Dear First Pres,
I truly believe Jesus is the answer to life’s biggest questions. I believe Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, that so many are desperately searching for, and yet few find. Our world is broken, and desperately in need of Jesus.
But the problem is that so few Christians go out of their way to share Jesus with their friends and neighbors who don’t typically go to church, including myself. I’ve been a lifelong Christian, and in full time vocational ministry for more than a decade. But the more I’ve gone deeper in the church world, the less I feel in touch with those who are outside the church. And that thought started to bother me.
I started to ask myself (with the prompting of the Holy Spirit), Why is it that the more I grow in Christian leadership, the less I’m engaged in evangelism? Why is it the older I get, the more fear I have of rejection? Why do I have so few friends outside the church? Am I praying for the lost to be saved? I wondered, when was the last time I witnessed an adult baptism in the church I attended? I longed to be part of a church where new life was normative – where lost people came to faith, grew in their faith, and boldly went out and shared their faith with others.
And that’s why we started Alpha. Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matt. 4:19) Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and we are invited to participate in that rescue mission.
During the annual meeting, I shared the story in the gospel of John, when Andrew encountered Jesus, and then he invited his brother Simon to “come and see”…
Simon would later become the apostle Peter, and one of the greatest evangelists.
It all started with Andrew inviting Simon to come and see. And that’s what an Alpha invitation is, to “come and see” Jesus for themselves.
Then I challenged you, the church, for three things: To invite, to pray, and to cook. And boy did you deliver! And boy, did God deliver! More than 50 gathered for a warm meal, a talk, and a conversation. It was a Jesus party! Our guests felt loved and cared for with the love of Jesus. Thank you for praying and thank you for inviting your friends to “come and see."
Blessings,
Jon Jo
P.S. Read on to enjoy this testimony from Teresa Leonard, about three young ladies that were invited to Alpha:
I’ve been praying for months about Alpha. From the moment I heard about it, I knew I was to be there and exactly who I should invite: a previous neighbor I used to walk with weekly, whose friendship I’ve maintained. Immediately, I extended the invitation and started praying she would say yes and that nothing would deter her.
When last Wednesday finally came, I was in a buzz. My friend confirmed she would be there and though I didn’t know what to expect, the group was able to fill up the Fellowship Hall! I sat at a table with someone else who brought an unchurched friend. After the meal and video played, the table took turns answering questions. The questions began as fun icebreakers and eventually landed at, What question would you ask God? Throughout the questions, people shared more and more deeply. I listened and when it came to my turn to answer this final question, I shared vulnerably.
After the event, I sat and talked with my friend outside for over an hour. I shared with her the story of the prodigal son - and what an honor it is to share Biblical parables with someone for the first time! She told me that this feels like the beginning of her new life, and that she wants to commit to coming all ten weeks.
On the way home, I got a text that the other unchurched gal at my table was deeply touched with my vulnerable share and would like to connect. So, I’m praying about starting a discipleship group with these two ladies. Please pray with me!
And, one last connection was made. A young gal had quite a time in the days immediately prior to the Alpha launch. Amongst other events, her car was totaled and she was stressed about needing rides. I told her that we have a group of Deacons that help with care needs, including transportation and she was floored. The next day, I connected her with a Deacon and she is getting the rides she needs. She has felt cared for and we’ve continued texting. Who knows? Maybe she would want to be a part of the discipleship group as well.
Praise the Lord! God is on the move, family, and it is an absolute joy to be part of it.
-Teresa Leonard
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