Michael - Dalkeith

"I arrived at Alpha looking for knowledge. I came away with that knowledge, but I came away with a much deeper faith and understanding."

I was confused and searching.

I had a bit of a faith and for some reason I just thought of going to St John's.

They said Alpha was starting, and I had a belief in God, but I didn't understand Christianity, and I had lots of questions.

I remember I didn't want to come in, but I decided to push through.

I was a bit frustrated, to be honest, because I thought, " Why are we sitting here eating? Why are we not talking! My hunger was not for food; it was for answers. They explained to me that sharing a meal together was so important, and it was.

I was curious, and I went out of my way to ask difficult questions, and I felt I received answers.

The groups were particularly inspiring for me. These guys were complete strangers and they were being vulnerable, and hearing one another’s stories was powerful, their testimony, the conviction – it was amazing, inspiring.

I have met friends, which is just a wonderful thing, you know.

It’s helped me to go forward with my faith. I feel more solid now. I could feel my soul feeling a bit happier!

I arrived at Alpha looking for knowledge. I came away with that knowledge, but I came away with a much deeper faith and understanding.

It's an experiential thing. It's not just intellectual, but there's actually something more than that in the mystery that I can actually hold onto, it’s trust, and it starts to help make sense.

It’s about renewing your mind. So as you learn stuff, it actually has an impact on your life and helps you experience God.

It has changed my thinking on many things. Day-to-day things.

And I'm seeing a change and a transformation in me. And that's definitely happening.

I’d been to church before, but I'm here for good this time.