Mother and son face a new life thanks to Alpha Course

FOR years, Andrew Houghton lived a party lifestyle filled with drugs and alcohol.

But now thanks to a Cheltenham church the 36-year-old has turned his life around.

And the church that gave him a new start, is now also helping his mother cope with the loss of her husband.

The pair say their lives were transformed after a trip to Trinity Church to learn about their Alpha course three years ago.

For a decade Andrew, who grew up in Hester's Way, was drinking heavily and regularly taking marijuana and ecstasy at illegal raves.

His lifestyle took such a toll that for long periods he was unable to work.

Andrew, who now lives in St Paul's, said: "It consumed all of my time and I had no direction. I'd take drugs every weekend and then during the week.

"It was so easy to get into and I thought impossible to get out of until I found God.

"I have friends still involved in that lifestyle and they're not in a good way."

Following a motorcycle accident he re-trained as a landscape gardener, travelling to Israel and back to Worcester where his partner fell pregnant.

After the birth of his son and split from his partner, Andrew moved back to Cheltenham.

He said: "I moved into a flat opposite Trinity Church. I went in and asked lots of questions to find out more about Christianity. Soon I became a Christian."

Following the Alpha course, Andrew decided he wanted to help others and now leads small groups on the course. He also helps feed the homeless and vulnerable each week.

He added: "It has changed me loads. I'm more patient and better towards people."

Andrew's mum Jean Challen went along to the course six months later.

Since then she has lost her husband Mike of 35 years, but despite her loss she has continued to work with the vulnerable and helps with the Alpha course.

Jean, a retired visiting officer with social services, said: "I had no real interest in going to church. My life was good – there were no big issues.

"I started with no expectations but was amazed at the response."

Trinity pastor Rev Keith Hitchman, said: "Andrew and Jean's story is nothing short of a miracle worked by Jesus.

"At Trinity we are trying to de-bunk the myths and find out what it means to be a Christian. You don't have to be special or have any religious knowledge to come along – you just need to be alive."

To find out more about the Alpha course, call 01242 262306.