Last night (the last night of the course) only 11 people came, a pretty big discouragement for us. Of the 5 leaders, only 1 showed up. I did know in advance about another one not being able come (she had an opportunity to work, not something you turn down), but no word from the remaining 3. In general, the low attendance made for an awkward night. We didn't really know how to wrap things up, and I think our "short and sweet" approach was not very successful.

On the positive side, we did get some interesting responses from our surveys. Here are some (translated) highlights:

How would you have described yourself in relation to the Christian faith before beginning this course?

• as an atheist
• I didn't know anything about the Bible
• with skepticism

How would you describe yourself today?

• I have drawn nearer to God by listening to the responses to certain doubts and questions that I had.
• more convinced
• I know more about God and have more faith in Christ.

Did your relationship with God change through this course? How?

• putting into practice everything the pastor read from the Bible and his own experiences
• Yes, because before I didn't believe, but since I came to the course, I learned a lot about God. Also now I can and know how to pray, because before I didn't do it.
• Yes, a lot. My personality is different.
• Yes, my relationship with Christ and God changed because my life is changing.
• I'm no longer the same. I was grouchy and antisocial with people before.

What did you like most about Alpha?

• The videos and small groups because they helped to dispell my doubts.
• The talks, the relationships with people I didn't know before
• I liked the friendships and the way people treated each other. Also the food.
• The illustrative videos, Tim's questions, his responses, and the harmonious environment in the course

Maybe this Alpha round hasn't been everything I wanted it to be. This morning I was oscillating between discouragement and wanting to forget last night and move on with my day. Somehow neither seemed right. I went to the Bible for answers and indeed found some.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

That sounds like good news to me. My part is trusting Him, which feels like something I can do. His part is filling me up with joy, peace, and hope (definitely not in my power). I feel those gifts springing up inside me little by little as the day moves forward, and I'm so glad I'm not on my own here.

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