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In Memory of Pastor Chuck Smith – A Humble Man of God

(Image Source: pastorchucksmith.com)

I heard the saddening news this morning on the radio that Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa passed away to be with the Lord, at the age of 86. He was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Movement and the Lord used him mightily to work among the hippies of California and plant a church that grew and had a national impact.

I was rather shocked to hear the news of his passing… although it was to be expected after he battled with lung cancer. Yet it seemed like yesterday we were there attending the Creation Conference at the church he pastored in Costa Mesa. Before the conference began we all watched a pre-recorded welcoming video by Pastor Smith greeting everyone from his home (he was not able to attend the conference because he had been hospitalized recently after recurring problems from cancer). I didn’t want to think he would leave this earth so soon. Pastor Smith was a humble man of God, with a warm heart, faithful to the Word, and to Christ. We had the joy of visiting his church and hearing him preach a few times.

I know he is now joyful in the presence of the Lord, but he will be missed here by many who were impacted by his ministry. My dad always mentioned he learned one of the most important lessons about the Christian life from listening to Pastor Chuck Smith on the radio. It was the verse that Pastor Smith frequently repeated:

Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

If you want to learn more about Pastor Smith’s ministry, see some pictures, and read his biography visit this website: ChuckSmith.com. You may not know Pastor Chuck Smith at all…or you may have heard about him on radio or in other places, but after reading this post, please remember his family in your prayers during this time.

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