Near the end of the Alpha course, Brian was diagnosed with cancer.....

That was eight years ago.  Today, he is cancer free and living in faith. This is his story...

 Looking back, I realize that the Holy Spirit had been working on me for some time. For most of my adult life, I didn’t attend church. In spite of some church background, I was indifferent to Christianity

Once out of college, my focus was on building my career and pursuing ‘the American Dream.’ In the late 90s, my wife Shirley began encouraging me to attend church. Although I did not have a clue what the services really meant, I found a peace and tranquility that was sorely missing from my life. When the Alpha course was introduced at our church, Shirley talked me into attending, and wonder of wonders, I began to learn and believe the Gospel message. At the Alpha weekend, on November 8, 2003, I surrendered to Jesus—what a glorious day!

Through Alpha, Shirley recommitted her life to Christ and we were both baptized as a public affirmation of our born-again faith. We quickly became involved with Alpha at our church, serving as table leaders. When we joined another church a few years later, we found a strong Alpha ministry where we have continued to serve.

The greatest blessing of serving with Alpha is to witness its impact on other people’s lives. One of my favorite moments was when Shirley and I were invited to witness the baptism of an entire family after the parents attended the Alpha course at our church.

As I have matured in my faith, my journey has taken me from believer to learner to servant. My learning continues through Bible studies and church attendance. The habit of daily prayer and Bible reading has given me faith to withstand life’s disappointments and keep me in continuous gratitude for all my blessings. I serve the Lord as a Stephens Minister, other church ministries and volunteer at the Dayton Hospice.

Near the end of the Alpha course, I was diagnosed with cancer. Because of my new-found faith, I was able to put complete trust in the Lord. Today I am cancer free. When people ask, ‘Did the Lord cure you?’ my response is, "I am grateful to Him, not for saving my life but for giving me life—a life that began with Alpha.”

Download Brian's Story here