Alpha poses answers to life’s questions

Marine Corps Base Quantico -- If you have ever pondered what the meaning of life is the Alpha program just may help you find an answer. The program is being brought to Marine Corps Base Quantico for the first time through a partnership between the chaplain’s office and a local community church.

The Alpha program is an 11-week course that focuses on life’s questions and proposes answers based on Christianity. Alpha started in Great Britain, but has grown in popularity and scope and now encompasses the U.S.A. and many foreign countries.

The Alpha program has become so popular because it works, according to Command Chaplain Cmdr. Jeff Etheridge, Marine Corps Base Quantico. For example, the program has been used in prisons to help reform inmates and the reduction in re-incarcerations is staggering, amounting to as much as a 70 percent curtailment in an inmate returning to prison.

By bringing the program to MCBQ Etheridge hopes to reach young, single Marines (although anyone is welcome in the program, including couples) and help make a positive difference in their lives, particularly when it comes to making better choices in life.

Katie Hawkins, who has taken the Alpha course, says that it delighted her soul. “It reaches out to wherever anyone is spiritually. I can always picture myself at various stages of my spiritual journey listening to some of the talks or having the opportunity to ask questions. We’ve run it nine times now at our church and I’ve seen so many people benefit that I can’t even keep track anymore,” she said.

At program meetings, a question is posed, such as “Who is Jesus?” There is a large group presentation, then smaller groups are formed to engage in informal conversation about the question and each small group is led by a facilitator.

The chaplain’s office and the community church are holding an informational dinner aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico for those who want to learn more about Alpha. The event will be held Feb. 16 at The Clubs of Quantico beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and childcare will be provided at no cost and the event is being sponsored by the church. An RSVP is required and can be sent via e-mail to alphaonbase@gmail.com.

Etheridge is excited to help bring Alpha to base and said, “God is really working.”