I'm currently working on preparing a talk for a Alpha training session tonight on prayer ministry. I decided that the 67 minute long video was a bit much for the leaders and it would be better to give a more concise and audience-specific training. Unfortunately that means I have to prepare it.

I just finished watching the talk in English and I'm about to embark on turning my 12 pages of notes into a clear presentation. Please be praying for me. Although I have a good deal of experience speaking in front of people as well as communicating ideas in Spanish, this will be by far the most extensive talk I've given. Pray that I will explain what is needed clearly and in a way that the leaders will be able to apply the teaching. Pray also that my time of preparation will go smoothly.

On another note, this morning I spoke with the man in charge of Global Alpha Training (GAT). They send Alpha training teams to hold conferences throughout the world, teaching local pastors and leaders how to implement and run Alpha in their churches.

For the last couple of months I've considered holding a similar type of conference, but I've felt overwhelmed by the task and fairly unequipped to do as well as I believe it could be done. After talking with GAT today, I feel greatly encouraged. Due to the relatively short time I have left here in Pucallpa, it's likely they won't be able to send a team. (If you've been on a GAT team and want to come to Perú in January, let me know!)

Instead, they're going to use me as a cuy (guinea pig) and try out an online training over a couple of day in December to prepare me to hold the conference on my own. I'm looking forward to the support and taking advantage of what they've learned from their various conferences and experiences. It sounds like they've put a lot of work into making Alpha accessible, particularly for areas such as Perú, which are less urban and with an overall lower level of education. In case you can't tell, I'm really excited about this development.

p.s. If you're reading this tomorrow, or any day after that, please pray for my preparation and training session tonight. I believe future prayers work for today as well!

1 Comment

1. Phil on October 28, 2009 at 3:25 PM

   Tim, I'm praying for you for both the prep and for the delivery of your talk.