| Alpha for Prisons was launched in 1995 in response to demand from inmates. Since then enthusiasm for Alpha for Prisons has grown. It is now registered in 80% of the prisons in the UK as well as running in the prisons of over 73 countries on all the continents around the world. The course is run successfully in all types of prisons and correctional institutions for both men and women and is also used in young offenders and juvenile institutions. The Alpha course is a 15-session practical introduction to the Christian faith designed primarily for non- churchgoers and new Christians. The course is a low key and non-threatening series of sessions where men and women from any background or belief system can ask questions about the meaning of life. The course is run over a period of thirteen weeks. At each session there is a chance for praise and worship followed by a talk on a subject central to the Christian faith. After the talk, participants divide into groups to discuss the talk in an environment where each person is free to ask or say whatever they wish. Each group has a ‘leader’ and one or two ‘helpers’ who may be ‘graduates’ from a previous course or volunteers. Alpha in Arizona Prisons In the summer of 2005, Alpha Arizona organized a mission to Arizona State Prison Complex - Lewis. In cooperation with Mountain View Lutheran Church and other volunteers, Family of Christ Lutheran Church has continued to support this mission. In addition to Lewis, volunteers are now offering the course in two other prisons - Gila River Department of Corrections and Rehabilation in Sacaton and Arizona State Prison Complex - Perryville. Today, Family of Christ Lutheran Church continues to reach out to the men in Lewis Prison. Six residents of the Morey Unit are assisting with the current course there by participating as small group facilitators. In late January, a team of volunteers also began a new course in the neighboring Buckley Unit. The current Morey class will culminate with a graduation ceremony on April 1. The Buckley course will end with graduation on April 29. Lewis Prison, divided into 6 units, is home to 4,480 men. We intend to continue offering the Alpha Course in Lewis until we have reached all units and provided an opportunity for all residents to participate. Special Update On Saturday, February 24, we had a most remarkable encounter with the living God in the Morey Unit. On Holy Spirit Saturday, we learned about who the Holy Spirit is, what He does, and how we can be filled with the Spirit. At the conclusion of the three leassons, we scheduled 30 minutes of group prayer, which quickly turned into 90 minutes. Each volunteer and inmate facilitator prayed for each of the guests and for each other. One volunteer encouraged each inmate to release all of his burdens and give them up to God. As soon as each man surrendered his baggage, the flood gates opened, and then the man collapsed. Each of the 17 of the inmates (including those who serve as facilitators) collapsed when he experienced the power of the Spirit. They described to us intense feelings of freedom, joy, and peace after they had given up their burdens. Alpha Links The Alpha Course Alpha for Prisons Alpha USA |