January 2016

EVANGELISATION OF THE NATIONS, REVITALIZATION OF THE CHURCH, TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIETY | INDIA.ALPHA.ORG

ALPHA INDIA NEWS VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1 | JANUARY - MARCH 2016

A QUARTERLY NEWSPAPER

PEACE THAT KNOWS NO END

FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

REWARDS OF THE MARRIAGE COURSES

MY STORY

True peace that comes only from God is the answer to every crisis in the world

Stories of enriched marriages, testimonies and an inspiring interview

Finding faith, defending it and reaching a higher level and more stories

Page 3

Page 4 & 10

Page 9 & 10

FLOOD RELIEF

ALPHA YOUTH FILM SERIES LAUNCHED

God enabled us to extend a helping hand to Chennai during the flood Read more on Pg 11

The much awaited Alpha Youth Film Series was launched in Mumbai and Chennai between 29th Oct. and 1st of Nov. The event saw a wide variety of participants representing schools, institution, churches and organizations. (More on Pg 6)

DEDICATION STORY

STAFF RETREAT

"All those who love Jesus love evangelization” The dedication of Mr. Jacob Isaac, the new National Director of Alpha India, and his introduction to renowned leaders of all denominations and independent organizations across the nation was organized between 19th and 23rd of October ‘15 in four major cities Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Delhi. The event served as a platform to share his vision for the nation and connect with the leaders. The churches running Alpha also got an opportunity to share their stories on how Alpha influenced their churches.

“Moving on without giving up” from 2 Corinthians 4, was the theme of Annual Alpha India Staff Retreat ‘15. Organized at the lush green ambience of Visthar, Bangalore, which served to be just the venue to get together, pray, study and do some team building activities and much more. With a combination of spiritual enrichment and work-life balance, the retreat was scheduled carefully to bless and encourage the staff. From Corporate prayer times to cultural evenings, the retreat saw a variety of programs on schedule.

Read more on Pg 4

Read more on Pg 4

AYFS Training-Bangalore 30 January

Regional Visit-South 1 - 2 February

Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa Preacher to the Papal Household (since 1980)

CONTENTS Editorial Moving on without giving up Dedication The Marriage courses AYFS premier My story Flood relief Recruitment

Regional Visit-North West 14 - 18 February

Pg 3 Pg 3 Pg 4 Pg 5 Pg 6 Pg 8 Pg 11 Pg 11

Regional Visit-North East 7 - 11 March

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ALPHA INDIA NEWS JANUARY - MARCH 2016

ALPHA NOTES

DEAR READERS Thank you for the testimonies, stories and photos that were sent to us.

Once again in this issue your stories have been printed throughout the newspaper, along with other encouraging stories that we have received from across the nation.

Please send your stories to: stories@alphaindia.org Postal address: Alpha India, 219, 5th a Main Road, HRBR 2nd Block, Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore - 560 043 Tel : +91 80 2542 0902 / 0899 / 0881 Email : contact@alphaindia.org

Alpha India directory: National Director: Mr. Jacob G Isaac Board Members: Mr Scott Norling Chairman-Alpha India & Joyce Meyer Ministries-Asia HQ, Hyderabad Mr Rajeev Menon Senior Investments Head for Expat Group, Mumbai Mr Jaccob Thomas MP Capital Advisory, Chief Executive Ofcer, Malaysia Mr Arun Samuel Director, Wings Group of Companies Mr Biju Thampy Founder - Vision Rescue, Mumbai Mrs Elca Grobler Founder - My Choices, Hyderabad Global Ambassador of Alpha India J Varadaraj Church Advisory Board: Archbishop (Emeritus) Vincent Concessao Rev. Dr. D. Mohan, Superintendant of AOG India Alpha India Regional Ofces: North West Region & UP: Rupak K. Nayak rupak@alphaindia.org Mob: +91 93189-02997 West Region, Ahmedabad: Jimmy Harshkant jimmy@alphaindia.org Ph: +91 98254-44197 East Region, Kolkata: Prabir Mandal prabir@alphaindia.org Ph: +91 96744-61951 North East Region, Shillong: P.O Ryn Jah, Shillong - 793006 Ph: +91 90851-57153 National Coordinators: The Marriage Courses: Philip N David Mob: +91 98844-36364 Worship Central: Balajied N Syiem Mob: +91 87942-98633 Regional Coordinators: NORTH WEST REGION Uttrakhand: Inosh Karad Mob: +91 98976-44709

Alpha FAQs 1. How do I run Alpha?

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.

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 2. How do I run Alpha outside my church?

The Marriage Courses Vikram Satyarahi Mob: +91 98763-70480 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: Andhra Pradesh: Nathaniel 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

© Alpha India 2016, edited and published by Jacob G Isaac for Alpha India

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.

3. What are the resources and training opportunities available to me? 

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

4. How do I contact Alpha India?

Your rst 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.

NEW STAFF UPDATE

Paul Nidigattu Paul joins Alpha as a Project Manager for IT. He has over 10 years of diverse experience in the IT space with various global Fortune 500 companies. Prior to Alpha he was with Volvo IT as a Manager.

We welcome him to the Alpha family.

ALPHA INDIA NEWS JANUARY - MARCH 2016

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DIRECTOR’S PAGE

From the desk of the National Director

PEACE THAT KNOWS NO END

Dear friends,

1 Chronicles 12:18. Shalom is applicable to an external peace between two entities New year greetings from Alpha India. May —such as individuals or nations—and to an the Lord guide you, protect you and bless internal sense of peace within the the works of your hands and your family individual. abundantly.

True shalom comes only from God. Paul Among the many great passages that explains, “Therefore, since we have been describe the prophesies leading to the birth justified through faith, we have peace with of Jesus Christ, the one in Isaiah 9:6-7 God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through caught my attention this year and it is a whom we have gained access by faith into verse that made a huge impact on me this grace in which we now stand. And we during the Christmas season. In addition to boast in the hope of the glory of God. . . the fact that He will be called Wonderful Romans 5:1-2 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, he goes on to say, 'of the The ministry of Alpha is God ordained. All greatness of his government and peace those who partner with us, from churches to there will be no end'. In a world where crisis individuals have been hand picked by God after crisis looms large and overshadows to fulfill the shalom of God in this nation. This every other good thing that is happen, is the confidence that helps the 50 strong peace is the word that everyone seems to staff team, along with hundreds of Pastors be offering. Peace talks, peace treaties, and Master Trainers, who strive together. peace march, peace this and peace that.

How do we confidently preach Christ? It is Commonly translated as “peace” and used b e c a u s e o f h i s p r o m i s e . B u t G o d as both a greeting and farewell, “Shalom” demonstrates his own love for us in this: has rich meaning in Hebrew. “Peace” is an While we were still sinners, Christ died for accurate translation of the term, but shalom us. Since we have now been justied by his implies more than 'lack of conflict'. blood, how much more shall we be saved A c c o r d i n g t o S t r o n g ' s E x h a u s t i v e from God's wrath through him! For if, while C o n c o r d a n c e , s h a l o m m e a n s we were God's enemies, we were “completeness, soundness, welfare, reconciled to him through the death of his peace.” It is translated “success” and used Son, how much more, having been a s p a r t o f a n i n s p i r e d b l e s s i n g i n reconciled, shall we be saved through his

g chin r n u a e L mm u s this

ALPHA FILM SERIES

The Alpha Film Series is an updated, relevant and engaging resource that will take the audience on an epic journey exploring the basics of the Christian faith. The series will be available to download for free when it launches globally in Spring 2016.

life!” (Romans 5:8-10). We are no longer God's enemies, but He has made peace with us through the blood of Christ.

I often come across people who want to know what will happen to the world, and to us, at the rate at which it is going? I can only tell them to trust in the shalom presence of God because that's his promise for us.

Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Even more, in God we are made complete.

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

As we await that final completion, we can trust God for our welfare. Jesus encouraged His disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

May the shalom of God be with you all this new year.

Rev. Jacob G Isaac National Director

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ALPHA INDIA NEWS JANUARY - MARCH 2016

FROM THE FIELD

DEDICATION Dedication of Jacob G Isaac as the National Director of Alpha India

BANGALORE

AHMEDABAD

“We are here as Alpha to partner and work alongside with the Church, to journey during these difficult times in our city and our country so that we can see lives being transformed” was Mr. Jacob’s message to the audience at his dedication services.

Every event saw renowned Christian leaders, well-wishers of Alpha, Advisors and Alpha Churches gracing the occasion.

The chief guests were Rev. Miles Toulmin, Executive Director of Alpha Asia Pacific and Mr. Varadaraj, the previous National D i r e c t o r o f A l p h a I n d i a . Wo r d s o f exhortation were given by Rev. Miles and Mr. Raj dedicated Mr. Jacob Isaac for his new role in a prayer joined in by the Pastors and Leaders present.

Pastors endorsed and shared how transformation, leadership development and church growth happened in their Churches by using Alpha. Our hearts filled with gratitude for what God has been doing through us as an organization. A few highlights of the events are given below

DELHI

CHANDIGARH

BANGALORE 

The meeting paved way for open doors and opportunities for Alpha.



Over 90 prominent leaders gathered for the occasion. Requests for training and intros have come in.

AHMEDABAD 





Over a hundred Pastors and Leaders from Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Nadiad, Surendranagar, Limdi, Amreli, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad graced the occasion.

The evening commenced with a prayer

by Rev. Simon Brainard, District Superintendent of Vadodara and Gujarat Regional Conference Treasurer of Methodist Church India Rev. Devanshu Oza the Pastor of White CNI Church Vadodara, Pas. Binny of A.G Church, Mr. Amit Mehta of CNI Church Anand, Pas. Christoper of House of Prayer Church, Mr. Brail of CNI Church Bharuch and Rev. Yakub

Macwan of Methodist Church shared how Alpha and the Marriage Course benefitted their churches and families. 

The evening closed with prayer by Pas. Geo Verghese and benediction by Rev. Philip Macwan.

DELHI 

Rev. Jeremy Dawson asked important questions on effectively using the Alpha model as a tool for Church growth and evangelism.



Rev P. K. Samantroy said, “I feel this is a great time for India. We must celebrate the unity and understanding among the Churches.”

CHANDIGARH 

110 Pastors / Leaders from the different churches of Chandigarh were there to honor this special occasion



Leaders were motivated to see their churches equipped and envisioned to evangelize

MOVING ON WITHOUT GIVING UP and emphasized on the importance of building margins in work.

Dr. Naveen Thomas, Pediatric surgeon at Baptist Hospital spoke on “Fearfully and wonderfully made” and shared how we are the crowning glory of God’s creation.

The retreat also had a time of outdoor team building and group activities which helped the staff de-stress and rejuvenate.

The retreat began with a welcome note by on various aspects of Private Personal Mr. Jacob Isaac. A variety of speakers from P u r i t y, P u b l i c i n t e g r i t y a n d D i v i n e different backgrounds were hosted during accountability. the retreat. A few highlights of their sessions Mr. Micheal Jebaraj, Head of are given below: Faith Ventures spoke on the Our National Director, Mr. Jacob Isaac power of mentoring within spoke about the 7 C's of effective Alpha, to extend helping hands communication and gave us some practical to one another in times of tips to effective communication, both oral struggle. and written.

Rev. Stanley Mehta, Gateway Rev. Prabhu Singh, Professor Ministries International spoke H e a d o f D e p a r t m e n t o f on work-life balance. He shared Missiology, SAIACS, took the various practical problems we team through series of sessions face in our day-to-day work life

On the last day we had Rev. Miles and our previous Director Mr. Varadaraj as the chief guests for an evening of cultural program presented by all the staff. The entire team shook their legs to the tunes with Rev. Miles, whose performance was the highlight of the evening. The retreat concluded with a communion service.

This retreat was a retreat of new changes and a new beginning. Looking forward to God's blessing and guidance in the year ahead.

ALPHA INDIA NEWS JANUARY - MARCH 2016

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FROM THE FIELD

Rewards of 'The Marriage Course' As the years w e a r o u t between two individuals held in matrimony, chances are that there occurs a certain 'decay' or 'rusting' or 'slow death' in the intimacy between one another. Decreased communication, boring companionship feelings, emotional and irritable outbursts, disappearing appreciation, are signs of ageing in Marriage.

The seminar was helpful for both the young and the senior couples who were at different stages of their married lives.

Led by Br. David and Sis. Dulcie, the programme was enriched with examples and real-life experiences of the couple. This proved as a great inspiration and testimony to take the initiative further ahead.

Br. Philip David and Sr. Dulcie from Chennai introduced us to the Alpha Marriage Enrichment Seminar, which Nicky and Sila Lee have put together as The Marriage Course.

We always had Marriage courses, seminars in our church in the past. But this year we desperately were in need of help for our families as some were going through very turbulent times. We thank God for sending

Secrets of a long and happy marriage

the Marriage Alpha team to train and minister to around 20 couples of our church.

From January 2016 we are starting the Marriage Alpha regularly in our church. The course was easy and full of practical advice designed to build and mend marriages. The secrets of a long and happy marriage were well taught. To be prepared to adapt ourselves to each other and to resolve conflicts were the highlights of the event.

Our church expresses our gratitude to Alpha India and David and Dulce. My prayer is that many more marriages would be blessed through this wonderful course.

Pastor Sam Varghese Life Fellowship Church, Trivandrum

The 2-Day Workshop took the participants through a whole lot of learning experiences.

One learnt how to introspect, retrospect and prospect the finer details of a married life through various lessons that touch the lives of two partners.

At the end of the Course, all agreed that the chapters and Q/A sessions made them realize the potential they held within themselves as marriage partners and as motivators and influencers in the lives of one another.

TESTIMONIES Balancing Marriage and Ministry

to understanding of each other's expectations. I also learnt to balance family and ministry. The Seminar proved to be a blessing and we are now living a happy married life. My wife now accompanies me to mission field and takes care of the ministry among women.

Pas. Julius, Amreli

An eye opener

Being very passionate for God's work, during my early years of ministry I began to travel much and involved in mission work.

This led me spending very less time with family which gave way to many misunderstandings. As days went by the misunderstandings and family issues grew and it was during this time that I was invited to Alpha's Marriage Course seminar.

As a couple we attended the seminar and the topics covered during the seminar included - Building Strong foundation, good communication and so on. We realized the reason behind the misunderstandings and troubles in the family. I and my wife got an opportunity to discuss the issues and come

The Course opened our eyes to the realities of marriage. We began to understand from the first session itself that, like most things in life, even marriages go through seasons.

Our issues and problems were not unique and that with the right attitude, even strange situations were redeemable. We have understood how to communicate better and to be more sensitive of each other's quirks, keeping in mind our different upbringing.

We have become more accommodating and respectful.

- Name withheld

‘Knowing me, knowing you’ This course has helped me realize that we cannot assume or take things for granted in a relationship. The 'knowing me, knowing

you' exercise was an eye opener since I thought I knew my spouse's top 3 priorities.

Also, the section on 'the power of forgiveness' was powerful as it helped us realize that we'd just brushed past pains under the carpet assuming that we had forgiven each other. Though during the course, when we truly forgave each other we saw change in our approach and attitude towards each other.

- Name withheld

Unbelievable response After going through training on how to run The Marriage Course and after much prayer and thought we ran the course at our home.

Though it requires hard work as well as finances, we at the end of the course reaped blessings beyond measure. We received an unbelievable response from the ten guest couples, some of whom are not even believers.

Dinesh and Eveleena

EVENT

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ALPHA YOUTH FILM SERIES LAUNCHED IN CHENNAI & MUMBAI The Premier of AYFS, English in Chennai On 29th October, the premier of AYFS was launched at Hotel Hablis, Guindy. The 2 hour event had about 20 delegates from leading schools and colleges in Chennai. The event had all the delegates experience a live AYFS session peppered with fun. The evening concluded with the delegates having a wonderful round of discussion as to how AYFS could be made appropriate to schools & colleges in Chennai.

The Post Launch Training

AYFS CHENNAI

30th October had key leaders from New Life Assembly of God (NLAG) and 6 other select Churches along with the Chennai Youth ALPHA team. Wini, Paul & Aaron from Alpha Malaysia made the 2 hour event quite interactive and effective bringing in their passion and enthusiasm to the fore. The Leaders experienced AYFS in its full color. The AYFS Toolkit made the discussions and learning quite effective led by Wini. The Leaders were eager to get a hold of the Tamil AYFS and start Alphas in their churches by January 2016.

The Premier of AYFS, Tamil in Chennai About 250 pastors from over 150 Churches in Chennai gathered at the Balar Kalvi Nilayam Auditorium, Vepery on the evening of 30th October for the premiering of the AYFS in Tamil. It was an

The Premier of AYFS, Hindi in Mumbai Over one hundred and twenty delegates representing twenty six different churches and organisations gathered for the much awaited launch of AYFS at Mumbai on the 31st of October The city’s young leaders and youth ministers / pastors participated enthusiastically. Majority were young leaders and pastors focussing their work on youth. The guest team from Alpha Malaysia kept the crowd at the edge of their seats all through the program. The two youngsters Paul and Aaron made the crowd experience Alpha by starting the evening in the fashion in which a regular AYFS session would start. While the crowd was still absorbing this experience both Sis. Wini and Mr. Jacob drove the nail in by sharing their own Alpha stories and adding a global perspective to Alpha for Youth. They shared from Alpha's new three dimensional approach of Alpha being a Story, a Tool and an Experience.

The occasion was also graced by Pas. Scott Norling, the Chairman of Alpha India who launched the Alpha Youth Film Series kit. The evening turned to be a blessing even as guests registered for training to run AYFS in their churches.

AYFS MUMBAI

evening of young Pastors and leaders coming together.

Pas Isaac Daniel, Strategic Committee Chairman of the Synod of Pentecostal Churches (Youth Wing) commemorated the event. Paul & Aaron from Alpha Malaysia got the group to shake their legs to a thumping song. The gathering was made to sit in small groups of 6 members with a Chennai Alpha team volunteer in each group. Following this was a time of experiencing the AYFS in full throttle.

The group got their taste buds in action munching treats served hot at their seats by Pas. Timothy's boys (House of Prayer, Peramanur).

The Tamil AYFS went live with Paul & Aaron facilitating the discussions translated by Pas. Marcus, Christian Community Church, Valsaravakkam. Wini from Alpha Malaysia then envisioned the group sharing her personal testimony and encouraging the Church in Chennai to evangelize. The National Director, Mr. Jacob wrapped up the evening sharing testimonies of Alpha happenings in Chennai and challenging the leaders to reach out. Pas. Ramesh, the ďŹ rst person to run Alpha in Chennai and Pas. Stephen, senior most pastor present that evening got copies of AYFS from the National Director. The evening concluded with a graceful traditional dance by a believer of the Word of Life Nepali Church, Nungambakkam.

- Chennai Team

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FROM THE FIELD

ALPHA INDIA NEWS JANUARY - MARCH 2016

together and accepting one another with love and compassion. After meeting great people with admiring and graceful personalities I made good friends with them.

The beauty of the Lord Jesus could be seen in each one of them. I knew that they loved to share the word of God -- especially their own experiences. The fellowship and prayer requests that we share with each other has been a blessing. I love the time we meet and always look forward for our get-together.

The turning point!

I was a so called Christian for name sake living my life as I pleased. I took weed, bhang (cannabis), Charas, Afim, doda, alcohol and other drugs.

During the month of February '15 I was invited to attend Alpha in a church I used to attend and I decided to go on it. There I met Jesus and my life has never been the same.

His healing hand touched me and Alpha has become the turning point of my life. I now know how to pray and read the Bible. The Holy Spirit began to minister to me in different ways and I know that He touched my soul, body and spirit. I have decided to follow Jesus and live for Him. Now I know that Jesus is the Living God who gave me new life. I also decided to attend a Bible School to know more about God's word, intimacy with God, Discipleship, Empowering of Holy Spirit, Biblical Truths, Divine Health and much more.

- Rajesh Gupta, Khatima

Does God heal today?

I hail from a nonChristian background from Jharkhand. I accepted Christ as my personal savior while I was working in Delhi. In 2012, I came to Chennai and found myself a job as a car driver in a cement manufacturing company in SP Koil, Chennai. In June 2015, I was diagnosed with Hydrocele, and was preparing for surgery in August.

Meanwhile, Pas. Timothy, who is a key Alpha volunteer, invited me to an Alpha at Peramanur, close to his Church. My surgery was scheduled on 22nd August 2015 at SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre. I attended 'Does God Heal Today? session on the 18th August and was admitted for the surgery on 19th August and taken through the final checks on the 21st. I began asking Pas. Timothy if God would heal him as taught in Alpha. The pastor assured and prayed with me at the Hospital.

On Saturday morning, while going through

the preparatory checks, the doctors were surprised to find that the swelling was no more. I had experienced the healing and have been gladly testifying about the miracle.

I personally grew in Christ with each passing week and it gave me a better insight of things happening around me and I am becoming a better person each day.

- Raju D’ Suja, Chennai

- Amilia Nongbet

Like an operation theatre...

A new level of faith

I belong to a traditional church. My friend invited me to attend an Alpha for youth training.

It was a three-day program. I have attended many seminars and training events but this was q u i t e d i ff e r e n t a n d unique. The teachings and group discussion penetrated my heart and I realized my weaknesses, sins and put forth my doubts and questions. It was like being in an operation theater. The session impacted me so much that I let go of ungodly things from my life. I will never forget Alpha.

I joined Alpha halfheartedly but now after finishing it I am glad I went on the course. I am never a person who thinks too deep or questions anything, but alpha opened my mind to a whole new level of understanding my faith. It helped me to build a stronger relationship with Jesus and also with people. I loved the discussion time and the food, and friendship developed eventually. All that I have learnt in Alpha is helping me in my everyday living

- Withnail Sangma

- Keviphruonuo Kuotsu

Reaching Out

Becoming a better person “Alpha” the word sounded very familiar and a sense of belonging from the beginning when a friend Lydia, my lab-mate introduced it first.

During her time in the lab she often took the opportunity to share about Alpha, the women group, the informal sharing of the Word of God, and fellowship with each other, (mostly budding believers in Christ, nonbelievers, and all others) who are willing to experience Jesus from different denominations. She also said that during and after sharing they would have a food fellowship too.

I instantly got interested as I have never experienced a fellowship like that before. I agreed to join Alpha and since Lydia had already spoken to my other lab-mates it was easier for me to give a nod on it, though I was still reluctant.

Once I started going on Alpha I personally experienced whatever Lydia told me about, women from different walks of life coming

I study at the renowned Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, wanted to run Alpha during the weekly fellowship among some of my like-minded friends. I had heard about Alpha during his student days in Bangalore and was keen to reach out to friends at my college.

While exploring Alpha for Youth along with 5 of my fellow students and the local Alpha coordinators, the Alpha Youth Film series appealed to us right away. The simple, easy to run methodology got the group interested and we affirmed that all of us wanted to run Alphas among our friends.

The 6 of us started running Youth Film series by the mid of August. All our six groups are now at the brink of experiencing the Holy Spirit Weekend in a couple of days.

- Surjit

ALPHA INDIA NEWS JANUARY - MARCH 2016

An amazing journey I always needed something more than what was taught at church. The teachings were not what I wanted.

When Sr. Loreni invited me to Alpha I was still doubtful but the introductory session was really inviting so I decided to join.

My journey in Alpha has been amazing and I've made one family here and we enjoy e a c h o t h e r ' s c o m p a n y. T h e g r o u p discussion brought Alpha to another level. I might not question much as I was the youngest but listening to other's questions and suggestions really made an impact.

Each person had a different opinion and knowing their opinions built me.

I've known the group members more through the time we've spent during the fellowship time. I have gained immense knowledge from Alpha. I had never known the actual meaning of prayer. Even though I was from a Christian background never had I experienced someone emphasizing on "why and how to pray?".

I always thought praying in front of someone was about using the most attractive, flattering and bombastic words.

But Alpha erased this wrong thought of mine. I have also learnt the importance of church and fellowship. I wouldn't have experienced such amazing days if not for a friend inviting me.

- Negia Nazatha, Dimapur

My daily bread I have been attending church for a very long time, but never really experienced the salvation of God. My pastor invited me to Alpha and I decided to attend.

During the first two talks I realized that Jesus died for me and that I need to receive him as my personal saviour. I committed my life and began to read the Word like never before.

While my host Pas. Hira Tripura spoke about how to read the bible, I had this urge to read the scriptures more and this has become my daily bread. I feel starved when I miss reading the Word.

I began to share with my husband and he helped me to grow in the Lord. He encouraged me to run Alpha in his work place and we have a group of 6-8 guests joining us every week. I am blessed.

Dipti Tripura

FROM THE FIELD

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Faith renewed

courage to shun the old ways of living.

Being in a locality where I am surrounded with people from other faith I decided to live my life for the glory of the one who gave it back to me. I can now defend my faith, having experienced such tranquility during times of struggle I realized the need to share this good news about God to cancer patients like me and help them find purpose and meaning of their lives. I have approached a hospital, which treats cancer patients, for permission to share the good news about Jesus to its patients.

I rejoice in the Lord for He helped me to explore and renew my faith and strengthened me to walk with Him as a family.

My wife and I came to know the Lord a few years ago, but we were not much of church goers or got involved in Church activities. Eight months ago our pastor invited us to Alpha. The sessions were simple and easy to understand. It touched my life and my beliefs changed. We understood the value and importance of being part of the Church. We realized that Church plays a very important role in the growth of a believer and to build healthy relationships in the church family. Now, as a family we attend church regularly and participate in the activities. Alpha helped us to renew our faith and helped us to be bound to His body – the Church.

Dilip Sahani, Haridwar (BHEL)

There is joy in heaven It is one of the happiest days of my life because three souls committed their lives to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as Lord and Savior. We started Alpha in August 2015 with eight guests. We had the Holy Spirit Day in the month of October.

Durin prayer the 3 of our guests experienced the touch of the Holy Spirit and were anointed with power and gifts. Since then, there was a drastic change in their lives. They worshiped and praise God with joy and gladness. They believe that their sins have been forgiven by the grace of God and they now have the joy of salvation in their lives. I praise God for His mighty work.

Sis. Chandana

Forgiven and free My life was good and happy. I had good and caring people around me and it was when I got married, that I started to perceive t h i n g s d i f f e r e n t l y.

Coming from a different religious background did not alter my relationship with my believing husband and it was through him that I came to know more about the Lord Jesus. At church I came across God's word extensively. I yearned to understand more about Jesus and so I went on Alpha. After Alpha my journey in understanding God's word got a new start. My doubts and apprehensions gave way to a new foundation for my faith in God. Before I knew the Lord Jesus, praying meant only asking for blessings. Now through this new relationship with Jesus, my life seems peaceful, all the yearnings for only blessings have given way to asking for forgiveness of sins. I feel closer to God as all my sins are forgiven and I intend to accomplish spiritual goodness, along with physical comfort.

- Neeta

Rev. Dr. Susanta Kumar

Defending “Faith” I am a mother of two sons and from a nonChristian background. I came to know the Lord through Kolkata Eternal Light Fellowship and have walked in my new found faith since. I was diagnosed with cancerous tumors in my abdomen and was treated for the same. During this painful journey I experienced God very closely and am now a survivor.

Alpha helped me to know more about Christ and the Christian faith which gives me the

To grow in faith Having experienced Jesus and began a journey of faith, I have a passion to share Jesus with my family and friends. I find opportunities every day to share the love of God with the people I meet. I started a fellowship and the members are all from different faiths.

I desired to equip this congregation to reach out to their friends and family and so my small yet vibrant fellowship was trained to run Alpha. I believe that Alpha will help the members grow in faith just like it did to me.

Pas. Bablu

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ALPHA INDIA NEWS JANUARY - MARCH 2016

FROM THE FIELD

The lost find purpose I share my joy for the glory of God. My pastor guided me to attend Alpha which blessed our church. I was personally very blessed too.

After my first Alpha I ran three more in my state.

We had an amazing team and God used us to touch the lives of many. Now these new believers are part of the church and they continue to be led and nurtured by God through our pastor. We can see them grow in the Lord. Alpha is a tool which really helps the lost to find purpose and meaning of their lives.

Vikash Sharma, Kashipur

PRAY FOR ALPHA INDIA Praise Points -

God’s provision and guidance all through the year

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Alpha Youth Film Series launch in Hindi and Tamil

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For all the partnerships and connections

Prayer Points -

Pray for the organizational goals and targets set for the year to be accomplished

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Pray for new partnerships and existing partners

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For all those who are continuing to support us

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For God’s protection over staff and family, Master trainers, Churches and organizations running Alpha

The secret of 'getting ahead' is 'getting started’ An interview with Sanjeev & Jemima The couple live in Chennai and are rsttimers in this ministry of “running marriage courses”. We interviewed them to share their experience with the multitude of couples who have this desire to bless couples in their neighbourhood.

Q1: This ministry among couples is such a niche ministry, how did you venture out into this very specialized ministry ?

SANJIV: We had a burden for couples, because many people we know are having struggles and we see families breaking and falling apart. We wanted to do something for them. But we did not really know how.

From our own experience we learnt steps to overcome certain situations that can bring divisions; but “how do we go and talk to somebody about this” was always a challenge.

So when we heard about Alpha Marriage Course training, we thought this is something God wants us to be part of and that's where we made the beginning.

JEMIMA: I always thought 'it would be nice to have some ministry for couples in our church. We were hoping someone would do it. Sanjiv's brother Ps. Rajiv one day asked both of us 'why don't you do it?' He arranged for us to attend The Marriage Course Training. We came for the training and from there God orchestrated everything. The training was good and we were discussing that we should start; yes, I had my Master's degree to be completed, we had commitments for children. But the urgency was there; we were also worried that if we delayed it too much we would forget what we had learnt.

Q3: How about Delegates ? How did you mobilise the couples?

We began talking to them. There were two things we spoke about first, this is not for struggling people; It is for any couple of any age and secondly there will be no intimate details required to be shared and this gave a lot of confidence for couples to join us.

Q4: What Challenges did you face?

SANJIV: We are not experienced in this.

This was like the first time. We became conscious that we needed to communicate in the right sense without offending people JEMIMA: It came out spontaneously. We had a lot of doubts before we started. But once we started the first session we had great confidence. God really helped us.

Our own experiences also helped us impart to the couples in alignment with the course content.

Q5: Did you use the DVD? Or did you do the talks yourself?

SANJIV: Yes we used the DVD and shared our own experiences to stress some of the points.

Q6: What would be your advice to those wanting to start a marriage course?

SANJIV: I would first say that this is one of the most vital ministries needed in the church; particularly looking at the number of divorces and breaks in relationships.

When we moved into a new apartment this year we started The Marriage Course with couples coming to our home week after week.

JEMIMA: The main thing is that people are reluctant. They wonder whether they would be able to run the course. Our experience is that “all you need is a heart for couples”; then God will do the rest. The Alpha Marriage Course is so beautifully prepared; that you just need to run the DVD and between the guest manuals and the DVD, everything is covered. You do not need a great talent or experience; just a heart for this ministry and prayer.

Q2: Did you plan to rst do the course in the church?

Q7: You said that you were starting a 2nd course shortly. What inspired you?

SANJIV: Yes, Initially we thought of the church; because that would be a larger place, a common place for people to come.

But later we decided the home. Because “family happens at home”. People will also know how the family functions; it will be an informal setting. It will also not be a hindrance for people from other faith to join.

Home would be a comfortable setting, with the kitchen and all the “soup, snacks and coffee” in place.

The impact of the first course motivated us.

The kind of responses we got from the participants was overwhelming. A couple married for more than 30 years, shared that they wished they had known about all this in the early years of marriage, and so we decided not to just stop with the first course.

Sanjiv Hubert is a civil engineer and builder and Jemima is an optometrist and teaches in the Agarwals Eye Institute. They have two wonderful school going children.

ALPHA INDIA NEWS JANUARY - MARCH 2016

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FROM THE FIELD

EXTENDING A HAND - CHENNAI Office encourage and connect with the staff and people locally for help to be raised.

Before the Chennai team could return we had received quite a huge load of relief materials that had been mustered up with the entire Alpha staff also gladly contributing towards the cause. Pas. Jerald, one of the local Alpha advisor and his workmate were also quick to bring in some relief materials.

The Chennai team headed back with a car fully loaded with relief materials including mosquito coils, candles, match sticks, bed sheets, cleaning acids, sanitary pads, bundles of clothing, floor mats, pickles and The coordinators made a short trip to m o r e . S u b s e q u e n t s u p p l i e s w e r e Bangalore and shared the plight of the city. dispatched as well.

The next two days had the Alpha National Last December, Chennai faced its worst ever flooding in about 140 years, most of the city submerged under water. Thousands were left stranded without basic needs for over 10 days in many parts of the city. We had even lost connectivity with our Alpha coordinators based out of Chennai. While we were worried about their whereabouts, God had miraculously guided them through and kept them safe and in fact had them helping others out of distress. This gave us encouragement to further support the people of Chennai through our coordinators.

RECRUITING COORDINATORS

DEPARTMENT HEADS

YOUTH

MEDIA

Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Dimapur.

Graduate, Age:25-30

Bangalore, Min: 5-6 years' experience, good knowledge of graphic designing, photography and videography; Excellent communication and time management skills; Age: Below 40 years

REGIONAL Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Mumbai, Pune, Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kerala Graduate, Age: below 35

THE MARRIAGE COURSES Mumbai, Guwahati Married, Age 35 - 40; Wife will need to travel when doing training.

TRAINING & CHURCH RELATIONSHIP MANAGER Min 5-6 years' experience in training & development.

Mature believer.

Must be willing to travel.

Send your CVs to hr@alphaindia.org For more information contact: 080 2542 0902

The team then identified and reached out a n d h e l p e d r a i n a ff e c t e d f a m i l i e s irrespective of religion and background.

While the family members worked in segregating and packaging the relief materials as survival kits, the team went around distributing the relief materials to them who have not been reached with help from other sources.

About 200 families were reached personally in Mudichur & Semmenchery among migrant workers, about 35 HIV infected families and among the Irular tribes, South of Chennai.

Though ours was a limited contribution in comparison to the magnitude of the loss, we are grateful to our Lord for keeping us safe and doing our bit when it mattered.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; Isaiah 55:12 ALPHA INDIA WISHES YOU A BLESSED

FINANCIAL PARTNERSHIP We appreciate your financial partnership. If you are inspired to support Alpha India, please use the details below, or contact Josy Joseph at the Alpha India Office.

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 911020054880929 

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Alpha is an evangelistic tool which seeks to introduce the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions.

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