"In 1999 I started going to Clear Lake Presbyterian. For a year, I sat at the back - and then I decided I wanted to get involved. I asked the pastor about getting connected and he said, 'I tell you what. We have an Alpha course starting. I want you to come to Alpha.' And I said OK.

He gave me the Alpha brochure to read and I thought, 'Well, it sounds interesting.'

The brochure said that is was a place where no question is too silly. 'Come, ask all the questions you want, meet other people...' it said. That was in the fall of 2000.

When I arrived at Alpha, I remember standing at the door thinking. 'I don't want to be here, I don't know anybody.'

There were probably about 30 or 40 people and I almost turned around and walked out. Then Craig saw me and said, "Diana! Come on in.'

After that I stayed throughout. The material was wonderful...and the laughter helped a lot. I was in a very nice group.

We went on a one day retreat and it was wonderful. I watched as people who had not said anything suddenly opened up. It was just amazing.

Up to that point I didn't believe that God had forgiven me. Alpha was where I learned that God does forgive me.

I learned that it was OK to be mad at God. He wasn't going to strike me down dead just because I was mad at Him.

I became a member of Clear Lake Presbyterian Church right after Alpha. I finally felt like it was where I belonged. My group accepted me and we never looked back. And it was the most wonderful experience I ever had.

Before Alpha, Jesus may have been my Lord but he wasn't my friend. I didn't feel like I had a relationship with Jesus.

Now I feel like I can actually talk to him which is such a nice feeling. Now I pray every day. I used to wake up thinking, 'I don't want to live,' but now as soon as I open my eyes, the first thing out of my mouth is. 'Thank you God for today.' It has taken a long time for me to be able to believe that God really does love me.

I read the Bible now. It is not an intimidating book any more.

Alpha has also made a difference to my family life. I now have so much more patience with my children. I really do...

If you are stuck in the back row of church and are looking for an opportunity to jump start your relationship with God come attend Alpha. Who knows, maybe you'll find your story in the Alpha News some day.

Alpha is a 10 week practical introduction to the Christian faith that is especially geared to...

Each Alpha evening includes a great inexpensive meal, an interesting lesson on the Christian faith, and friendly discussion on the topic of the day. Come check it out, no strings attached. Free childcare is provided.

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