Kathryn Segal shares the extraordinary story of how one simple invitation to Alpha transformed not just her life, but her entire family’s. From teenage skepticism to a household united in faith, her testimony shows how God can use ordinary moments to bring about extraordinary salvation.
I didn’t grow up in church. In fact, the Christians I knew at school seemed a bit… well, lame. They never swore, never rebelled, and that baffled me. Yet deep down, I was curious - knowing they had some kind of faith in “something.”
I still remember primary school assemblies where some guest speaker with a flip chart would paint in blank squares and—like magic—letters would appear, spelling out a message about God being real. Something about that must have lodged in my heart because every night before bed, I would pray in my own childlike way: “God, please keep my family and friends happy and healthy. Amen.”
By secondary school, the topics became more cringe.
By secondary school, the topics became more cringe. One assembly on abstinence had a group of eager Christians shouting just say “No!” At the top of their lungs. I turned to my friend and whispered, “Doesn’t sound like a bad idea,” only to be scoffed at as I watched her eyes-roll. Still, something in me wondered if they were onto something I didn’t yet understand.
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My cousins, meanwhile, had always attended a Baptist church in North West. London led by a Geordie vicar who was fun, engaging, and, crucially, normal. Whenever I tagged along on a Sunday morning or to their youth group, I noticed the atmosphere was different. Nobody was competing for attention, flirting, or showing off. The girls weren’t in heavy make-up or short skirts. Instead, there was this effortless confidence, an inner peace, that I deeply admired, no, wanted! - and tried to fake in my own life.
My parents would say they had always been searching. They had Christian values, showed mercy and kindness, were christened as babies and confirmed as teenagers, and had actively chosen to marry in church. They were what I’d now call “green apples”—ripe for harvest, doing everything they tonight right, but desperately in need of someone to gently and clearly explain the gospel to them.
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The turning point came in a very ordinary way. My mum was driving past a local church one day and noticed a banner advertising the Alpha course. She got in contact and a neighbour offered to take her along. She was 45. She went, week after week, enthusiastic and brave, and one night she came home transformed. She had encountered Jesus personally and could not stop encouraging me to “go on this course!”
At 15, I was far more interested in boys, music, make up and my social life than church. But eventually, I signed up. I was the youngest there by quite a way, full of questions and counter-arguments, ready to dismiss the urgency of adopting such a stuffy lifestyle. And yet, on the Alpha Holy Spirit Away Day, God unravelled me. I joyfully and tearfully surrendered completely, and I haven’t looked back since.
Not long after, my dad decided in his quiet, thoughtful way to attend Alpha too.
Not long after, my dad decided in his quiet, thoughtful way to attend Alpha too. He was 50. He doesn’t rush into things, but as he heard the gospel explained and experienced the love of Jesus, his faith became real. Amazing. But, incredibly a little later, my younger brother, just 13, went along to Youth Alpha at the same church and gave his life to Christ. In just a few years, God had reached every member of our family, 4/4 in a matter of moments it felt. I didn’t realise then just how extraordinary that really was! Even now, the grace and mercy he showed us astounds me. Why us? Why then? I don’t know. But I will forever be grateful.
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Looking back, I see that you can never know where someone is on their journey with Jesus. The people you least expect might be far more open than you realise. Sometimes, all it takes is an invitation.
Running Alpha isn’t glamorous—it takes courage to invite, commitment to attend alongside people, grace and patience to listen to endless questions, and wisdom to point them towards Jesus. But oh, what a precious opportunity it is to see a life changed forever. I’m thankful beyond words for the leaders who faithfully ran my course. Two of them have since gone home to be with the Lord, but I’ll never forget the role they played in our family story.
Above everything, Jesus calls us to make disciples. That calling isn’t just for pastors or leaders, it’s for all of us. No one is beyond his reach. My story is proof of that. So be brave. Invite someone. You never know, God might just change a whole family.
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