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ALPHA INDIA NEWS VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
THE QUARTERLY NEWSPAPER OF ALPHA INDIA
SUFFRAGAN BISHOP FOR KENSINGTON Alpha influences lives in small groups: Genesis Foundation - a Rehabilitation center runs Alpha and more Alpha stories Page 4-5
Graham Tomlin
Young lives impacted : Youths letting go of their past and letting God in Page 6-7
Trained to run Alpha : Trainings across the nation equips leaders to run Alpha and Marriage Courses Page 8-9 Lives changed for the better: Guests on Alpha have a personal encounter with Jesus Page 10
Leaders endorse Alpha : Leaders find Alpha to be a blessed tool for evangelism Page 11
The Queen has approved the nomination of the Reverend Graham Tomlin to the Suffragan See of Kensington in the diocese of London. Dr. Tomlin was educated at Lincoln College, Oxford and trained for the ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He served his title at St. Leonard with Holy Trinity Exeter, in the diocese of Exeter from 1986 to 1989. He was ordained priest in 1987 and became Chaplain at Jesus College, Oxford in 1989. He started as a tutor at Wycliffe Hall in 1989 and went on to become Vice-Principal there from 1998 to 2005. He is also the Principal of St Paul’s Theological Centre, which is based at Holy Trinity Brompton, and a constituent member of St. Mellitus College. On 2 July 2015, it was announced that Tomlin would become the area Bishop of Kensington from his consecration in Canterbury on 23 September 2015. Dr. Tomlin is one among the eminent Bishops that Holy Trinity Brompton has brought forth. Dr. Tomlin is married to Janet with two grown up married children. His interests include many forms of music and sport, including football, cricket, golf and rugby, and Middle Eastern politics and history. The Queen has approved the nomination of the Reverend Graham Tomlin MA, Ph.D, Dean of St. Mellitus College in the diocese of London, to the Suffragan See of Kensington in the diocese of London in succession to the Right Reverend Paul Williams MA on his translation to the See of Southwell and Nottingham. Alpha India welcomes Bishop Graham Tomlin. We pray that you will continue to be a blessing
ALPHA DOES WONDERS AT THE GENESIS FOUNDATION The Genesis Foundation Rehabilitation and deaddiction center, is situated in Kolkata, primarily to provide services to drug addicts aiming at mainstreaming. They also work towards the Advocacy and Awareness Programs on Drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. Alpha was introduced at the center last June and since then much transformation has been evident. Contd...Pg 4
ALPHA INDIA NEWS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
Alpha India details: National Director: Mr. J. Varadaraj Board Members:
ALPHA INDIA NEWS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP
Chris Sadler, Chairman of Alpha Asia-Pacific Scott Norling, Chairman of Alpha India J. Varadaraj, National Director of Alpha India Rajeev Menon, Private Equity Consultant Jaccob Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of MPCA Matthew Antony, Secretary for Evangelisation, Archdiocese of Delhi
Church Advisory Board:
Archbishop (Emeritus) Vincent Concessao Rev. Dr. D. Mohan, Superintendant of AOG India
Alpha India Regional Offices: North West Region & UP: Rupak K. Nayak Email : rupak@alphaindia.org Mob : +91 93189 02997 West Region, Ahmedabad: Jimmy Harshkant Email : jimmy@alphaindia.org Ph : +91 98254-44197 East Region, Kolkata: Prabir Mandal Email : prabir@alphaindia.org Ph : +91 96744-61951 North East Region, Shillong: P.O Ryn Jah, Shillong - 793006 Ph : +91 90851-57153
NEW ALPHA EMPLOYEES
National Coordinators: Relationship Central: Philip N David Mob : +91 98844-36364 Worship Central: Balajied N Syiem Mob : +91 87942-98633
Regional Coordinators:
Rev. Miles & Sarah Toulmin
NORTH WEST REGION Uttrakhand: Inosh Karad Mob: +91 98976-44709 Relationship Central Vikram Satyarahi, Mob: +91 98763-70480
KIRAN KUMAR A G B.E, B.L.I.Sc. M.L.I.Sc. Executive - Resources
Regional Development Manager (Delhi & NCR) Ashish Mishra, Mob : +91 98995 92929 NORTH EAST REGION: Guwahati: Rev. Ninghor K Shimray Mob: +91 90851-57153 Shillong: Ps. Subhas Lyngdoh Mob: +91 97740-59873 WESTERN REGION: Udaipur: Kamlesh Parmar Mob: +91 99830-03637 Jaipur: Johnson James Mob: +91 98290-77374 Ahmedabad: Arpit Rathod Mob: +91 98794-75765 Youth-Alpha & Worship Central Mumbai : Caleb Ellis Mob: +91 98209-72519 EASTERN REGION: Kolkata: Dilip Debnath Mob: 098742-07760 Priya Ranjan Bag Mob : +91 80172-88279 Alpha in the Workplace, Atmanand Singh, Mob: +91 90515-12161 Bihar: George Muller Mob: +91 94310-16124 Odisha: Tushar K Behera Mob: +91 93371-41600 SOUTH REGION: Telangana: Susheel K Chattar Mob: +91 98660-99184 Andhra Pradesh: Nanthaniel R Kodavatikanti Mob: +91 99088-22365 Karnataka: Thomson G Mob : +91 93424-41399 Tamil Nadu: John Rajan Mob : +91 98434-95572 Chennai : Samuel Sundar Mob : +91 93808-06974 Alpha-Youth Marky J Mob : +91 98414-08286 Nepal Kathmandu: Rupa Pradhan Mob: 00977 98020 68920
ENDORSEMENTS Wanniang My name is Rev. Jelningstar Wanniang. I am leading a Church called, “New Generation Outreach Assemblies” in Nongstoin Town. I and my congregation are very blessed by Alpha. It has taught me basic Bible doctrines which is very helpful for my personal growth in Christ. Now we are running Alpha regularly every year. I found it is a very unique tool for evangelisation and discipleship. I am sure Alpha will bring changes in my church.
Rev. Healing Kurbah Dear Alpha team in India, thank you all for bringing Alpha to my Church - “Nongstoin Grace Church”. My children saw changes in my life after going through Alpha. I did Alpha in my church and my 5 children attended too. Now my eldest son Michael is running Alpha with the youth group in my Church. The youths are coming from different churches in my town. I personally did some Alpha training in schools and colleges and got a good response. Some even contacted me to go on Alpha and I ran Alpha with them. My aim is to continue to run Alpha in my Churches and conduct trainings on how to run Alpha with many more Churches in my district.
© Alpha India 2015, edited and published by J.V. Raj for Alpha India
My name is Rev. Miles Toulmin. I am the Vicar of Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur and Executive Director of Alpha Asia-Pacific. I have been in this role since January this year. Prior to that I was the Associate Vicar at Holy Trinity Brompton serving under Rev. Nicky Gumbel, the pioneer of Alpha. Serving here in Asia is proving to be the most exhilarating and stretching calling of my life – what a privilege to see what God is doing. I stand and marvel at all you are doing in India. More people are having the opportunity to hear about and encounter Jesus through Alpha in India than any other country in the world. Globally 27 million people have now done Alpha. 2.5 million did it in 2014 and no less than 40% of them were in India. These are truly exciting and extraordinary times. So much in life rests or falls on leadership. The biblical notion of leadership is that of servant leadership, supremely displayed in the life of Christ. The King James version of the Bible uses the word ‘leader’ just 6 times but uses the word ‘servant’ 900 times. I am so thankful for the exemplary servant leadership that Uncle Raj has exercised in leading Alpha India for many years. Whilst he is soon to step down as National Director he is not leaving Alpha India but moving onto greater things, being an ambassador for the work of
Alpha in India and elsewhere around the world. I cannot thank him enough for what he has done, for all that he has taught me and for the amazing things the Lord will yet do through him. The new Alpha Youth Film Series is being launched in India over the next few months. May I commend this anointed tool to you to be used in reaching the young for Jesus and seeing a new generation of young leaders empowered in the church. We are very close to announcing the new Director of Alpha India. The individual is extremely gifted and with the wisdom offered by Uncle Raj will, I am sure, lead Alpha India in a similarly servanthearted fashion. The Lord Jesus is doing amazing things in the great nation of India and is building His church there for ‘such a time as this’. Thank you for your leadership and please keep going! With very best wishes, Miles
ALPHA INDIA NEWS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
ALPHA INDIA NEWS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
ALPHA INFLUENCES LIVES IN SMALL GROUPS
Alpha FAQs NLAG Church, Hyderabad
ALPHA DOES WONDERS AT THE GENESIS FOUNDATION The Genesis Foundation in Kolkata is a rehabilitation center for addicts, alcoholics and mild psychological cases. Alpha, which commenced in The Genesis Foundation, was very pertinent because Jesus Christ was made known to a lost non-Christian community. Earlier many had questions on whether Jesus Christ exists or not. After the first talk many were convinced that Jesus exists. The wonderful part of Alpha is that it tied up the Bible with our daily life.
Using the same Alpha content and structure, you can run an Alpha at schools, colleges, workplaces, prisons, hospitals, homeless shelters, army bases, slums, among eunuchs and in red light districts.
The Holy Spirit Weekend was conducted for the Word of Life Nepali Church at Tiger Caves, Mahabalipuram (first Two Sessions) and the last Session was conducted at the Church of Glory, Pattipulam, Mahabalipuram. Twenty one guests took part in these sessions and were filled by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The Church had witnessed major breakthrough which have been reported to have brought personal transformation to the believers and to the Church. The sessions were led by Sam, Marky, Ps. Ramesh and Ps. Raju of the Word of Life Church.
about this time he heard about Alpha through a friend from Jharkhand and approached us to train his church on how to run Alpha. I and Rev. Arjun Karmali trained his church members. The leadership has decided to first run Alpha in the church for their congregation and then the hosts and helpers of these Alpha groups to start running Alpha in their homes and cell groups.
- Arpit Rathod
An event was organised by the NLAG Church, Hyderabad - one of the biggest churches in Hyderabad from the 30th of April to 5th of May’15. Joshua Generation was invited for this event and they opened a part for Worship Central to be introduced during this camp. As a result of which the church has now come forward to run Worship Central Course. We also had the opportunity to meet with an eminent worship leader Ps. Allen Ganta.
Maharashtra AG Churches
Youth with a Mission, Durgapore
-Caleb Eilis
-Priya Ranjan
The Calvary Apostolic church is one of the evangelical churches in Haridwar. When we approached Rev. Dulare Mashi with Alpha he
4. How do I contact Alpha India?
Your first point of contact is:
• Your local State Coordinator, then • The Regional Office and finally • The Alpha India National Office They can all help you locate a training event happening near you. Please find contact details on Page 2.
The heart of Worship - FIONA I was introduced to The Worship Central Course by a friend and I’m glad I got to be a part of it.
- Inosh Karad
-George Muller
Every attempt of his to reach the people with the Gospel had always been a challenged. He was very much grieved at the situation. At
Bethsaida Healing Center
• Access to Alpha’s national training conferences and local training events • Access to a full array of products through the Alpha India website to promote, run and augment Alpha • Access to a network of Alpha coordinators and Alpha advisors
The Calvary Apostolic church runs Alpha
Masihi Prathna Bhawan, Ramanuganj Ps. Sunil Kachhap is an incharge of the Masihi Prathna Bhawan, Ramanujganj. He is serving the Lord in this region for several years.
3. What resources and training opportunities are available to me?
was excited to have the training for a few key leaders of his church and also to run Alpha. Now the pastor and his wife both are involved in running Alpha in their church for the church growth as well as to develop the mission stations in different regions of Haridwar. The pastor’s wife - Sis. Daya Mashi, testifies that Alpha is a great tool especially while running it among women. During the small groups many concepts of faith are addressed and these women are able to identify the Lord as their Saviour. She prays and hopes that by completing Alpha these women will accept Jesus as their personal saviour.
Prayer is vital to the planning, preparation and effectiveness of Alpha. Find a group of people who will pray for every aspect of your Alpha course.
2. How do I run Alpha outside my church?
Being a believer it touched me to see how non-believers showed interest in the Bible. During the weekend away session we all witnessed the presence of the Holy Spirit. The non-believers also shared that they felt an inexplicable amazing presence of the Holy Spirit within them. Alpha helped the girls and boys to be healed of their hurts and to come out of their guilt and shame. It helped them to forgive themselves and in turn forgive others. - Mridula Bose Project Director (Women and Children Care Unit), Corporate and Family Counselor
- Samuel Sunder
Step 1 - Pray Step 2 - Participate Step 3 - Plan your Alpha Step 4 - Prepare your team Step 5 - Procure your resources Step 6 - Persevere Step 7 - Pass on the vision
Since the discussions were held in small groups it became very easy for the group members to interact with the leaders and they were able to get answers to their questions and their doubts were clarified. It was noticed that during and after the discussions they were interested in and were inclined to reading the Bible. Christian faith, prayer and the Holy Spirit was known to some but they did not have the introspective knowledge of the role of the Holy Spirit. They knew about prayer but they came to know the purpose of prayer, how and why should one pray, on Alpha. Alpha helped all to understand Who is the Holy Spirit? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives? How a Christian life should be? Why Jesus had to be crucified?
Nepali diaspora does Alpha, Chennai
1. How do I run Alpha?
Alpha started at the Bethsaida Healing Center by Ps. Ashish Christian from Rajkot. It was aimed to run among the Youths of CNI Churches of Rajkot and non-Christians. Bethsaida Healing center has adapted Alpha as one their programmes to reach the nonChristians alongside the prayer and healing ministry which they are into. This is the first ever Alpha to be hosted at Rajkot and we have plans to reach out to a wider crowd of the city with Alpha.
On the 21st and 22nd of May, Worship Central was introduced at a youth event conducted by Maharashtra AG churches but on hearing of the material the organizers were happy to include the Worship Central Training in the camp and as a result 30 worship leaders were trained. Ps. Malhar was very happy with the decision to include worship central in the camp. Ps. Amit Kamble, writer of ‘Shukriya’ was very blessed by the material and is planning to run a course back home in his church. The pastors and leaders would like to do a worship central camp for the Maharashtra AG Youth in the near future.
We got another opportunity to train Durgapore YWAM on Alpha. When we had Worship Central Conference at Kolkata Bro.Joe who was the worship leader from Durgapore YWAM introduced worship Central Course to them and the Local Church. Ps. Gopi my master trainer conducted training for them. They now have local evangelism programmes. They are praying and planning to start Alpha. Let us pray that God may bless and use their lives to transform many young lives.
This course changed my whole perspective on worship. It taught me that I need to have a relationship with God first and then God would take care of everything. His mission and purposes become my own and as I spent time dwelling on who God is, my heart longs to know Him more. My spirit learns to be quiet and hear Him. This course taught me to become aware of His plan and His purpose for me. Not only did this course teach me about the spiritual aspect but the practical aspect of worship too. I can gel more with the members in my team. I can relate to them and can understand them more. I want to thank Worship Central for this awesome experience.
Sangeeta Kumari - Delhi I come from a Hindu background. Someone invited me on Alpha and I decided to give it a try. I never expected Alpha to do any good to me but I now know that this is not just a course because it changed my life. It’s a breakthrough thing for me and to be honest it really did just beyond my expectations, all thanks to God for He helped me change in many areas of my life. Now I would like to encourage everyone especially the youth to attend Alpha. In the beginning it might seem simple but after Alpha you will see a breakthrough and your life will be changed.
Nengchoilhing-Manipur I was a girl who loved to be with friends. I was always a ‘yes’ to my friends and ‘no’ to my parents and they used to be upset about my friends’ circle. Being disobedient I caused trouble to my family. Without my parents knowledge I took drugs and a friend tried to stop me but I never listened to her. She is the one with whom I joined Alpha. Life was different for me and my friend when we first joined Alpha. As I continued to attend I realized how much God loves me and how valuable life is. I experienced for the first time a sudden emotional healing on the day we did the session - ‘Does God Heals Today?’. Soon I realized I had accepted the Spirit of God into my life. My life changed and is now filled with light and happiness and I have started to pray and read the Bible.
Kim - Manipur
Rekha - Delhi
I was introduced to Alpha by Loreni and Jeid in Shillong. It was an easy and a fun way to know more about Jesus. While doing Alpha in Shillong I desired to run one in my hometown - Manipur. But I was not sure because I felt I won’t be able to do it alone. But now I have run it and I feel so blessed to see lives change for better because even while starting Alpha I was a doubtful and I was wrong. At the end I see how God works mysteriously. Initially, I invited my friends but they didn’t turn up. When I was just about to give up these three girls, whom I barely knew showed up. I said to myself that I will continue no matter how many turn up. It is God who brought Alpha to Manipur too and I am happy that he chose me.
I belong to a Hindu family. My family members accepted Christ and began to attend Church but I didn’t. Later when an Alpha began at my home I attended it and I saw my life changing. I came to know that God loves us truly and that only He can love us truly. I met some amazing people on Alpha and in three months we were a fellowship of believers. I began to share about God through Alpha.
Komal - Delhi I come from a non-Christian background. I started attending Church along with my sister Alisha. The church ran Alpha and I was invited. I realized the love of God and it changed me. I could see a great change in my behaviour. I used to be short tempered, impatience and would quarrel with everyone but as I realized the unconditional love of God in my life I started sharing with others God’s love and praying for them. I realized that Jesus is my Saviour who saved me from the condemnation of death and gave me a new life. I am enjoying my life with my Lord and continuing to be in His fellowship.
Akansha - Dehradun
Mary - Manipur
I am from Dehradun. It is an immense joy for me to testify about God’s love and grace.
A depressed child at the age of 14 as my dad was a drug addict and my mom had a psychiatric disorder and being the eldest child of four siblings I had to manage everything from house chores to taking care of my youngest sibling. I blamed God for not paying attention to me and my family and attempted suicide but I was eventually saved by my mom. I accepted Jesus on 15th December, 2013. But after a year I stopped reading the Bible and praying as I was busy with my studies. On February 2015, during a Youth Day service at church I found my way back to Jesus. I realized that I had kept my studies as my first priority and not Jesus. Since then I wanted to seek Him more, know and understand Him. Just when I was seeking the purpose of my life I was introduced to Alpha. Through Alpha I found the answer to an important question for which I had no answer - ‘‘what is my purpose on earth?’’. The session on - ‘‘Why and how should I read the Bible?” impacted me the most as I came to understand that through reading the Bible one can hear God speak to them.
I had an opportunity to attend Alpha for Youth in Dehradun along with my friends. Very personally I was so much blessed by the camp. The induction was very creatively designed and throughout the activities we were taught how to grow in God’s Word and to dedicate our life to the Lord Jesus Christ as well as to help others too for the same. All the fun activities as well as the meaningful teaching touched my life. In a very simple way Alpha helped me to explore my faith in Christ and to grow in Him and to have a better experience of my Saviour, the Lord Jesus .
Arun Khongthohrem - Shillong
I’m proud to say that I am a born again Christian with no more depression and confusion. Now I have learned to control my temper knowing it is not the character of Jesus. I see the world as a much better and beautiful place with Jesus. I thank God for Alpha because it opened a new chapter in my life and I now know the purpose of my life on this earth.
Alpha has been a great awakening of a more in-depth yet simpler understanding of God’s omnipotence and His everlasting love for us at a personal level. The Bible became more powerful and alive than ever.
Mawikim - Manipur Before joining Alpha, I did not know the value of life. Going to church and praying was just a routine. I did not know that prayer can actually change a person’s life. The first day of the session seemed boring. I even thought I won’t be able to sit for the whole session. But on the 3rd session something happened, I felt like someone was watching and talking to me. It told me that God has something for me. Then, on 13th June, 2015, the day we did ‘Does God Heal today?’ there was a sudden healing while we were discussing. Everything that we talked about was related to my life, it was very surprising. Soon after I came to my realization I opened the door of my heart to Jesus. I found salvation that day. I am very happy.
Roshni - Delhi I come from a non-Christian background. A friend invited me on Alpha happening at Good News Center Church. Before Alpha my idea about God was vague and I knew only little about Jesus. But now I have more knowledge and understanding of who God is. All the sessions were good and especially the Holy Spirit session during which I experienced the Holy Spirit’s touch and was filled with the presence of God. Now the Holy Spirit leads me to understand and know my responsibilities both spiritually and physically. My self-confidence has improved and I see a lot of changes in both my spiritual and personal life.
Aotu - Nagaland On the first day of Alpha, I remember being subtly excited. I was excited not only because it would be a completely new experience but also because it would be my first step towards building a stronger relationship with Jesus. I also remember being mentally prepared for a full on nothing-out-of-the-ordinary Bible study. But then the first meeting with my fellow Alpha guests caught me by surprise, pleasantly though. As it turned out, it was not just sitting beside a random stranger and being forced to accept everything that was being preached. No. Alpha works in such a way that I could actually get to know every single person in the group, connect with them and confide in them my deepest thoughts and my doubts. From one session to the next, many questions were raised and many a doubt shared. All these were dealt with and answers were sought by the Alpha family as a team. And in this way, even if not all, many doubts were cleared. I know that it is humanly not possible to stop reasoning and thinking. However, I have also learnt from Alpha that it all comes down to Faith. All we need to do is have Faith in His plans for us. Apart from this, Alpha has taught me, as silly as it might sound, the right way to Pray and read the Bible. I have also learnt that I have a personal “Bodyguard” who will always guide me, protect me and never leave me - the Holy Ghost. Most importantly I learnt the importance of finding a family in the Church. Alpha, to me, is Church because here we speak about God and His love. And in the process I also realized and saw the love in the people around me and that made me want more of it as I was well aware that Alpha had to come to an end eventually. So Alpha knocked some senses into me in its own gentle way. Overall, Alpha has been an experience and a good one too. I will never forget it for as long as I live. I’ve learnt more about God and found new friends.
Lucky - Delhi
I’m 20 years old. I am from a Sikh family and my mother came to know God. I used to go church with my mother but had no interest and my life was very busy with my work. There were problems in my family and I had no peace. One day Ps. Joseph started Alpha in our church and I went on it. My life completely transformed and now I know who Jesus is and why He died for me. I pray every day and read the Bible. Every day the Holy Spirit is teaching me new lessons. I accompany Ps. Joseph to prayer meetings and have opportunities to pray and share the Gospel. Now my life has completely changed and I carry no burden and I am at peace within.
Christeen - Shillong Alpha to me is a Life-changing experience. Right from the first day itself when we had the training programme, I enjoyed and liked every bit of it. Alpha is different in the sense that it is informal yet very enriching. I had quite a few doubts about Christian life and I am blessed to have my doubts cleared by attending the sessions regularly. Truly, it is an enriching experience as we discussed and shared in a small group about the different topics that we heard. I would really like to encourage others to join Alpha and experience many new facts through each session.
Chanda Kumari Hari - Kolkata I am from Kulti and a member of Full Gospel Church. One day Ps. Pallav Kumar Mishra came to our Church and introduced Alpha. I am a convert and did not know the basics of Christianity but I decided to try Alpha. In the small group I prayed asking God to open doors for me to finish my intermediate schooling which I had discontinued but my family insisted on me getting married. After several days upon completing Alpha my father asked me if I would like to write my exam for inters and I could not believe my ears. I remembered the prayers I prayed during Alpha and thanked God for answering me. Also during the small group I learnt to trust in the Lord and ask Him for my needs and the Lord provides me everything. I am blessed.
ALPHA INDIA NEWS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
ALPHA INDIA NEWS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
TRAINED TO RUN ALPHA Jesus Life Style @ Living God Church, Delhi Living God Church is successfully running Alpha one after another. ‘A Life worth living’ course was a great blessing to all. Participants enjoyed the sessions and learnt deep truths and practical insights from the Bible. The Church is now going to start ‘The Jesus Life Style’ course. The teachings are helping believers in their spiritual growth and encouraging them to live a victorious Christian life. Ps Avinash David Mishra said, “The courses from Alpha have been a source of blessing for me personally as well as for my Church.” - Ashish Mishra
Rehaboth Church Trained, Chennai - Samuel Sundar
the training. The training was held for the local pastor’s fellowship. Ps. Ajeeth who was already trained in one of the Alpha Trainings shared the Word of God in the 1st Session. Delegates testified that the strategy of Alpha for Evangelism will definitely suit their church growth, and that it is a great blessing for the body of Christ. As a result of the training over 16 Alphas are registered and Pastors have registered for trainings for their church leadership teams in the upcoming months.
Vision Casting Meets at Mohania - George Muller Alpha Training in Rehaboth Church - East Tambaram was held on the 14th of March’15. Rehaboth Church is one of the fastest growing churches in Tambaram, under the leadership of Ps. Franclin and his wife. The Training was conducted by Ps. Jerald, Bangalore and Ps. Ramesh, Church of Glory. On April 3rd, we had the Leaders - Hosts, Helpers as a team for orientation on how to run Alpha. Ps. Franclin has endorsed Alpha and introduced it to the South Chennai Pastors Fellowship. Being passionate about Alpha he even appointed a Coordinator to do the follow up work. As a result 13 Alphas were started in East Tambaram Church and new ones will be starting soon at the West Tambaram Church.
Chikkodi, Belgaum - Thomson
Leader’s Training @ Emmanuel Church, Delhi - Ashish Mishra On 4th April 2015 we had an Alpha vision casting meeting at Mohania-Kaimur for Grace Evangelical Mission Service (G.E.M.S.), organized by Rev. S. R. Cornelious (Zonal Superintendent). Rev. William and I shared on the vision and mission of Alpha. 41 pastors and leaders of different districts like Kaimur, Buxar and Chandauli (UP) were present. This meeting resulted in 13 training dates being fixed.
Worship Garden AG Church - John Rajan
The local pastors’ fellowship from Chikkodi, Belgaum went through a training on how to run Alpha on the 23rd of May’ 15 at the Grace Pentecost Church, Chikkodi Belgaum. Over 34 delegates participated in
Soon after the training they all planned to start Alpha and 39 courses have been registered. The pastor said that Alpha really helped them in equipping the leaders and he is thankful to Alpha he also added that Alpha is the best way to share the Gospel.
We conducted a training at the Worship Garden AG Church, Tiruchengodu, Namakkal on 17 th May. Rev. Francis Mohan is the Pastor of this Church and the Church consists of above 2000 members. Nearly 53 leaders attended the training. The believers were so enthusiastic and alert during the training. They wrote down all the points and we could see the eagerness in them.
The Leader’s training in Emmanuel Church was a blessing. The Leaders were encouraged for friendship based evangelism and use the tools provided by Alpha in reaching out to their neighbors. The Leaders liked the Alpha content and training. The Group Discussion activity was appreciated most by the participants. People gradually opened up and shared their thoughts. The Church will soon be starting Youth and Student Alpha. A participant said, “I now feel equipped to reach out to people effectively.”
Couples enriched at the Mount Carmel School, New Delhi
The Marriage Course training was attended by couples from various Churches as well as from different faith groups on the 20th of June. The group was a contrast of newlyweds and couples who married decades ago. The couples enjoyed the activities and exercises and keenly participated in them all. The sessions were full of illustrations, practical examples, relevant videos, life stories & experiences. Among others there were sessions on ‘The Art of Communication’, ‘Resolving Conflicts’, ‘Forgiveness’ and ‘The Five Expressions of Love’.
The Facilitators practically demonstrated the exercises and encouraged the participants to emulate the same with each other. One could see faces lit up as they reminisced through the gallery of time about how they met each other and carried on their marriage journey together. Many experienced each other afresh and felt their love renewed. One couple remarked, “The best thing about Alpha Marriage course is that it was experiential. We got a lot of time to
interact with and understand each other, no boring lectures.” Tears of joy flowed as many forgave each other and were themselves forgiven by their partner during the session on ‘Forgiveness’. It was indeed a day full of the presence of the God, the one who made the institution of marriage and brought man and woman together even as He Himself became a blessed part of their union. A couple said, “We were struggling in our marriage but now we feel strengthened.” The day came to its crescendo when subsequent to the traditional bridal march instrumental the couples re-affirmed their love for each other and held hands to renew their Wedding vows. For many this day will be etched in their memory for a lifetime. Some of the couples are planning to start the Marriage course in their homes to invite other couples and strengthen other marriages. Find below The Voice of the couples :
VIMAL & NEHA ROHIT & HARSHI ROHIT & JYOTI VARUN & DISHA RAKESH & ANJU
Overall all the sessions, made us think about our relationship according to God’s Word. There are many couples who indeed need this course and it can really change their lives.
This training has helped us to bring happiness in our married life. Through the course, couples can learn how to resolve their differences.
We learnt a lot of practical things which couples often miss out in their married life. We have decided to spend quality marriage time together.
The way things were explained was really good. The sessions were interactive. It really touched our lives and we could connect with each other in the light of life issues.
We have been married for 25 years. There were several wonderful moments during the training when both of us cried. We learnt so many things and feel greatly blessed.
Corporate Sector influenced
Leader couples trained in Kerala
- Vikram Satyrahi
- Philip David
It was a pilot project with an IT company at SEBIZ Square, Sector 67, Mohali, on the 19th and 20th of June 2015. We are looking forward to more such opportunities made available locally. We are also working for a one day fast track marriage course curriculum for professionals. It was a great experience to do The Marriage course with non-believers.
We connected with Ps. Santosh David in Trivandrum who wholeheartedly received us and subsequently arranged for a two-day-event bringing leader-couples from different parts of Kerala as delegates for this training. Chacko and Molly from Chennai were the resource persons for this event that had eighteen couples assembling at the Kingdom and Glory Worship Centre on the 14th and 15th of April.
ALPHA INDIA NEWS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
LIVES CHANGED FOR THE BETTER Peace Experienced I am Dilip Murmu from Jamna, Midnapur. I was a drunkard and if I did not have money to buy drinks I would steal and beat up my wife asking for money and her jewelry. None loved me in my family and I have even tried to commit suicide a couple of times. One day a friend invited me for a gathering in a nearby house and I thought that if I could get some food why not attend the meeting. But I was touched by their hospitality and care. Next I found myself listening to a person who spoke about Jesus and we were seated around him. As I listened to his talk I understood that Jesus died for me and that I am a sinner. When they served refreshment I had such a guilty feeling in my heart and I decided not to take it. That night I was so disturbed that I couldn’t drink and the thought that Jesus died for me kept running in my mind. This continued for a week and I made it to the next Alpha session and after the talk I broke out weeping. The host and helpers prayed for me and I felt a sense of peace in my heart. I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior that day and have let go of my past and I am living a life of peace with my family.
Shanti Soren I am from a nonChristian background. I moved to Bubaneshwar for work purposes and worked as an agent in an insurance company. I lived in the neighbourhoods of Missions India Church, Shaktivihar, Bhubaneswar Church and one day I felt like visiting the Church the day Alpha began at this Church. I attended Alpha and met with the group leaders and at the end of Alpha accepted Jesus as my Saviour and I attend Church regularly. I actively participate in all the Church activities and have been reading the Bible, praying, attending all the programs and meetings in the Church. I am facing problems in my family due to this change in my faith but have been standing firm in the Lord.
Karthick Hembrom I belong to Santali tribal group in West Midnapore district, West Bengal. I am 35 years old. I was an anti-social in my area and addicted to alcohol, haria and had lots of bad friends and we were engaged with many anti-social elements in my locality. I joined Alpha last month. There I heard about Jesus and understood that He loves me. For the first
Changed from within I am Shampa Jana (name changed) from a town called Diamond Harbour, in West Bengal. I am 30 years of age and from a non – Christian family. I got married at the age of 19 with a boy who belonged to a different religion and left my home with him. We rented a house and began our married life. A baby girl was born after two years of my marriage but my husband abandoned me when my daughter was five. I was in deep trouble as I had no means to look after my daughter and survive. I could not find any job. So in the end I chose flesh trade as I felt that it was an easy way for me to earn money. It was the saddest decision of my life. I kept my daughter in a hostel for her education. I had no peace or joy in my life. I had doubts whether my daughter would accept me if she knew what I was doing. It was a dirty life. While I was still struggling to find a solution to my situation a friend invited me to Alpha. After attending a few weeks I realized that there is a hope for me and only the Lord Jesus could deliver me from my dirty life. I realized that I was a sinner and Lord Jesus came to this world to forgive sinners like me. I prayed to Jesus for my deliverance. He gave me peace and helped to leave that dirty profession. I accepted the Lord Jesus into my heart and submitted myself to Him. Now I work as a maid in a few houses for my living. The Lord Jesus blessed me and now I attend Shalom Church.
time in my life I realized that God loves me so much. I was excited and full of joy. I prayed to Jesus and He heard my prayer. I decided to receive Him and spend my life with Him. I started reading the New Testament. I left my old habits and companions and started attending Tanguria Seva Mission. I came to the light from darkness through Alpha.
Godavari Bist I am from Ram Nagar, Uttarakhand. I belong to a Brahmin family and my husband is working with the Indian Army. I came to know about Jesus a couple of months ago and was passionate about sharing my experience with Him with my friends and family. Since I was new to the faith I had the desire to know more about God’s Word to be able to share Jesus in an effective way and that’s when I was invited to a training being conducted on how to run Alpha at the Church I attend. The training equipped and has encouraged me. Before I could run Alpha I decided to attend one. So I am now a guest on the Alpha at my church and I am excited to learn about Jesus with such simple Talks. I have now decided to run Alpha for my neighbours and friends at my home and give them an opportunity to know about Jesus as their Saviour just like me.
Maneka Hembram I am from Icchapur, West Midnapur. I am 42 and I come from a Tribal Hindu family. I didn’t have proper sleep at night for seven years. I was scared and afraid all the time and even consulted psychiatrists, doctors and finally a witch doctor advised me to pay rupees 20,000 to get rid of the evil spirit on me. I was not financially fit to pay such a big amount and tied talismans and when the problem didn’t subside I decided to end my life. While I was struggling a cousin of mine invited me to her neighbor’s house where they ran Alpha. I began to attend Alpha every week and after the session “Does God heal today” I shared about my struggle with the leader Purna Singh who prayed and few sisters gathered around me, removed all the talismans and prayed. They said Jesus will touch and heal you. I believed in Jesus that day and I prayed with them. Now I am totally free from all the disturbances and have no talismans on my hand.
ALPHA INDIA NEWS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2015
LEADERS ENDORSING ALPHA Rev. Vijay Kumar Presbyter In charge, Christ Church Cathedral, Amritsar, Diocese of Amritsar Church of North India.
There are so many misconceptions and different teachings about the person of the Holy Spirit and it is important for every church to understand who the Holy Spirit is. Alpha provides us very simple and basic understanding of Him, His work in our life and how to be filled with His presence. The Holy Spirit Day was observed on the 27th of May and there were about 40 delegates who participated. Mr. Navin Haque and Rev. Vijay Kumar took the sessions. The guests took active part in each session. Many mentioned that there are lots of wrong teachings on the Holy Spirit which is misguiding the church. At the end of the session they shared in the fellowship meal brought by them. The Holy Spirit brings people together and makes them a family of God and accomplishes His work in the life of His people. This is the third Alpha that we are running in our church and God is doing great work through His Spirit in Christ Church Cathedral, Amritsar.
Rev. Honok Ghosh Superintendent of Eastern District Council. On 15th April, Alpha was introduced to the Assemblies of God Pastors. It came to be after a short meet with Mr. Rev. Honok Ghosh the superintendent of Eastern District Council. Around 40 pastors hailing from different districts of West Bengal were introduced to Alpha. Rev. Honok Ghosh was excited and encouraged to listen to the key elements of Alpha. Rev. Dr. Arun Sarkar was also present and he encouraged all the pastors saying “Nowhere have I seen a church run Alpha and not growing. I found Alpha to be a very effective as an evangelistic tool.” Trainings have been scheduled to happen in the upcoming months. Rev. Honok Ghosh has also opened up doors to introduce Alpha to The Vice Chairman of Bangladesh AG Church Rev. Munshi.
Rev. Dr. Charles Finny Joseph President of the Maranatha Full Gospel Churches Over 300 pastors from different zones of Chennai have been introduced to Alpha during AprilJune’15. Pentecostal Pastors and Pastor’s Fellowships account for the majority of this number while other mainline denominations like the Anglicans, Church of South India and Catholics have had their key leaders trained. Rev. Dr. Charles Finny Joseph, President of the Maranatha Full Gospel Churches has gone beyond endorsing Alpha to affirming and assuring full freedom to meet and train the Maranatha Churches.
Rev. Y. Dixon Bright Kumarapalayam I am serving the Lord at Kumarapalayam for the last seven years. I’ve been striving and struggling to win souls by many strategies and implementing many methods. I was so frustrated that I could not progress and planned to choose another field since this particular town is hard soil for the gospel. I and My wife wept and waited before the Lord to render us a direction. It was through Alpha the Lord answered us and strengthened our ministries. I thank the Lord for Bro. John Rajan and his wife Sis.Hanna who made their way to our tiny church. They trained our church on Alpha.
Three months ago I heard about Alpha. I contacted Ps. John Prince Raj, Tiruvarur for the training. He accepted my request and conducted the training at my main church. Around 50 believers participated and the Holy Spirit worked. 7 believers committed themselves for ministry and bought Alpha books. As a Master Trainer I have been motivated and equipped to train. I go to different churches and conduct training on how to run Alpha. We are now running Alpha at four venues. Many youngsters and the aged have come on Alpha. Four guests now attend our worship service. Many people were healed while on Alpha. Alpha has taken my church to the next level in Evangelism. Truly Alpha has blessed our ministry.
PRAY FOR ALPHA INDIA PRAISE GOD FOR: - The lives that were reached and souls that were transformed in the last two quarters - The partnerships and opportunities that sprung up - The Youth Alpha film series - All the initiatives that were taken in the last two quarters
Now we have run four Alphas and have a good time with the new believers. We have also planned to implement Alpha among the gypsies in a short time. Alpha has caused a strategic revolution in my church. Alpha breaks barriers and opens new ways for effective evangelism. It is my prayer that Alpha should be carried to those suffering pastors like me who are awaiting revival.
- Master trainers and their voluntery work
A. Samuel
- Favour among the church leaders and pastors contacted by our staff
Attayampatty,TN
- God’s provision and guidance all through the next qaurter
I serve the Lord in Salem, Tamil Nadu. At present God has given me two churches with a large congregations.
PRAY FOR: - Quality of Alphas which are run across the nation - Alpha India staff to reach their goals set for this year
- Youth Alpha Film Series’ - Ben and Jason’s tour in India
Venue Midway Convention Center R B Clifford Memorial Convention Center Lucknow-Kanpur Highway, Nawabganj, Unnao, UP
11 - 14 November 2015, Lucknow
Contact persons Mrs Elvyn Gonsalves Mob : +91 98198 71220 elvinagonsalves@yahoo.com Mrs Shanti Khathing Mob : +91 94355 44895 jskhathing@yahoo.com