From Generation to Generation

Seniors' Alpha

Just a couple of things, among many, happening with Alpha right now, at opposite ends of the generational spectrum.

First, [a well-known local home developer] is hoping to run Alpha in four of their Seniors' residences, starting in mid-September. Their corporate chaplain has asked me to help find teams from among local churches.

Seniors are now my generation, the "baby boomers," once rebellious against the establishment. That spirit of rebelliousness would seem now to be once again appropriate, as our culture seems to be departing more and more from its roots. It's time to rebel once again against the 'establishment' and turn back toward God.

Youth Alpha
Turning to Youth, Alpha's Youth Film Series (YFS) has had a tremendous impact since its introduction in 2013. If you can see the infographic (just out) to the right, it has been viewed by nearly 70,000 Canadian teens. Over 20,000 young people have come to a new or renewed faith through it. Last year alone, 2015, over 6000 teens came to faith through Alpha's YFS. It is being run in more and more junior high and high schools, both Catholic and public. Just this morning I spoke with  Youth worker in a town in East-central Alberta whose church is planning to run it in their local high school.

I must admit, I sometimes fall into the trap of worrying too much about what I see going on around me, culturally and politically, but I'm then convicted. I will let others be concerned about those things. I have one aim, job, duty. That is to help churches and my brothers and sisters in Christ reach their communities for Jesus. I must leave politics to others.

Please keep Alpha, and me in my position, in your prayers.

Blessings,

John

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