Alpha Course Remixed

Wise words from some of the men who have taken Alpha inside Mission Institution over the years

Bosco Poon Testimony Transcript

GOD is the Creator of all things. If you want to know GOD, you have to first understand that all things come from Him. Without Him nothing was made that has been made. Alpha Remixed is designed to show you who GOD is through music, people’s life stories, and teaching sessions. It’s going to help you to see Him more clearly in a relational level. It is our goal to show you the different sides of Christianity – both fun & serious, exciting & sentimental, energetic & quiet, chic & traditional. If GOD truly exist, there’s no way He wants you to miss Him in this modern age. You will seek Him and find Him if you do it with all your heart. I pray that you will see GOD the way I see Him today. You will not regret your journey in Alpha Remixed. If Jesus can transform me in prison, He can definitely transform you no matter where you are.

Bosco P.

As a novice Christian (and prisoner) I struggled with my own questions and doubts, some which I knew were not unique while others seemed just that, personally exclusive only to me, like how does one forgive himself for the pain and damage inflicted? How does one live with himself after taking an honest (and often unflattering) self-inventory? For while each of us here in prison have stood before the courts at one time or another, the court we hold ourselves, alone in our darkened cells each night, can be intensely harsher. Yet as my understanding of God’s relationship and compassion grew, I eventually found that elusive ‘self forgiveness’…not easily …but then what things of value ever do come easily? The Alpha Course has assisted me in seeing that many of the things I struggled with were universal, and that I was not alone in my quest for inner peace, forgiveness and relationship with God, nor would I ever be alone again in the wondrous journey that continues to unfold.

Alan S.

While incarcerated in prison I took the Alpha course I didn’t really know what to expect but took it anyways. Alpha helped me to focus on Jesus and get my life together and help to prepare for my release from prison. I loved how they remixed the program with upbeat Christian video’s and testimonies. And finally, I now have a better understanding of how and what a relationship with Jesus is all about and now I have a prayer life to guide me as I get out of prison with Jesus on my side.

Kenny P

Over the past ten years of my incarceration no program has given me as much insight into Christianity like Alpha. Every week as we watched Nicky Gumbel (the retired attorney) regenerate the words of Jesus’ teaching in a language even an uneducated life long Christian like myself fully understood. I work in the Prison Chapel as a clerk and have seen Gods healing at work both in the Chapel as well as those out in society. Last year on the phone I asked my sister if she was ready when her time came where she would be heading. She said I believe I will be going to heaven. I said do you know for sure or are you just relying on your new age thinking I asked her to look at John 3:16. as I talk to her today she is sure where she is going without the New age religion.

Glenn F

Being part of the chapel team in the Mission chapel, I was excited to embark upon a group “workshop” that discussed the essentials of the Christian faith. After a total of seven whole Alpha courses, I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that God used that program to challenge my rigid ness and level of charity. My respect and care for others around me wasn’t a facade, but a genuine interest to empathize with their journey and see them as endowed with such love by their Maker. The mercy and peace of Jesus Christ took shape during each session. God’s sovereignty crystallized for me again and again. Instead of being bound up with angst and insensitivity as to why people didn’t “get it”, and operating in the strength of my limitations, I opened myself to the splendor of Christ’s omnipotence. Alpha has instructed me, blessed me, and gently caressed me to follow through in being the man God designed me to be. All in all, I am impressed with the unique dynamic of Alpha in concert with the astonishing and unpredictable presence of God’s Spirit.

Stephen T.

I was asked to join the Alpha group three years ago and have since been involved with every program since. I remember the very first time that I was sitting in the Alpha program and not knowing what too expect. After a couple of sessions into the program, it became clear to me that I was on a spiritual journey of learning that I had been searching for. During the times of meeting every week I noticed that the fellowship within the group became stronger. I do know that for myself, the spiritual growth within my heart is by having faith with our saviour. It is because of the Alpha group and its volunteers from the outside that has helped me to surrender to God and have love and peace in my heart. Thank-you Alpha for being there

R.J.

About 6 years ago I took the Alpha course for the first time and because of my leadership role within the prison chapel I jumped right into assisting the Alpha volunteers from the outside community. Alpha runs twice a year in Mission Institution and for me Alpha number 11 will be starting very soon for me, and I can’t wait. And I still after all these years enjoy seeing the men have this encounter with the Lord and watching their lives be transformed by the Holy Spirit right before my very eyes. I can only say this, the Lord has richly blessed my life because of the Alpha experience and I would not trade it for anything in this world. We should serve the Lord with all our hearts and all our minds and all our souls and that is what Alpha has taught me to do from within these walls. May all the people responsible for bringing Alpha into the prisons be abundantly blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dave G

Approximately three years ago I was asked (actually pestered) to participate in the Alpha Course.  I rejected the offer each and every time since, citing other commitments and such as my excuses expanded.  Something happened, a friend who was an atheist asked me to go because he didn’t want to be alone within the group setting.  Sheepishly, but reluctantly, I agreed to participate in the course.  There were 14 sessions, once a week, in all – seemed doable.  At first I was standoffish and sarcastic at best.  As each session progressed, I began to warm to the group and slowly appreciate their enthusiasm and insight to my questions and doubts – really it was their patience and tolerance that won me over.  Around session 6 or 7 I was actually looking forward to the following meeting.  Ironically, the friend who had invited me quit coming at this time and I kept going.  Alpha Remixed had some fascinating and interesting videos by both Rob Bell (Nooma) and of course Nicky Gumble.  I found myself reflecting more each week on their wisdom and wondering again about my place in this life / universe.  While I am still struggling and wanting the word of the Lord in my life – I look forward to the next Alpha Remixed course – where I will whole heartedly participate again.

Chadwick  M

Being British the Alpha course really appealed to me, I could really relate to Nicky Gumbel/Jamie Heaths accent and sense of humour, this really reminded me of home, this also gave me the opportunity to interpret British phrases not used in Canadian English, and deter facilitators from using captions! The Alpha course really opened my mind and heart to many issues including forgiveness, although God has forgiven me for my sins, I often have trouble forgiving myself, God through Alpha taught me to forgive myself. The discussions are inspiring, the music DVD`s are awesome, and its good to interact with people I have seen but did not know until Alpha. It is very hard doing time in a foreign country, thousands of miles from family and friends, Alpha gave me the strength, courage, and determination to remain positive, and let God guide my future, I know he has great plans for me. I encourage everyone to take the Alpha course, it will benefit you immensely. Thank you Alpha, and all the volunteers who give us their time to help us be better people.

Stephen P.

Set Free

Jesus said “I have come to set the captives free”, now some of our brothers are set free and they have changed their lives and their drums beat a different tune for our Lord Jesus Christ. Bosco P, Stephen T, Kenny P, Paul K have all been set free and in some way are doing our Lord’s work out in the community. All of these men did the Alpha course inside the walls of Mission Institution thanks to Alpha Canada. Please pray for these men that God will use them with their Ministries to help others find God and not find prison.