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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