I am quite often asked "how effective is what you do in the lives of those who come to your programs?"

It's not an easy question to answer because like all ministry one must assess over time. Fruit takes time to ripen. But there are indications of change that one would expect to see.

I'll give you a recent illustration from comments made by a young man who was released quite recently.

Before W left, we had a conversation, in which he told me a bit about his life.

"W's story": "I was around 12 or 13 when I experimented with drugs and alcohol, before long I was hooked and in with the wrong crowd, my life became miserable, I hated myself, even though I pretended to the crowd I was with, that we were all living it up and having a great time.

Fast forward 12 years, I'm locked up for 5 to 7 years for armed robbery. In jail I'm still acting like a knucklehead, getting high when drugs were available, drinking "pruno" (jail brewed alcohol). I was too proud and arrogant to admit that I was wrong and needed help. On another charge, I was given a further 5 years to run consecutively, I'm now looking at 10 to 12 years in jail.

At this point I began to realize the mess my life was in.
I started going to services and Bible studies, as my commitment grew, I watched as prayers were answered and opportunities opened up for change in my life.

It's easy to recognize that Alpha has been a big part of what God is doing in my life.
For example; I have a deeper love for and understanding of the Scriptures. I am more tolerant and respectful of real Christians of different denominations. But most importantly, I am growing closer and closer to Jesus. Through Alpha and other Christian programs, I now love Him.

Three things in W's story are clear indications of a real work of God in his life.

1. Jesus Christ is central. "I'm growing closer to Jesus. I love Him"
2. The Bible is central. "I have a deeper love and understanding of Scripture."
3. His attitude to people has changed.

Any pastor will tell you that these are what they look for in new followers of Jesus Christ.