Thursday
October 3rd, 2013
Dear Brothers,
Sisters and Friends of Calvary:
He was an
incredible instrument of the Lord and used so mightily. So many owe so much and
are so thankful to the Lord for Him. I am one of them. His teachings were used
by the Lord to edify and direct my calling as a pastor, to enrich me as a
disciple of the Lord. He remains my favorite Bible teacher. I can still
remember meeting with him to discuss planting Calvary Chapel of Hope. He was so
relaxed, at peace, open, so generous, gracious, encouraging. I can still
remember his words to me, a young pastor seeking wisdom and direction for a
venture in faith. He was always open to follow the leading of the Lord. He was
available and accessable, though a man of many responsibilities. And when it
was my turn to speak with him he patiently listened to my circumstances. When
all was said and done he said to me, "Go for it!" God used Pastor
Chuck to change my life. He has been used by the Lord to change the lives of
many, many others, thousands throughout the world.
Pastor Chuck
Smith was used by the Lord to bring me closer to the heart of the Lord. Calvary
Chapel of Hope is directly connected to the ministry of this teacher of the
word of God, man of faith, man of grace, man of Jesus our Lord. He was a pastor
to so many. He was always available to patiently listen with a smile and
gracious empathetic response. I am so grateful.
Pastor Chuck
was always open to a venture in faith. He had a great trust in the Lord. He
feared nothing in the strength of the Lord. He faced everything in the Lord. He
remained true to the Lord and His word to his final breath. There were no
deviations or caving to culture or society that are sometimes seen as people
age in their final years. Pastor Chuck Smith was greatly used by the Lord and
is a godly example for all to study and follow.
Pastor Chuck
was a humble servant hearted man, never lording his God ordained authority
(which was immense) over any. He was humble enough to pick up trash on his
church campus. He was courageous enough to step out in faith in numerous Spirit
led ways to encourage incredible ventures of faith throughout the world. He
literally impacted the world for the Lord. Always true to the word of God and
the Lord. I'm not the only one he encouraged with the words, "Go for
it!"
Pastor Chuck
led by example, an example that knew by experience that everything he had and
everything he accomplished was a product of God in him not himself alone. To
God be the glory! He held whatever the Lord blessed him with with open hands in
full submission to however the Lord wanted to use it. He lived for the will of
God and to glorify God. May his legacy continue to glorify God through us.
We will miss
Pastor Chuck. But our loss is heaven's gain. He is in awe right now as he
finally takes in heaven as Jesus welcomes him in. Pastor Chuck, like the
Apostle Paul, knew who he believed in and was persuaded that God was able to
keep what he had committed to Him until this day. Let's take the baton and
carry on to that higher calling of God in Christ Jesus. We can only hope to be
used like God used Pastor Chuck.
Please pray for
his wife Kay and his family. The joy of the Lord is their strength. The joy of
the Lord is our strength. Be strong in the Lord. God bless you all.
in His service, by His
grace, for His glory,
Calvary Chapel of Hope
803 County Line Road
North Amityville, N.Y. 11701
631-224-1761
email:
shepherdofhope@gmail.com
Web.:
www.calvarychapelofhope.org
WGSS 89.3 FM God Still Speaks - Accessable on line at
our website.
Blog: www.theshepherdofhope.blogspot.com
I was interested in your web page about the authentic calling of a pastor. You might be interested in another take on this by looking at
ReplyDeletehttp://gomerhosea.weebly.com/gomers-blog.html but be warned! This may make you more than a little uncomfortable.