|
History of Calvary Chapel |
|
History of Calvary Chapel Calvary Chapel began in Costa Mesa, California in the late 1960's as a single, non-denominational church of 25 members pastored by Chuck Smith. God began a great work among the youth of California at that time and thousands of people began coming to Christ, many through the ministry of Calvary Chapel. This revival spread across the United States and beyond and became known as "The Jesus Movement". Today Calvary Chapel has grown into a movement of more than 1500 churches in over 60 countries, including some of the largest churches in America. Calvary Chapel also began an international publishing and broadcasting ministry, The Word for Today, as well as Calvary Chapel Bible College with over 20 campuses worldwide.
History of Calvary Chapel in Ukraine After the Soviet Union fell and Ukraine gained its independence in 1991, the doors to the gospel opened wide and a number of missionaries from the West responded to the great spiritual need. Among these were George Markey and his family. George was pastoring a Calvary Chapel in a small city in Indiana when in 1992 he felt the call of God to move to Kiev, Ukraine and share the good news of Jesus. He planted the first Calvary Chapel in Ukraine, and God did an amazing work, bringing many to Jesus in that city and beyond. From the Kiev church other Calvary Chapels were planted in various cities around the country. Today there are around 15 Calvary Chapels in Ukraine. After 15 years in Kiev, Pastor George felt he had finished the work God called him to in Ukraine. He passed the church on to a Ukrainian pastor and moved to Kyrgyzstan to plant a church in the capital there. A few short months later, the Lord took George home at the age of 65. The Calvary Chapel movement in Ukraine continues to grow and carry on George's vision to reach the nation for Christ.
|