Youth Alpha

That’s right people; it’s time for ADVISER OF THE MONTH. We just love it, we really do...

And why do we love it so much? Because our Youth Alpha Advisers are true CHAMPIONS who are out and about across the UK, ready to help support people like you!

November brings to us Mr James Simister... James currently works for St Michael le Belfrey church in York! He has a real heart for young people and children and also would like to own a human size seahorse...

James, have you always been a Christian?

No. I became a Christian when I was 17 through a local church’s youth mission in Rugby, Warwickshire, where I grew up.

What’s your favourite hot drink?

At 11am, fresh coffee. At 3.30pm Earl Grey tea. At all other times standard tea.

What was the last film that you saw?

“Limitless”. It was awesome.

If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be?

A human size seahorse that could live on dry land, float through the air and be ridden.

What would we catch you doing on a Saturday afternoon?

Going out and about with my wife and daughter - doing bits and bobs and other things like that!

Are you a morning or night person?

These days I masquerade as more of a morning person, but secretly, deep down, I’m a night person.

What cartoon character best describes you?

Some people say that I look like Captain DJ from Space Pirates – but he’s not a cartoon character, and those people are wrong! So . . . well, I always wanted to be Mighty Mouse – he was very cool. He probably doesn’t exist anymore.......

If you could wake up and have the ability to do one skill tomorrow, what would it be?

Using my finger as both a drill and a screwdriver.

Have you ever met a famous person?

Stephen Fry in Cambridge when I was 14. He was very tall.

Have you ever milked a cow or goat?

Yes. I’ve milked cows. When I was in Mongolia I was asked if I would like to milk a horse, but I politely refused.

Have you ever crawled through a window?

Yes, when staying with relatives on a farm aged 15. They all went out and I had to finish some mindless chores in the garden before going inside to shower and change for a party, so that when they returned they could pick me up and we could go. However, their dog (which was big) wouldn’t let me in the house. After a while I went and found an open window into the bathroom (ground floor) and climbed in that way. I never told them.

Best game?

Fruithoc – Just invented it yesterday with my daughter.

Why are you so passionate about Youth Alpha and training others to run it?

It’s a great tool to help young people explore the Christian faith.

What have you done as a Youth Alpha Adviser?

This month we hosted the Youth Alpha Tour in York, which went really well.

What’s the best thing about running Youth Alpha for you?

Seeing young people move forward and come to faith and seeing them when ‘the penny drops’ and somehow they suddenly get what Jesus is all about.

Time up! Stop the clock! That’s it for November. Don’t forget, Youth Alpha Advisers are here to help YOU! Whether you want some top tips, a speaker for one of your sessions or some creative ideas – pop them an email, or give them a call... They love to chat.