God Turns Vision Into Reality: Documenting Calvary Chapel Missions Worldwide
Updated 6/2/2010—After veteran news photographer/writer Tom Price visited Russia in the late 1990s and witnessed Calvary Chapel missionaries’ extensive mission work throughout Eastern Europe, he felt the Lord calling him to begin a publication that would highlight the missionary work of Calvary Chapels around the world.
An ink-jet version of the proposed magazine was presented to Pastor Chuck Smith of Costa Mesa at the East Coast Pastors Conference in 1999. Pastor Chuck founded and leads the Calvary Chapel movement.
The next morning, Pastor Chuck told Tom that he heartily approved of the magazine and asked when the first issue would be printed. Chuck offered to ask Pastor Joe Focht of CC Philadelphia to help raise seed money from the bigger churches for the first edition’s printing. Chuck shook Tom’s hand, told him to keep him informed, and walked away.
Tom continued standing in the breakfast line wondering how such a magazine could be published. Overhearing the conversation, an associate pastor from Rochester, NY, introduced himself as also a vice president of a printing company. After Joe Focht help raise seed money for the initial printing, the vision of this magazine became a reality.
Using photographs and stories, the magazine has impacted the world in the name of Jesus. As a result, many have been encouraged to surrender to Christ, go on mission trips, become full-time missionaries, or to serve through prayer.
Now 11 years and 44 issues later, 40,000 Calvary Chapel Magazines are printed and sent to over 800 Calvary Chapels and numerous missionaries around the world. Over 80% of the money needed comes from the bulk orders of different churches that give it out to their congregations. Some churches support the ministry monthly; others support the work by purchasing the magazine in bulk. Sponsorship from approved ministries also helps defray the costs.
The staff of four works out of Calvary Chapel Fredericksburg, VA, in a small town, halfway between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
Co-laboring with Calvary Chapel Magazine
Missionary photographers accompany different mission teams from churches that are asked to cover traveling costs.
•Calvary Chapel pastors can order the magazine at a bulk rate for their flock and encourage them to subscribe individually (CC Costa Mesa orders 6,000 magazines to give to their fellowship. At last year's Senior Pastors Conference, Chuck encouraged other fellowships to order as well).
•Churches may consider supporting the work financially, sharing story ideas with us, or taking out a ministry ad—an effective way to highlight your ministry while blessing the magazine, and ultimately, the Calvary Chapel family worldwide. |
