PEOPLE AT CALVARY COME TO FAITH FROM MANY BACKGROUNDS
Beth Barry, Staff Writer

Aliya* was angry at Christians. A Muslim from a Middle Eastern family, she had seen religious and racial bigotry her entire life. Nevertheless, two years ago, she decided to visit Calvary. When she entered the worship center, she saw a vision of Jesus, opening his arms to her. From that day on, Aliya took her eyes off Christians and fastened them on Christ. The more she loved Him, the more she was able to release her anger.

Many people of other faiths have found their way to Calvary in recent years. Last summer, a Mormon woman stopped in to discuss Christianity with Jan Winters, pastor of Ministry Development, and she turned her life over to Christ. "When she realized she could have complete forgiveness through what Christ did, she knew she wanted to receive that grace right then and there," Jan says.

Of the 50-plus members of the Calvary Korean Baptist Church, about 85 percent were non-Christians when they first came. Many were attracted by Calvary's children's ministry.  According to Pastor Joo Chung, one Buddhist couple came to a newcomers' class. "I just say I would like to explain what Jesus did for us," says Joo." After four weeks they accepted Christ."

According to Jan Winters, grace is the one thing that makes the difference. "With the grace of Jesus Christ, people can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that all their sin can be wiped away. That is such good news."

*Aliya's name and some details have been changed to protect her identity. 

MEET JOO CHUNG
PASTOR OF CALVARY KOREAN CHURCH

How has Calvary Korean Church impacted the Korean community in our region ?

We grow every year - especially among people who were Buddhists, Catholics and non-believers. People who are 2nd or 3rd generation Korean who attend the English services often join us for Korean fellowship. They enjoy the food and exposure to their culture. Our church has not grown fast, but we have grown inside spiritually and that's what matters. When you are working with unbelievers, growth takes time.

The Korean Church meets at 10:45am in the Small Chapel . They support 3 missionaries, 2 in China and 1 in Africa.

A SIMPLE LUNCH BECOMES A MINISTRY

On Sunday, September 21st, Calvary Church collected 325 bag lunches to distribute to the homeless in our community. Many individuals in our congregation offered to help hand them out. Calvary's own college ministry joined in the effort. A group took many of the leftover bags to give out among homeless individuals in in both downtown San Jose as well as Santa Cruz. 

"This event has sparked a passion in a number of our students," said Geoff Griffin, a leader in the college ministry. "We plan to do this on a monthly basis and build relationships with the folks on the streets."

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