# @hopewdm on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DOvj8nQESJK
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/34794399-hopewdm-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2164b51e9c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-18T12:12:38.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** HOPE (@HopeWDM) — https://gondola.cc/HopeWDM

## Caption

My journey with Alpha at Lutheran Church of Hope began as a guest, simply wanting to learn more about the Bible and grow in my faith. From the very first session, I felt seen in a way I hadn’t before—a place where my questions mattered, my thoughts were valued, and I was encouraged to explore my faith openly.
 
That experience helped me realize something about myself: I have a deep need and calling to make people feel seen. I know what it’s like to feel overlooked, unheard, or like you’re not worth getting to know, and Alpha showed me I wanted to be someone who changes that for others.
 
After that, I became a host, leading an all-male group. It was an incredible experience to watch people emerge from hardened hearts and begin to bloom, growing in faith and character, and pointing toward God’s heart. Being there for them, facilitating discussions, and truly seeing them for who they were was deeply rewarding. I discovered the power of creating a space where people felt valued, understood, and safe to explore their faith.
 
Eventually, I stepped into the role of shepherd, mentoring other hosts and supporting them as they guided their own groups. Prayer became the foundation of everything I did in this role. I would pray for the hosts, their groups, and the hearts of the people we were walking alongside. It was humbling to witness the way God worked through those prayers. Hearts were softened, courage grew, and authentic growth happened. Being a shepherd was not just about guidance or leadership; it was about having a deep connection to prayer, trusting God, and helping others experience his love through our attention, encouragement, and care.
 
Alpha didn’t just help me understand the Bible better. It helped me understand myself, my calling to see and value people, and the incredible power of prayer and presence in nurturing others’ faith journeys.
 
Noah H.
#AlphaStories
#HopeStories

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## Credits

No public credits are recorded here. This does not identify who made the post.

## Tags

hopestories, alphastories

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