From mid-February to mid-April, a group of eight gathered weekly at The Message Trust to take part in something truly special — the Alpha Course. If you’ve never heard of it, Alpha is a series designed to explore the basics of the Christian faith in a relaxed, open, and friendly environment. Think of it as a space where no question is too big, too small, or too awkward.
Over the course of nine weeks, we dove into a different question about faith each session. The format was simple but powerful: a short talk followed by small group discussions. And let’s be honest — the real magic happened in those conversations. People shared their stories, and wrestled with big ideas together.
What stood out most? The way God moved in people’s hearts. Some participants said they felt inspired to deepen their relationship with the Lord. Others found clarity on things they’d been struggling with for a while. One person shared that they realised they’d become a bit complacent in their faith — and felt a fresh nudge from the Holy Spirit to step up and serve more actively in their church community. That’s the kind of transformation that makes Alpha so impactful.
The highlight of the course — as always — was the Holy Spirit session. This year, it was led by Pastor Jonny Cornelson, with incredible support from the Message Trust’s extended prayer community. The atmosphere was full of expectation, and many walked away feeling renewed, encouraged, and deeply touched.
We’re grateful to the Alpha South Africa team for their guidance and support throughout the journey. And a big thank you to everyone who contributed — whether through prayer, logistics, or just showing up with an open heart.If you’ve ever been curious about faith, or just want a space to ask life’s big questions, Alpha might be exactly what you’re looking for. Who knows? You might just walk away changed.
