Bonnyville, Lakeland District, Northeast Central Alberta

Once again I was invited to the Pastors' Appreciation Lunch at Bonnyville Community Church. It's about a three-hour drive from home, but well worth the trip. This is my third.

Pastor Ken Jagessar has such a heart, not only for the Lord, but for his fellow labourers for the kingdom as well. The event seems to attract more and more church leaders each year and each year I have been allowed a bit more time to talk about Alpha. This year there were 50 or 60 church and ministry leaders and their spouses, and Amy Croy, our Alpha Youth Coach for Alberta, were allowed some exclusive, "stage time," to communicate some of the new products and initiatives coming down the pipe this year and next. Amy shared her passion to see young people equipped to share their faith with their friends especially in schools.

New and coming soon from Alpha include:
  • Nicky Gumbel's latest talks, shortened from 45-50 minutes down to 30 or so;
  • Next year's global media campaign featuring Bear Grylls, who has lent his name and brand to Alpha for one year beginning fall 2016;
  • A new Alpha Film Series for twenty-something young adults, following the fast-paced format of the Youth Film Series.
  • The fact that pretty much all Alpha materials; talks, training and promo materials, are available online for the low, low price of... free!
I was so busy otherwise that I forgot to take any pictures. So did Amy, whom I usually rely on to do so. I have emailed Pastor Ken to see if he has any, and if I get some, I will add a picture to this post.

I have been asked as part of my feedback to Alpha Canada, whether I would do it again. YES, in a heartbeat, mainly because I love the free (and excellent) food, and I love seeing Pastor Ken, but as I mentioned, each year I have attended I have been given a bit more opportunity to raise Alpha's profile in the area. After our 15-20 minutes with Power Point presentation, I'm afraid the only way to do more might be to present a feature film.

But that decision doesn't have to be made for another year.

Blessings,

John

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