Sir I writ concerning the published letter in Sept 5 issue, from a group of ministers giving their support to 'The Alpha Course'. In it they state that it is "therefore not an accompanying Bible study course to the so called 'Toronto Blessing', as reports in your paper have suggested."

Nickey Gumbel, the assistant curate at Holy Trinity Brompton (the entry and main distribution point in England for the 'Toronto' experience) whom the ministers correctly identify as the man responsible for putting 'Alpha' into print stated "I believe it is no coincidence that the present move of the Holy Spirit ('Toronto') has come at the same time as the explosion of the Alpha courses. I think the two go together."

It is important for people to be aware that when Mr.Gumbel came to print 'Alpha' he updated it to include ideas and recommended reading materials which were not in the original course and these ideas/materials etc., reflect much the erroneous teachings of the extreme/biblically unreliable charismatic figures who promote the types of experiences which left many people susceptible to the 'Toronto Deception'.

As for the book of testimonies all true believers are aware that are common spiritual enemy can appear as "a angel of light" which is why people are commanded to "try (test) the spirits whether they are of God." The so-called 'Toronto Blessing' and important sections of 'The Alpha Course' fail the test of scripture therefore "a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit." The Sovereign God of the Bible does of course work in spite of error but not through it. Details of a helpful booklet assessing 'The Alpha Course' can be obtained from myself upon request.

Yours Cecil Andrews - "Take Heed" Ministries 11 Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff, Belfast, BT8 8DN

The report in the Tyrone Constitution in May of mu public talk in Omagh Town Hall on the 'Toronto Blessing' led a group of local ministers to take the issue with my views on the 'Alpha' course. Below is their letter published on 5th Sept and my response published on 19th September.

Alpha Course 'Excellent Tool For Evangelism - 5/9/96

Sir we write as a church concerned group of local ministers, about references in recent months to a Bible study course called Alpha. This course was developed in the Anglican , church in England nearly 20 years ago and is therefore not an accompanying Bible study course to the so called 'Toronto Blessing', as reports in your paper have suggested.

Alpha was started in 1977 by Anglican clergyman, Charles Marnham. More recently Nicky Gumbel, a curate on the staff of Holy Trinity Brompton. has been responsible for putting the Alpha course into print, and making it available to a wider audience.

In essence it is a 10 week practical introduction to the Christian faith, designed primarily for non-churchgoers and those who have recently become Christians. It has been endorsed by Robert Warren (National Officer for evangelism, Church of England and author of (`Directions'). Rob Frost (National Evangelist, Methodist Church); Steven Gaukroger (Baptist Church). The Alpha course has also been used widely in Ireland by Presbyterian, Church of Ireland and Methodist Churches among others, with great success.

Holy Trinity Brompton has recently published a book, 'The God Who Changes Lives', which records the testimonies of about 30 people. They describe how God transformed their lives often in dramatic circumstances. Some have been healed, others have been given strength to face troubled times. All have had contact with a Alpha course at some stage.

We offer this information in order to correct any misunderstanding that may have been created by reports carried in your paper in recent months. The Alpha course is a excellent tool for evangelism, and one that we have no hesitation in supporting. Yours Revs.A.C Rankin; J.I.Mairs; N:H. Harrison & D.J. Quinn

Sir I writ concerning the published letter in Sept 5 issue, from a group of ministers giving their support to 'The Alpha Course'. In it they state that it is "therefore not an accompanying Bible study course to the so called 'Toronto Blessing', as reports in your paper have suggested."

Nickey Gumbel, the assistant curate at Holy Trinity Brompton (the entry and main distribution point in England for the 'Toronto' experience) whom the ministers correctly identify as the man responsible for putting 'Alpha' into print stated "I believe it is no coincidence that the present move of the Holy Spirit ('Toronto') has come at the same time as the explosion of the Alpha courses. I think the two go together."

It is important for people to be aware that when Mr.Gumbel came to print 'Alpha' he updated it to include ideas and recommended reading materials which were not in the original course and these ideas/materials etc., reflect much the erroneous teachings of the extreme/biblically unreliable charismatic figures who promote the types of experiences which left many people susceptible to the 'Toronto Deception'.

As for the book of testimonies all true believers are aware that are common spiritual enemy can appear as "a angel of light" which is why people are commanded to "try (test) the spirits whether they are of God." The so-called 'Toronto Blessing' and important sections of 'The Alpha Course' fail the test of scripture therefore "a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit." The Sovereign God of the Bible does of course work in spite of error but not through it. Details of a helpful booklet assessing 'The Alpha Course' can be obtained from myself upon request.

Yours Cecil Andrews "Take Heed" Ministries 11 Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff, Belfast, BT8 8DN http://www.takeheed.co.uk/news1.htm