

After the talk, we break up into groups of about 10 to 12 guests to discuss that evening's topic.

No one is made to feel they have to talk, but everyone is given the chance to express what they think and feel – whatever their beliefs.

Over the 10 weeks, students get to know each other and often end the course as good friends.

Talk Titles:

• Introductory talk: Christianity: Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant?
• Who is Jesus?
• Why did Jesus die?
• How can I be sure of my faith?
• Why and how should I read the Bible?
• Why and how should I pray?
• How does God guide us?
• How can I resist evil?
• Why and how should I tell others?
• Does God heal today?
• What about the church?

Away Day/Weekend Topics

• Who is the Holy Spirit?
• What does the Holy Spirit do?
• How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?

How can I make the most of the rest of my life?

Who's it for?

Alpha for Students is for any and every student, especially:

• Those wanting to investigate Christianity
• New Christians

Alpha for Students courses are run by individuals, Christian groups and local churches. Courses are usually run on campus – in the Student Union, a lecture hall/room, university chaplaincy - or in a local church or home.

How much?

There is no charge for the Alpha Course, however, some courses may ask for a small donation towards food.