Is This All There Is? Exploring The Meaning of Life
Lots of time to think and much to think about! An introvert’s dream and an extrovert’s worst nightmare - but either way inescapable for at least the past two months. For me the question which keeps repeating itself is how can I best use this time to get to know God better and to share Him with others? How can we, as Christ’s church, His body, introduce other’s into the blessings which could be theirs?
About six months ago Linda and I were travelling from Santa Barbara to friends in Quarteira on the 125 near Almancil when the traffic just stopped moving. I had never seen a proper traffic jam in the Algarve before. It turns out that there had been an accident and we could neither go forward or reverse. I walked ahead to speak to some of the emergency personnel to see if I could help. They gave me details of the incident and a projection of how long we would be before traffic would begin moving again. As I walked back to the car at least ten people , too shy/considerate/occupied to move from their cars, stopped me and asked me what I could tell them. Each time I was stopped the questions were the same: What are we doing here? What is happening? How long will this take? What is the way forward? People naturally want to ask someone who has been there for the information or directions. This was a true challenge for a non-Portuguese speaker (I am starting lessons now).
People who cannot find the way forward or don’t understand what is happening will always be more open to asking questions, particularly if they think that you might know something. I have been thinking also a lot about this lately.
How does a foreigner, new to the country, learn to shop, find their way, set up the necessary papers, figure out where to live, find the right school for their children, food for their dog and all the other thousands of questions that inevitably crop up? How does a non-Christian (or a Christian) find a new faith community without feeling awkward? Where can you find answers when the ground has shifted under your feet during the several months you have been locked down and you are now full of new questions and uncertainties? How can you help others find their way when you are not sure you can articulate deep spiritual truths, failed Bible trivia, and are afraid to look like a religious weirdo to your friends?
At All Saints the Alpha Course may shortly be the answer! No exams, no expertise required, light hearted and convivial atmosphere, a safe place to ask questions (there are no foolish questions here), confidentiality, opinions accepted – even welcomed, no entrance fee and with a clear framework and sound, simple, clear presentation to start the discussion (agreement not required). This is the place to come if you have been a churchgoer for years (even Church of England welcome) but still have questions. This is also a place where you can bring your friends, neighbours or family for an interesting time without obligation where they can ask questions. This is how you can bless others and build the Kingdom of God without three years of graduate theological training or a personality transplant from introvert to radical extrovert.
The Alpha Course is currently taught in all major Christian denominations in the world, translated into over 100 languages, running in 169 countries at present with over 24 million people having attended the course since 1991. Dr. Rick Warren (Senior Pastor, Saddleback Church) says that Alpha is “…one of the most effective evangelism tools for the 21st century.” Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa (Preacher to the Papal Household) says, “...we need a new evangelisation which, while being open to all the fullness of the truth and the Christian life, will yet be simple and basic. This is the reason why I look with interest and appreciation to the Alpha course. It seems to me that it answers precisely this need of ours.” The Archbishop of Canterbury, refers to Alpha as "a very special tool" and "a unique mixture of Christian content and Christian style.”
In his letter to the church in Rome, St Paul asks: “How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone speaking to them? And how can they speak unless they are sent?
As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”” Romans 10:14,15
Jesus also says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
Whether we count ourselves a part of the Lagoa or the Almancil communities, God has called us in this place to be a bridge between Him and the rest of the English-speaking Algarve. If past experience is anything to go by, Alpha guests will have a great time, many of them will find new friends, some of them a new community and a few of them will find the transforming experience of a new Saviour. You will have helped build your church and God’s Kingdom.