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Bonnie Lee Colquhoun had been a Christ follower all of her life. Growing up as a believer helped her survive an early, abusive marriage, including the loss of an unborn child when she was thrown down a flight of stairs. According to her son, Jeff, she had a gentle strength that, combined with her faith, enabled her to raise three children who had all accepted Christ by the time they were adults.
After a lifetime of Bible study and church attendance, she had a life defining experience. In her mid-80s, she signed on for an Alpha course. "It reinforced her faith," says Jeff, "shaped her understanding of biblical doctrine, and helped prepare her for what was ahead."
Two years ago, Bonnie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and the prognosis was not good. An avid reader, Bonnie eventually became too sick to even read, so Jeff started reading aloud to her to help keep her mind alert and provide a diversion from the suffering she was experiencing. One of the first books he picked up was The Breakthrough, written by Alpha director Gerard Long.
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"It has given her purpose in her final days, and hearing the story shifted her focus from suffering to hope in Christ." |
"As soon as we got into the book," Jeff says, "she was captivated. She loved the story of David Heeley, especially how he came to Christ, and how faith can transform a family."
Bonnie was so taken with the story and its implications for sharing the Gospel, she asked Jeff to order 12 copies. "They didn’t last long," he says. "Mom began giving them to people who visited her in hospice, the hospice staff, anyone she came in contact with. She spent part of every day trying to think of more people she could share it with."
Although Bonnie's life is nearly over, she will continue to reach out. Jeff has ordered 100 copies of The Breakthrough to be shared with those who attend her funeral.
"I'm so glad I was able to share The Breakthrough with Mom" Jeff says. "It has given her purpose in her final days, and hearing the story shifted her focus from suffering to hope in Christ." |
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WHAT: A parable about regular people like you and I who have an abundance of real questions and seek to find real answers.
WHO: The parable is aimed primarily at non-Christians, un-churched, lost, and marginally churched among your friends, colleagues, neighbors and family members -- but is also great for believers in all stages of their walk.
WHY: Jesus often spoke in parables, and the aim of this parable is to stir the reader to come away with a desire to investigate the following real questions:
- Maybe there is a lot more to life than what I am currently seeing?
- Maybe there is life after death and in particular, a heaven and a hell?
- Maybe the way I am living my life is hurting people?
The goal will be to encourage the reader to |
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attend the Alpha Introduction Dinner (by far your biggest request-'How do we get more guests on our course?'). The clear objective of the parable is that we want the reader to have an opportunity to hear the truth of the Gospel in a non-threatening way, authentic, and as it relates to the real life situations.
HOW: Purchase a case(s) and make it available (as a gift or sale) to your congregation to encourage and inspire them or to give as a gift to their non-believer friends, family members,work colleagues, or neighbors with the hope that they are stirred to attend the next Alpha Introductory Dinner. Also great as a gift at the Alpha Celebration Dinner, or week 8 of an Alpha course on the topic of "Why and How Should I Tell Others"
WHEN: The Breakthrough is now available; can be purchased as individual copy or carton of 25. |
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The Breakthrough will make a great addition to the church welcome packet or for your greeters to give to each guest attending Lent and Easter services. |
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