Indiana Team Leads Second Global Alpha Team in Nicaragua

Hundreds Trained How to Run Alpha

By: Jeff Scott, Alpha Pastor, Northview Christian Life Church , Carmel, IN 

Just nine months after some of us led a Global Alpha Team (GAT) event to Managua, Nicaragua , we returned to lead a GAT event in Chinandega, on October 13 & 14, 2009. The team from Indiana was joined by Eric Delgado, who works for Alpha Costa Rica.

The GAT was attended by over 220 people representing 150 different churches in the Chinandega and Leon areas. Also attending were the presidents of two denominations and both were very excited about Alpha. 

On the first day, the temperature was in the high 90’s. The heat index was over 100 degrees inside the church, but the Nicaraguans stayed to learn. The second day we were able to move our training outside under the canopy of trees and the weather was more bearable.

The delegates asked lots of good questions, indicating they had a good understanding of the Alpha model and DNA. Upon completion of our training, everyone stood to be prayed for as they all desired to return to their churches and start Alpha. Upon arrival back in the states, we received a list of 100 more churches who desire to attend an Alpha GAT so they can start Alpha in their churches. We understand there are close to another 300 churches who would also like to learn about Alpha.

During our trip we also met with four churches who attended the Alpha GAT conducted in January of this year. One church has 26 small groups and over 200 guests attending their first Alpha Course. These are people who haven’t previously attended church. A second church is running their first course and has over 50 people attending. These are also people who haven’t previously attended church. The Pastors of all of these churches are very excited about Alpha. We conducted additional training for these churches and were very pleased to see that these Pastors understand the Alpha model and DNA and are on track with the way they are using it in their churches.

God is using Alpha in a magnificent way to reach the unchurched people in and the Nicaraguan’s are responding with open arms and minds to Alpha. There are more opportunities for other churches to help train with Alpha GAT’s Nicaragua. Jim Charlton at Alpha USA Central Support Team, jimcharlton@alphausa.org or myself would be happy to answer questions should your church have an interest in getting involved with this exciting international movement.  Jim can also help you with any questions about being part of GAT events around the globe.

Want to find out more? Check out this 6 minute video to learn more about the Alpha GAT in Nicaragua.  http://www.vimeo.com/7295185