Alberta Champions' Retreat


Here is the crowd who attended the Alpha for Youth, "Champions' Retreat" in Red Deer, Wednesday evening and Thursday. This was an event to gather specific, key players who play, or we hope will play, strategic roles with Alpha for Youth in Alberta. Although not all such people from all areas of the Province were able to attend, I think the event turned out to be exactly what God intended. I, for one, was incredibly encouraged. It was attended by people of multiple denominations, Catholic and Protestant, old (me) and young (everybody else).

Ben Woodman (fourth from left) and Jason Ballard (centre, rear, short), the, "stars" of the Youth Film Series were there and did a great job facilitating. I remember driving down to Red Deer with Amy Croy, Alpha for Youth coach in Alberta, and remarking that I wish more people were coming. Now, however, I am completely convicted. God brought together just the right people. It was an amazing time together, and I, for one, left feeling completely encouraged.

One highlight, for me, was meeting a teacher from the Sacred Heart Catholic School in Wetaskiwin, who uses Alpha in her religion class. She attends Sacred Heart Church in the same town; a Parish I have been pursuing with some vigor for some time, because in my opinion it will be the perfect Alpha Parish - contemporary and filled with the Holy Spirit. Now, it seems, that, completely apart from my own efforts, they will be using Alpha as part of their RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process. Praise God!

I was also pleased to meet a young protégé of my friend and Alpha for Catholics coach Mark Richards, from St Michael's Parish in Calgary. How encouraging it is to meet and hear about young Christians who truly love the Lord and are faithfully taking the torch that we who are approaching the end of our years are passing them.

Blessings,

John

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