Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Alpha for Gringos by Julie Wiemann (Alpha Director)


A few months ago I had the opportunity to visit a friend in Costa Rica with the purpose of helping them start Alpha.   Nancy & Mike had taken a bold step of faith and sold all their possessions in the fall.  They felt God calling them to do some sort of ministry in Costa Rica, but they weren't sure what that looked like.  They'd heard me talk about alpha for several years, but they themselves had never done it.    Once they got settled in Costa Rica, they sensed a constant nudge that they were to use Alpha to get to know the people in the rainforest area of Costa Rica.   They kept praying and after about a month "Alpha for Gringos" was started in their living room on a Sat. night in December.  I took down old alpha materials and DVDs from the Ridge to share with them - they were thrilled!

People from all around the world gathered because of their simple invitation to join them for an engaging conversation about faith.   The offer of a great meal was inviting as well.   Now each Sat. evening 8-10 guests are coming into their home watching the teachings about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  One gentleman who was extremely hostile about anything faith related came again after the first night, much to their surprise. After a couple of weeks they learned that his wife had died years before, so he had questioned God for a long time.  Now he is starting to open up - and the platform of Alpha has given him an opportunity to do that.

Nancy & Mike still can't believe God would desire to use them in this way.   They enjoy getting to watch the spiritual growth that is happening right before their eyes; and they are grateful for a simple recipe they can follow each week as they invite guests into their home.   The transformation stories will evolve over the next few months - I will definitely give an update.  In the meantime, you can pray for Alpha for Gringos - an Alpha plant from the Ridge.

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