Testimonies About Alpha For Prisons
Many inmates like most of us are in search for the truth as it applies to our lives. Unlike those of us who live outside of prison walls; however, their unfulfilled search leads to frustration and a lifestyle consisting of very poor decisions, which could not be tolerated by society. Remaining crime free for them can only come through a change of the heart. Through Alpha and relationships with trained volunteers they discover the answers to the questions of life and find for themselves inner peace, which is truly a gift from God. “May the God of peace….equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Hebrews 13:20-21
William: Houston, Texas
 Today I am getting ready to go home to a new life in Christ, and I just smile at my past paranoia and self doubt. The Alpha program was the beginning of my true turn around. The interaction in our small group discussions was so very instrumental in breaking down the barriers most of us had placed in our lives. I can never thank the Alpha volunteers enough for being there in my hour of need. I love you all very much.
Tamie: Alpha Leader, Duluth, MN
 Prison is a perfect setting for the Alpha course. Yes, I would have to say that men in prison are ripe to receive the word of God, but in the past the Bible studies have had difficulty in attracting seekers to the faith.
God has honored our time and has been using Alpha in a mighty way. We had twenty-one men complete our first program. A professing Christian said that even though he had learned most of this a long time ago he was never able to put the picture together so completely. Another said he had never experienced the love of God before the Alpha program. Many said their relationship with God had grown. Others expressed upon coming back to the faith that Alpha was a good refresher and it filled the gaps in their understanding of Christ.
One man stood out early on. His face was so full of anger, pain, hatred it was difficult to look into his eyes. He kept coming to the Alpha program. This man was so completely transformed I knew that he had given his life to Christ by the look in his face. He later confirmed that. Not only was he converted on the “Holy Spirit Day”, but he has become a very dedicated Helper.
It was apparent that an atmosphere of trust was formed in the Alpha groups. They expressed their feelings about difficult topics as they bonded. It was exciting for us to watch the men enjoying each other in fellowship. They grew in joy, peace, patience, trust, and compassion for one another. Truly it was a miracle. I wish that more people would join this team to personally experience the way God is changing lives.
There is one more thing. I also came to faith at an Alpha program 4 years ago.
Thomas: Alpha guest from Texas
I was recently released to general population after spending almost 19 years on Administrative Segregation for gang affiliation. A friend told me about Alpha. I have never been a spiritual person but I was a bit curious about your program so I decided to attend.
I must admit that I have never been very spiritual and have seen so many people who say they are “Christian”, “Muslim”, etc. and never practice what they preach, that I found myself skeptical of the whole religious thing. But after going to the Alpha meetings for a while I found that I enjoy them. They aren’t anything at all like I expected.
I'm still not a religious person, but I have gained a lot of personal insight from your classes and feel that my view about spirituality in prison has changed. I now realize there are many true Christians in prison and maybe in time I will be able to lead a more spiritual life myself. If it’s not too much to ask, I’d also request that you remember me in your prayers.
Susan: Swannanoa Correctional Center, North Carolina
I have an Alpha grad, Karen that is serving 10 years. In the past she spent a good part of her time in segregation. After participating in the Alpha course she has completely surrendered her life to God and is on the fast-track for a successful re-entry. She is in the prison's culinary apprentice program and has become a model inmate, and gives Alpha full credit for bringing her to God. Another course member is serving a life sentence. Alpha has given her a purpose for the future. She is now in the leadership program I'm leading and will be a discussion leader when St. Timothy's Anglican begins an Alpha course in October. I have three inmates currently in the leaders training. Please pray that God will touch the hearts of officials and they'll see the need for Pods in the NC prison system. Susan Garland, Alpha Advisor, NC
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