Alpha Ministries Mission and Vision for Asia

Strength comes from encouragement "March 2010 Prayer Update"

2009-12-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

About 20 years ago when I was working in New York City, my father visited me and shared his vision to start a Bible training institute for church planters in India. I saw how challenging it would be to underwrite such an ambitious plan on a monthly basis. With no organization or donor base, we needed help.

My father had sparked a vision for year round training of church planters in India. The only way we could fulfill this vision, was to do something with the available circumstances. I was reminded of how my mother had been to Amsterdam in 1986 for a week, to attend a training conference organized by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The Lord gave pioneer evangelists and church-planters on the frontline, like my mother and others from the local churches, the opportunity of a lifetime when they were able to attend Amsterdam 86 and to see Dr. Billy Graham in Holland. What a blessing to hear my mother quoting pastors from Holland to Honduras.

Their perspective grew, the world was getting smaller and the vision was becoming clearer. The seed was planted in their minds and hearts and it bore fruit that was in turn sewn into the lives of other leaders. It was not practical to fly all of our frontline leaders to international conferences, but we could still provide a time and place for them to rest and receive from God.

Similarly, we imagined a large group being trained together during a weeklong session in India. My father's vision stirred up strength in me, to have Alpha Ministries committed for a lifetime of training native church planters annually in Asia. “And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.” 1Sa 23:16

The Lord gave me a burden to take another job exclusively for the need of training church-planters. I worked at a hospital in the Bronx from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Then, I hopped in the car and drove 30 minutes to White Plains, NY where I worked from midnight to 8:00 a.m. I did this for a year. One job was for my needs and the second job was for the training of native church-planters. I took the responsibility to strengthen the hand of my father in his service to the Lord. Over the last 20 years since then, our IMPACT conferences in Asia have trained over 26,000 people.

Courage comes from encouragement
Encouragement is the antidote to fear and produces the courage God meant. As we look in the scriptures, we see two great encouragers. David was blessed by Jonathan and Barnabas empowered Paul. If faith starts as a small mustard seed, then that seed is germinated by Godly encouragement. By the grace of God, Jonathan was sent to David in his difficult time as David's heart grew faint. Barnabas put his arm around Paul as a mantle of blessings and God multiplied those blessings into the heart of every believing gentile since the days of the early church.

Simple gestures and words of encouragement act as the spark to ignite great works of God.

Last month while I was in India looking at the financial situation and other expenditures, I was going to cancel my Burma trip. It was then that my heart grew faint. I informed our ministry leaders in Burma that unless the Lord does a miracle I would cancel my trip. Lina called me and encouraged me to go. She reminded me that people in Burma need us. The Bible College Students and the children were counting on us.

It is always encouraging to have your wife and family on board with your vision and mission. I mentioned to my friends and ministry prayer partners in India how we are facing a giant financial crisis around the world. Whether we are sharing our victories in Him or confessing our fears, God blesses sharing.

One of my friends called me aside and in turn shared a personal word of encouragement and strengthened me in the Lord. He said, "Brother Benny, trust God and don’t worry. He will complete what He has started." God put the burden on another friend's heart to send some money to Burma to help cover the graduation expenses. God understands that we need encouragement to promote courage.

The next day early in the morning, another friend called and said, "Benny, the Lord laid on my heart to take a second job and help Alpha Ministries. Whatever I will earn as income I will keep it aside for you and the Burma mission. I pray that next year, Lord willing, you will have funds for your Burma mission trip." He said, "Benny, please remember that people in Burma need Alpha Ministries and your help." I was humbled and blessed at the same time.

I had chills run through my veins. It was like God reminding me that 20 years earlier, it was me encouraging my father and strengthening his hand in the Lord. Today, in my hour of confusion He was preparing someone in India to encourage and bless me. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. The tasks are His tasks and He is faithful to know the emotional and physical needs we have better than we know ourselves.

Encouragement “strengthens the hand” of the one encouraged and the encourager. It is the “hand” which then works, performing the task God has given. Our God is not a debtor of any person. I never expected someone in India to do this where people are worried about their simple-bare-necessities (which is quite basic compared to what we perceive our necessities to be). God raised up a friend to strengthen our hand in the Lord. It was a reminder to me that He is able and His hand is not short.

Has God called you to be a Jonathan? Lasting friendships among believers are bonded in Christ Jesus. If those that serve Him work to develop and maintain those Godly friendships, we will find ourselves blessed with joy and peace from the Holy Spirit. Pray for that person and ask God to show you how you might be a Jonathan.

Your friendship is a walking manifestation of Christ's love here on earth. God desires such a close relationship with us that he doesn't just call us servants, but friends. As we all face tough times we need friends and encouragement. Over the years you have been a great friend, partner and encouragement to me and the work of God in Asia. You have stood with us and we saw God’s work through you and understood that God’s hand is not short!

Despite India and Burma being closed countries to foreign missionaries, we are seeing a great thirst for God's love in the hearts of people. Since January 2010, the Lord helped us train 1,450 church-planters through Alpha IMPACT conferences in India. The delegates left with a vision and a goal train five others over the next year. Outreach remains vigorous in many north Indian states. In Burma, 500 people gathered for just the 6th commencement of Alpha Bible College. Twenty three young people graduated from the Alpha Bible College of Myanmar. Praise His holy name. To God be the glory. Great things He is doing!

2009, Day by day the Lord added…

People attending
outreach meetings 79,315
—————————————————————————————————————————
Bibles Distributed 8,000
—————————————————————————————————————————
NT Distributed 6,915
—————————————————————————————————————————
Trained though IMPACT
Conferences 4,000
—————————————————————————————————————————
Villages covered with
evangelism 1,200
—————————————————————————————————————————
People who made deci-
sion to follow Jesus 6,472
—————————————————————————————————————————
People baptized 2,372
—————————————————————————————————————————
New Churches Planted 371
—————————————————————————————————————————

God is indeed doing an amazing work around the globe. We thank God for leading you to help bring this to pass. We commit to training as many more leaders as God blesses to reach the millions who have yet to hear the Good News, even once, in a way they can understand in their own language from their own culture.

My encouragement to you is to find the best investment you can make in these turbulent times for the souls of men and women, who will spend eternity in Hell, unless they turn from sin and to the Savior. On behalf of those who found new life in Jesus Christ in 2009 WE SAY THANK YOU!
Benny C. Mathews
Executive Director
Alpha Ministries

2009 Christmas Greetings from Alpha Ministries

2009-12-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

We send Christmas greetings to each one. May God bless you with abundant joy during this season as we celebrate the birth of our King, the Lord Jesus Christ.

We want to express our gratitude to all who so faithfully pray for, and support this work of faith with your financial gifts. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated as we seek to share the message of God's love, forgiveness and salvation with a lost and hungry world.

Along with our entire Alpha Ministries staff and native missionary families, we wish you a joyous Christmas filled with renewed faith and hope in the one who loves us so! Have a great Christmas and New Year!

Yours in His service,
Dr. Mathews Cherian

Benny Mathews
& the entire Alpha Family
When your calling is missions call us at 434-546-3069

About Myanmar

2008-05-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend in Christ,

The situation in Myanmar (Burma) is even more horrifying than it was on May 3, just after being ravaged by Cyclone Nargis. The Red Cross and the United Nations estimates over 160,000 people missing or dead in the aftermath of the cyclone in (Burma).

It is reported that one million people might have lost their homes and some villages have totally been destroyed. In addition to the thousands already destroyed by the storm, more are dying because of injuries, illness, and a lack of clean water, food and sanitation.

Myanmar is a poor country and the people have nothing to begin with, now cyclone Nargis has swept away whatever little they have. We had a lot of difficulty in getting touch with our national director, Pastor Than Sang because communication was down. After multiple efforts for days, I was able to reach Pastor Than Sang and it gave me such joy and relief to hear his voice.

Pastor Than Sang reported that the children from Grace Children’s home are safe but the Church building, Bible college buildings (Men’s & Women’s dormitory, Kitchen) and Children’s home building were completely destroyed by the winds.

Communications and transportation to the Delta region is crippled, we do not yet know how many of our Christian brothers and sister have lost their homes and lives.

Alpha Ministries has 114 Alpha Bible College graduates who are ministering in different parts of Myanmar. Less than three months ago this February, when we were in Myanmar, 25 students graduated and stepped out boldly to proclaim the gospel in a Buddhist land. Last year, we were able to start a Grace Children’s Home in Myanmar which accommodates 15 needy children. Our desire is to help them rebuild and reestablish. They are helpless, homeless and in dire need of food, water, medicine and clothing. Please help us in providing assistance and relief to our suffering brothers and sisters. We want to be instrumental not only in rebuilding lives but providing emergency supplies that will bring life and hope to those around them.

Alpha Ministries has already committed funds to carry out relief work. I would ask that you continue praying for Alpha Ministries native missionaries laboring in the frontlines in Myanmar. Our brethren in Myanmar (Burma), are bringing help and hope for the needy.

We don’t know how many thousands died but in the first 15 days of May 2008 over 200,000 precious souls in Myanmar & China entered eternity in seconds without knowing Christ. No matter what the official death toll is, we must remember that we lost precious souls and it is our responsibility to help the survivors. They need to see Christ’s love in action and experience His love and peace.

Friends, the need is so great and the mission before our native missionaries is difficult. But we know that our God is greater than any of these circumstances. Amen!
Your gift will make a huge difference in the lives of the suffering, and it will bring them the hope that can be found in Christ. We need your prayers and financial support to ship emergency relief to meet their immediate need of food and water.

Food shortage will be a major problem throughout the country over the coming months as rice paddies have been inundated with saltwater. Our strategy for the long term is to build a strong foundation by building the Church, men and women’s dormitory and the children’s home. Thank you for standing with us as we minister to those whose lives have been so devastated. Please pray with me that God of comfort will use this situation to bring many into His kingdom of grace and love. Please give generously.

Merry Christmas from Alpha Ministries Inc

2007-12-24T16:25:00.002-08:00

Dear Friend,

MERRY CHRISTMAS! to you and your family from all of us at Alpha Ministries. May God bless you with abundant joy during this season as we celebrate the birth of our King, the Lord Jesus Christ!

You are such a wonderful partner to Alpha Ministries. Thank you for your generous and continued support through the years. Lives are changing because you've helped to reach the unreached, tell the untold and help the helpless. It is my sincere prayer that God will abundantly bless you and your loved ones with a joyous Christmas and with His peace and presence in the New Year.

Your friend and Co-worker in Christ,

Benny C. Mathews
Executive Director
Alpha Ministries

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T12:48:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2007-12-24T10:50:00.001-08:00

2007 Mission Trip to INDIA

2007-11-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

It is always refreshing to write to you each month. You are not only friend and partner with our ministry, but you are a spiritual army who has been willing to “…fight the good fight of faith…” with us as we continue to preach the Gospel to the unreached and untold. (Tim 6:2)

Time and again we have wondered just how everything would come together, only to be assured once again that He does everything well. You prayed for us as we left for India this summer and we want to tell you He did everything well. Praise the Lord!

Our two month trip to India was from the first week of June to the second week of August 2007. Our travel was safe though long as we landed in extreme temperatures. One of the exciting things that took place while in India was the water baptism of our two older children, Faith and Ben. They were baptized by their grandfather in the midst of threats and challenging circumstances. God gave us the boldness to proclaim He is God and take a stand amidst persecution.

Faith, Ben, and Joy were able to minister through music in churches and traveled extensively with us on all our trips. Even though they were infected with intense mosquito bites from head to toes, they did not catch malaria. We praise God for His hand of protection and care over each of our lives. Our trip took us down south to Colachal to oversee the Tsunami Housing project “Operation Goodwill” for thirty four needy families. It gave us great joy to hear that the families that will occupy these homes have never lived in a stable home with a concrete roof. I praise the Lord for His provision for these displaced families who will have a place to call home.

God used us to encourage and minister to the church as a whole in teaching the word of God. We were able to visit Grace Children’s Home which enlarged our vision to the increasing needs of abandoned and needy children. After a fruitful trip we are back with a renewed vision to do more and be available to be channels of God’s love in all ways possible.

Soon after our return from India we got busy with the Alpha World Evangelism Conference at Temple Baptist Church in Madison Heights, Virginia from September 16 to 19, 2007. To God be the glory, to my Pastor J.D. Surbaugh, and to my TBC families go our most sincere thanks and appreciation.

The speakers were longtime friends of the ministry Dr. Vernon Brewer, Dr. Ergun Caner, Dr. Anthony George, Evangelist Wil Graham, Dr. David Horner, my brother Evangelist Finny Mathews and my good friend Eric Vess. We were also privileged to have the Children of the World Choir. They encouraged our hearts with hope and God’s love. We also had the privilege of having outstanding musicians, Mrs. Mary Crowder with the TCS Concert Band, Russell Newport, TBC Choir directed by Marty and Stephanie Sweat. I believe God did use the speakers and musicians in a wonderful way to touch our lives. As friends of the ministry they were tremendously used of God to bless us during the four day conference. It was a memorable conference that will profoundly and positively impact our desire to reach the unreached locally and globally.

Next year, Lord willing, we will again host the Alpha World Evangelism Conference from September 14 - 17, 2008. Plan early and take advantage of the opportunity to hear God’s word and be challenged to take the Gospel to the unreached.

God has commissioned each of us to share His love to a lost world around us. May the Lord broaden your vision and extend your boundaries to launch out with the Gospel and win souls for His kingdom. As I am writing, God is calling us to go to India as a family for an extended period of time. I don’t want to put a time frame to it but we want you to pray with us as many challenging changes follow vital decisions.

Pray for spiritual protection, travel mercies and divine opportunities.
Pray that we have humility before God, sensitivity to needs, and clear direction in all areas of life.

Pray that the Love of Christ is sensed by those who come in contact with Alpha Ministries events and outreaches.
Pray that all projects will be fully funded according to God’s Will.
Pray for the pastors and faculty traveling to India to attend IMPACT 2007 conference. Pray for their safety and pray for all the details of the conference to be in order and that the Lord will be glorified in India.
Pray that the details and funds for upcoming Alpha Kids Conference will come together.
Pray for the follow-up work in Asia.

As Paul states, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) The battles are great and numerous, but God has united faithful friends like you to join with a ministry to impact the world. Thank you for your prayers and support for Alpha Ministries. None of this would be possible without you.

In Christ,
Benny C. Mathews
Executive Director

Alpha Ministries

Powerful Impact of Christ-centered Leadership Training

2007-10-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

We greet you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Recently, I spent over 11 days in Ghana, Africa teaching and encouraging our fellow believers and pastors from Togo, Benin, & Ghana.

I saw first-hand the powerful impact of Christ-centered leadership training. Several years ago a young man, Courage Danku from Ghana, came to India to acquire his higher education. The commonwealth nations have a student exchange program. Danku was fortunate to be one of the scholarship recipients. The government promised him funds and a scholarship. Upon arrival in India, Danku found none of the promises true. Danku had to go through a lot of difficulties and hardships because of government bureaucracy and corruption. The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry. (Psa 34:15)

The Lord had a master plan for Danku. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psa 90:17) The Lord directed him to my parents and Brother Davis who was then the pastor of our Alpha Baroda Church. The love of Christ weaved him into our family and my father mentored him. After Danku finished his education he reached Ghana and saw the need to train and equip native leaders and to plant churches.

For several years he regularly called me and invited me to come and help his dream become a reality. Danku is a pharmacist by profession but he is busy reaching and discipling people. He has a vision and passion for West Africa. It was during this trip, I saw what the Lord can do by training. It was my “Macedonian call”.

Alpha Ministries is in the process of starting its first Grace Childrens Home in Ho, Ghana, one of the poor regions of Ghana. We need your prayers and partnership now more than ever before. I believe the Lord has blessed this work as we have been faithful to proclaim Christ and His Word. As the Apostle Paul said, “a great door for effective work has opened” for us, (1 Cor 16:9).

As I write this, I am preparing to head for India on October 18, 2007. Lord willing I will be in Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Several large IMPACT National Leadership conferences are scheduled these coming months. One thousand, four hundred native missionaries and leaders will gather in different regions to enjoy sweet fellowship, receive practical training, and gain a new vision for reaching the unreached. From there, Lord willing I will be traveling to Burma for a meeting with our leadership team. Please continue to pray for these strategic opportunities. Faithful servants of Christ around the world are counting on us. We pray that the seeds sown will grow into a fruitful harvest and Heaven will be packed with worshippers.

This October marks the 12th year of our fulltime faith ministry. All we can say is God is so good to us and his faithfulness is amazing and wonderful. We marvel at the way he has led us each day of our lives. We want to thank you, our friends for your love and kindness towards us. You all are a tremendous blessing to our lives and ministry.

At this time of the year, our thoughts turn gratefully to all of the blessings that God has brought into our lives. As we count our many blessings, we are reminded of how much you, your friendship, and partnership have meant to us. May the blessings of life be yours in abundance during this season of Thanksgiving and throughout the coming year!

Thank you and May God bless you.

Sincerely,
Benny C. Mathews
Executive Director
Alpha Ministries

From Graveyard to Vineyard

2007-09-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

UPDATE about the Bible College
I have received a lot of calls about the Bible College situation in India. The new semester has begun in August. We have 47 new students enrolled in the program. The situation needs prayer as we see a continuing pattern of harassment that began in March this year. Alpha Ministries’ staff and leaders are called in periodically by the police for interrogation. The Police and others are demanding a list of the names of students in our Bible College. The authorities want to know what is happening on our campus. Young students are taking a stand for Christ but they are having a very difficult time. They are receiving hate messages and threats and our phone lines are monitored.

Pastor Govindaswamy national coordinator requests prayer for the Bible College students. Pastor Govindaswamy was virtually under house arrest and required to report to the Police Station whenever they called him. The Government Authorities’ frequent harassment disrupts the ongoing evangelism and ministry work. This type of harassment is on the rise due to funding received from anti-Christian groups.

Pastor Ramesh Dean of Alpha Bible College says, “Satan is at work with his dark forces of evil to quench the believer’s spirit and destroy the work.” But the Bible says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path. Alpha Ministries’ leaders are asking for prayer for the healing and safety of the students as they continue to study God’s word. They also seek prayer for ones who are opposing our existence that they would come to know Jesus as their Savior and abandon their wicked ways.

From Graveyard to Vineyard

We praise God for His glorious work of salvation! The Bible tells us, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Our native missionaries are now reporting that hundreds of new villages and towns are now hearing the gospel! Many sinners come to Christ and local churches are strengthened for the work of the Gospel.

The churches in Gondia region are showing phenomenal growth! One of Alpha Ministries’ Churches in this region grew from 15 to 100 members in just the last 3 months. Another church in that region has grown from 80 to over 200 people each Sunday! The Lord is doing a great work for His glory. Thank you for praying and partnering with us to make this work possible.

Pray for the Harvest

Isaiah tells us that there is one thing which causes even God Almighty to wonder! “He wondered that there was no intercessor.” Isaiah 59:16. It grieves the heart of God as wickedness abound.

Is there a concern for the lost today? Paul told he could be a pattern for us to follow as followed Christ. “That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”

Did you know that there are approximately 1.2 billion Muslims in the world, many in South Asia and nearly all of them will meet the savior one day? He will be their judge or their Savior!

Indonesia (202 million)
Pakistan (160 million)
India (151 million)
Bangladesh (125 million)
United States (3 million)
The World Factbook

Our task clear; the course has been laid out. “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Cr 5:20

If Isaiah were here today, would continue to say that God Almighty is still “grieved” over a lack of “intercessors”? Would Paul find anyone following his pattern?

A Disputing Crowd Turns Into a Church

National Church planters are making an impact in unreached areas. In a town known as Kamta in Central India, Pastor Tarune was on a journey to another village. On the way he witnessed two feuding groups of people engaged in a dispute over some issue. The feud had already turned violent. Our pastor joined the group as an onlooker and then he was inspired to speak to them. He began to talk to them and tell them about the gospel. How, even though we are evil, God still loves us. He came to this earth to live amongst us and died on the cross for us so that we may have love, one for another. The Spirit of God moved mightily and the people stopped and listened carefully. The feuding stopped and 45 people accepted Christ in that area and a Church was planted.

The Lord continues to reveal his power in that place. In a recent plague like situation that destroyed cattle, the cattle belonging to Christian believers survived. This news caught on in the deeply rural regions resulting in a number of inquiries concerning the Christian faith.

“LORD GIVE ME 48 CHURCHES”:
Pastor ‘Nagin’ prayed at the end of last year’s AWE conference

In a neighboring region, “Pastor Nagin” serves among totally unreached groups of people. At the end of the 2006 AWE conference as the challenge was issued for Church planting, he felt a burden for 48 villages in his neighborhood and began to pray for 48 churches. By August 2007, he has already planted 25 churches! But the news doesn’t end there. Out of these churches, 60 converts have qualified for and are undergoing short term Bible training. The multiplication principle is already at work!

A Former Militant – Now A Church Planting Force

He was a leader of a militant organization vehemently opposed to the Christian faith. A successful local businessman, owner of the town hotel and a powerful person, but drinking was ruining his life and he lost more than 2 million rupees directly as a result of his drinking habit. He was at the lowest ebb of his life when he was led to Christ by our native pastor. He laid down his evil ways and received Christ as his personal Savior! Now everyone knows him as Pastor ‘Raj’. As we read about the Apostle Paul, “The man who formerly persecuted the church was now preaching the gospel.” Gal 1:23

In the same town where he conducted the business of the Devil, he now pastors a church where 65 Hindus have been baptized. Two of his converts have undergone training and are running the church and baptizing people. Pastor Raj is leading a movement to reach 86 villages in and near an area known as Salekasa. Nearly 250 people have come to Christ in this place and he has baptized nearly 102 people. As the believers are increasing in number, they need a Church building. Please keep Salekasa and the pastors in this area in your prayer requests.

Once again, we are deeply grateful to our Lord for your partnership in this ministry that has impacted the lives of so many in North India and Asia. May the Lord bless you. We ask that you stand with us as we go into the field to labor.

Benny C. Mathews
Alpha Ministries Inc.,
P. O. Box 444,
Madison Heights, VA. 24572-0444
434-929-2500
434-546-3069
http://www.alphaministries.com/
http://www.aweconference.com/

Prayer Gram

2007-09-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

We have received a disturbing report from South India and we need your urgent prayers. Beginning in September about 300 anti-Christian militants showed their aggression toward our staff and construction crews at the Operation Goodwill construction site. We need your fervent prayers for the safety for our Alpha Ministries’ staff and team working at this location in South India.

Operation Goodwill is a project assisting the homeless and needy people after the Tsunami hit on December 2004. With your help and partnership we have helped hundreds of families to recover from the devastation through buckets-of-love [Relief package with basic groceries].

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritans Purse of Canada contacted us in December, 2005 to build 35 homes in this region of South India. From the beginning we faced a lot of opposition from local government authorities, local gang leaders, and anti-Christian militants. They opposed our existence at this place just as soon as the project started.

The Lord helped us obtain the necessary permits to construct 34 homes. This is a great miracle in itself. This last year we faced a lot of battles just to begin construction. We faced bad weather, legal government bureaucracy, and anti-Christian militants. Praise the Lord that prayer continues to be mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. With the help of our Savior, the construction of the homes is complete!

I was in India about a month ago and had the opportunity to visit the Operation Goodwill site with my family. Alpha Ministries gave us a tour of the beautiful homes. It gave us great joy to hear that the families that will occupy these homes have never lived in a stable home with a concrete roof. I praise the Lord for His provision for these displaced families who will have a place to call home.

In September as we were finishing the roads and the boundary walls, the anti Christian militants with the help of local political leaders demolished the newly constructed boundary wall. The demolition gang threatened our contractor and told the laborers to leave the premises. Our staffs were warned to vacate the place within 24 hours or face their rage.

We registered complaints with the local police and have asked for police protection. The situation remains tense. We received a stop work order on the construction from the local government authorities. We have appointed legal council to deal with the problem.

Our staff and local believers are on watch and in constant prayer at the project site. Please join me in praying for complete restoration of our staff and the ongoing construction work. The only hope we have of seeing a lasting change is through the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Pray for the souls of these people who carried out the destruction - they too need the love of God. “Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” -2Cr 2:14

Sincerely,
Benny C. Mathews
Executive Director
Alpha Ministries Inc.,

People Living in Fear

2007-05-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Caring Friends,

Greetings to you in the most wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I just returned after a busy, fruitful and long trip to Asia. The Holy Spirit is doing His mighty work of bringing people to God. What a wonderful sight to see our frontline missionaries involved in winning, building, training and sending to reach the unreached!

Over the past three years, God has given Alpha Ministries missionaries in Burma the privilege of training church planters through Alpha Bible College, Burma. Our heart is overflowing with thanksgiving to God, for His unfailing faithfulness towards us. I had the privilege of addressing the third commencement of Alpha Bible College in Burma. Thirty young church planters graduated from Alpha Bible College, Burma. This is not just another educational training, but building people who trust God, who burn with the compassion of Christ to win the lost and thus enable them to establish churches.

These graduates are being sent to many far-flung villages to reach the unreached. Currently we have 55 students occupying a bamboo dorm. The building is in a very poor condition and we need to urgently provide a safer and better place for our students.

Housing these 55 students is of utmost urgency. The new building will have two floors and the ground floor will be made of brick and the top with sheet metal. We have a great need for accommodation. Myanmar (Burma) is governed by a military dictatorship where large-scale human rights abuses and religious persecution is on the rise. Please pray for our students who have boldly stepped out to carry the gospel in this unreached region. Our present accommodation does not aid us in this task. We are looking for the opportunity of creating a confident, safe and comfortable building to house these young champions. This will be for the glory of God and for the extension of His kingdom in Burma!

Will you seek the Lord how you or your church can help us in this urgent need. The political climate is quickly changing and we have a great task on hand. Please pray and help. Burma is occupying the largest area on the South-East Asian peninsula, a country roughly equal to France and United Kingdom put together. Inhabited by a population of over 52 million people. Bordering five nations, including India and China it is strategically located as a land bridge with South Asia. The main religions of the country are Buddhism (89.5 %), Christianity (4.9 %), Muslims (3.8 %), Hindus (0.05 %), and Animism (13 %)

A nation governed by a military dictatorship with no respect for human rights or freedom. In power since 1988, the generals annulled the National League for Democracy's sweeping 1990 election victory and jailed its leader, the Nobel peace prize-winner Aung San Suu Kyi. She remains under house arrest.

The military regime in Burma is intent on wiping out Christianity in the country, according to claims in a secret document believed to have been leaked from a government ministry. Entitled "Program to destroy the Christian religion in Burma", the incendiary memo contains point by point instructions on how to drive Christians out of the state. The text, which opens with the line "There shall be no home where the Christian religion is practiced", calls for anyone caught evangelizing to be imprisoned. It advises: "The Christian religion is very gentle – identify and utilize its weakness."

Its discovery follows widespread reports of religious persecution, with churches burnt to the ground, Christians forced to convert to the state religion, Buddhism, and their children barred
from school. Human rights groups’ claim that the treatment meted out to Christians, who make up six per cent of the population, is part of a wider campaign by the regime, also targeted at ethnic minority tribes, to create a uniform society in which the race and language is Burmese and the only accepted religion is Buddhism.

In the past year, an estimated 27,000 members of the predominantly Christian Karen tribe were driven from their homes in eastern Burma. In Koh Kyi village, in Arakan State, a monk backed by the military burnt down the local church. In another state, 300 monks were allegedly sent by the regime to forcibly convert the populace, all of whom belonged to the Chin ethnic group, which is mostly Christian. But the weapons it uses - starvation, terror and forced labor are just as effective. There are no bodies or mass graves - the regime knows better than to leave evidence of murder for outsiders to see.

People are living in fear for their lives everyday. Will you pray and help. Please pray that believers and churches may stand firm in the faith and the gospel would go forth in power. Faced with persecution with ever-increasing tenacity, the need for prayer cannot be over-emphasized.

Please pray for the persecutors that the Lord may open their eyes to see the light of the gospel. Also, please pray for the work ahead to continue in full strength so that the lost may get a chance to hear the gospel of their salvation.

We thank you for your prayers and financial support. We are all partners together in this work and your support and sacrifice speaks much in what you see. Thanking you again for your partnership. Because of your faithful prayers and generous gifts, the Lord is blessing our efforts in the frontline. As the Holy Spirit directs you, make a special gift. We would love to hear from you. We thank you so much for your dedication. May the Lord add His rich blessings to you today.

In Christ,

Benny C. Mathews
Executive Director
Alpha Ministries

Persecution in India

2007-05-26T07:05:00.001-07:00

In the past few weeks we have received several disturbing reports of Christians in India being attacked. These attacks are orchestrated by radical Hindu groups. They were especially evident in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat where the government is dominated by an anti-Christian political party. This has made the fanatics even bolder in their open persecution of believers.

On May 16, 2007 one such incident happened at Alpha Bible College in Anand. The radical Hindu groups instigated the local police official into entering the Alpha Bible College and demanding the whereabouts of each student. They intimidated the staff and the students by forcefully entering the college premises around 11:30 p.m. without any warrant. They charge that our premises are being used to convert Hindus. Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against two administrators of our Bible College in Anand for allegedly converting young men to Christianity.

The local media aggressively entered the campus premises to interview teachers and the students and have blown the story out of proportion adding fuel into fire. After five days we are still waiting for a peaceful resolution to the volatile situation. Alpha leaders in the area report that this attack was spearheaded by wealthy anti-Christian extremists group who opposes the work of Christian missions in this region. There have been too many such instances in India to clearly point out that the administration is hands in glove with the anti-social Hindutva fundamentalists in the persecution and attacks on minorities. Now whether they do this by choice or under direction of their political masters is a question to be answered. Alpha Bible college officials petitioned the high court to open these baseless charges of conversion because the officials from its inception have mishandled and greatly exaggerated the on going work of the Bible College and incited local people

Alpha Ministries leaders in Gujarat request prayer for God's intervention and protection of the believers who were falsely accused and arrested. They have all now returned to their homes, but are living under threat of continued aggression. The Bible College faculty staff and faculty need prayer for strength and boldness as they live under continued intimidation from the extremists.

Benny C. Mathews

Tribute to Dr. Jerry Falwell

2007-05-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

VISION DRIVEN MAN

On May 16, 2007 I had been on a 16 hour flight from Bombay to JFK. On arrival I called home and my wife asked me if I seen the news? I asked her if it was the weather again and she said it was Dr. Falwell. The rest of the news was difficult and heartbreaking. It seemed like Lynchburg disappeared from the map. I wasn’t prepared for this news after a two week hectic mission’s trip to India. There are few men that I love and respect like my father. Dr. Falwell is one of those visionary leaders. He certainly has been an inspiration to me. I was deeply saddened by the passing of a great leader but it is a time of great rejoicing in heaven.

I wouldn’t have come to Lynchburg, VA if it weren’t for Dr. Jerry Falwell and his giant step of faith to start Liberty University. Mine is one of the thousands of lives Dr. Falwell has touched through his life. In 1995 I quit my secular job working in a New York City hospital and was waiting for God’s direction for our future in ministry. We received a letter from Dr. Falwell inviting us to move to Lynchburg, VA with a scholarship to join Liberty Bible Institute. For several days we prayed and debated over the issue of whether to leave or stay. It seemed strange how he got my name and address. Is there a catch behind this offer? We were a young couple with a one year old and expecting and had the desire to serve God. I had to wrestle with this issue. Finally the Lord gave my wife and I the peace to take a step of faith.

I believe that move made a significant difference in the mission’s ministry of Alpha Ministries and my life. The move helped me to understand the struggles my father faced while moving from south India to northern India as a pioneer missionary to north India. The move from New York to Lynchburg was nothing comparing to what my father faced but it taught me patience, perseverance, and prepared me to see a God sized growth. It all happened because of Dr. Falwell’s vision of Liberty University and the God given desire to teach the Word of God. That one letter of invitation not only brought us into his nook, it helped us to link with many new key friends and partners to make a global impact. In 1995 we had outreach in India but today it has gone beyond the borders into Nepal, Burma, Thailand and now Africa. My preparation field was Lynchburg.

I remember the first convocation at Liberty Vines center. Dr. Falwell challenged us to have a vision and be a champion for Christ. He was never afraid of speaking what is right. He had confidence in God that challenged students to take giant steps of faith. He showed to others what the God of the Bible is doing in his life. The realistic move of the Spirit of the Lord’s hand was visibly evident in his life and it made young men like me to take a leap of faith.

As a student with family and ministry responsibility I was struggling to make the ends meet. One story I often share was, “We had a old Dodge van that needed a lot of maintenance. It was not a reliable vehicle and we were concerned about traveling. Every morning on our local radio station they have “Perspective” a short message from people who spoke at the university. On this particular day that I was under great pressure. I had the radio on as we do in the morning at our home. I heard a message of Dr. Falwell sharing the story of Alexander the Great. How he was resting on an island with his army. During that time a man came to Alexander and asked him if he could have that Island. Alexander took a paper from his associate and signed the order that gave the island to that man. Alexander’s associates asked him how he could just give it away. They had fought and many of their comrades had died for that island. Why did you give that away? they asked. Alexander replied, “Because he made a request only a great man could fulfill.” Dr. Falwell concluded his message saying “Ask and ye shall receive.” I had a lot of needs and that message challenged me to ask and cry out to God.

That afternoon as I was heading to Lynchburg and I saw a good blue Chevy Suburban truck parked in font of a local roofing company on Route 29 with a “for sale” sign. I looked at it thought how good it would be for our family. I said in my heart, “Benny, you have not because you ask not.” I took the address of that roofing company and the owners name and I wrote a letter to the owner of that Chevy Suburban to give that truck to me. Weeks went by with no response to my letter. I prayed to God to work in the heart of the owner to give me that truck. One afternoon I called the roofing company owner and he said, Mr. Mathews I received your letter and I can give you a break on the price of the truck if you can give me a tax receipt from the ministry, but financially, I am not in position to totally donate that. However even after the great discount the price was not right for me and it was beyond my budget. This is one of the many examples how people believed in what Dr. Falwell shared. He walked the talk and lived up to it. Dr. Falwell was a mighty man of God with tremendous faith and vision which challenged and motivated people of all ages.

I have observed him for the last 11 years living in his neighborhood and people believed in him because he lived up to it. I have met him on two occasions and talked with him for a few minutes. But ever since the day the Lord brought me to Lynchburg I have never ceased praying for him and his ministry. Dr. Falwell’s great faith and vision has left an indelible mark upon my own life and ministry. He will be greatly missed, he will never be replaced and it will never be the same again. Our prayers go out to the Falwell family at this time of grief.

Benny C. Mathews
Alpha Ministries
Executive Director