From Empty Success to Purpose and Peace: Sam’s Story

— By Sam Holness, Alpha Course Attendee

Sam grew up in a home where faith wasn’t discussed. Though successful in education, sports, and his career, his life was marked by unhealthy excesses and a deep sense of emptiness. After discovering Citygate Church through a YouTube video, he joined the Alpha Course, where he found a safe space to explore faith and ask tough questions. Read his story below!

I grew up in a home that was somewhere between agnostic and atheist. Faith wasn’t something we talked about, and for the longest time, I adopted that mindset as my own.

Before meeting Jesus, I was always a focused person. That focus drove me to succeed in education, sports, and my career. But it also had a darker side—greed, lust, excess in all forms, from alcohol to recreational drugs. I lived a life that looked accomplished on the outside but was empty on the inside.

My journey to faith started unexpectedly. I was watching a YouTuber I follow, and they began talking about their experience coming to faith. It sparked something in me, so I did a Google search and found Citygate Church, and that’s where I discovered the Alpha Course.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up for Alpha. Honestly, I was uncomfortable and didn’t know if I’d fit in. But that quickly changed, thanks to Russ and Kerry, who led our table discussions. Alpha became a safe space for me to ask the questions I’d always had but never knew where to voice—basic questions, tough ones, all without judgment. It wasn’t just about answers; it was about exploration. Along the way, I made some great friends, too.

Alpha helped me make sense of the feelings I was experiencing and gave me a fresh perspective on reading the Bible. It also allowed me to explore my faith in a deeper way, especially after watching shows like The Chosen (which I highly recommend!). A few weeks after the course ended, I made the decision to give my life to Jesus, and since then, my life has changed in ways I never imagined possible.

I’m not the angry person I used to be. My relationships—both old and new—are healthier, and I even found a new career that brings me real fulfilment. Most importantly, I’m living with purpose and peace.

After Alpha, I continued reading the Bible, started attending church regularly, and stayed in touch with Russ. In June 2022, just a month after the course, I fully committed my life to Jesus, and the transformation has been incredible. Now, two years later, I’m a member of Citygate. I’m part of a DNA group, a life group, and I even serve on the Alpha course and SUPA team.

Looking forward, I’m excited to deepen my understanding of Scripture, grow in my relationship with God, and continue experiencing the Holy Spirit. My life has been completely transformed, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Would you like to learn more about how Jesus can change your life? Join us for an Alpha Course or visit us on Sunday to hear more stories like Sam’s.