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LIVING THE LIFE?
Many of us have pondered the meaning of Life. Most have
attempted to try and define our place and purpose on
this planet – whether it is simply as a result of idle
curiosity, the result of losing a loved one, or the
sheer frustration of dealing with the burden of everyday
living.
“Is this all there is to life?” people say. “What on
earth am I doing here?” they ask. “What happens when I
die – and is there a God in Heaven?” they question.
Questions about the existence of God have fascinated
humans since time in memorial. Many men and women today
experience a very real sense of spiritual hunger without
ever having contact with a church.
So how, and where, does one find the answers to
life’s pressing questions?
You may have noticed a growing number of churches across
the Peninsula sporting white ‘band-aid’ style banners
draped across their formal, dressed-stone facades –
proclaiming ‘ALPHA is here!’
No, this is not some UK bingo-style, LOTTO replacement,
promising a get-rich-quick solution to life’s problems.
The reason for this recent phenomenon is the
international and local success of ALPHA – and it is why
these churches seem to be attracting as many fans as a
rugby Test match at Newlands.
Like any dynamic attraction, success is measured by the
number of people it draws through its doors. Judging by
the growing number of fans at churches, it appears that
ALPHA has achieved more conversions than Percy
Montgomery!
To date over 10 million people worldwide have attended
an ALPHA course.
In South Africa the number is close to half a million
people.
The courses are usually run at a church venue during
mid-week. These meetings are a far cry from the
pressured presentations one might expect from a
‘multi-tier’ sales organization, or from a
‘mind-over-matter’ eastern philosophy lecture.
Indeed just the opposite is true.
What distinguishes ALPHA from all other group
initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed nature of the
proceedings – a kind of ‘camaraderie of questioners’ –
who it seems, find the answers to life’s complex
questions.
“What ALPHA offers, and what is attracting thousands of
people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to
discuss the big questions – life and death, and their
meaning”. – The Guardian, London.
TIME Magazine reports that “many claim ALPHA has changed
their lives and appear genuinely happier for the
experience”.
The ALPHA course is run on the Atlantic seaboard by
Camps Bay United Church’s Christian Lifestyle group, who
readily confirm this statement.
Says CBUC’s Alpha leader Richard Parker: “ALPHA is
informal, engaging, and relevant - and a good evening
out. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and to
make new friends – and to discover that God does exist!”
Parker says that you do not have to be a member of a
church to attend – and, remarkably in this day and age,
the course is absolutely free.
Enquiries: Contact the church 021 – 438 9674
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