A picture is worth a thousand words :)

What does this say to you? Thirteen men, ages 19-62, from Calvary engaged with kids, did a VBS, painted, dug holes, removed concrete, mixed and poured concrete serving with HopeCo at the Family Empowerment Center in Machakos, outside of Nairobi, Kenya. They got to see first hand how many people live and work at the local markets and how Kenyan Christians serve their communities with compassion and the gospel.

Pray and consider whether next year you will apply to be on a GO Team. Check out the Calvary Church GO Teams page: Calvary Church GO Teams

In October, seven women from Calvary traveled to the jungle city of Pucallpa, Peru. Pucallpa is located near the Amazon River basin and has a large missionary community. The purpose of this trip was twofold. The first was to facilitate a weekend retreat for about 30 missionary women from the Pucallpa, Peru region. The second was to “scout out the land.” They toured several local Christian organizations including SAM Academy, a school for missionary kids and an association of 200 native Peruvian evangelical churches that serve Christ in a variety of ways. One of these was a Bible Institute that taught local pastors who live in the jungle how to teach the Bible through storytelling for those who cannot read. The South America Mission Academy has over 36 students this year, preschool through 12th grade. These kids often return to the U.S. for their college education and some return to serve the Lord in Peru or other countries.

Meeting these missionaries and Peruvian Christians was definitely life changing and helped the team grow in their understanding of missionary life and the ministry of the local Peruvian churches.

God is doing amazing work right here in the U.S.. Seven people from Calvary traveled to New York City where they served with City Relief, a Christian based organization, (https://www.cityrelief.org/) sharing food and supplies with the homeless people in New York City and New Jersey. Each day they traveled to a different location with the food truck offering food and clothing items to folks who have found themselves without shelter or enough to eat. City Relief encourages team members to ask folks if they would like prayer too which is often welcomed Here are some quotes from our team members:

“Working with the City Relief Team was great! They were so encouraging, thoughtful and on fire for God! We prayed before we did anything and after we did everything. They let us do any/all positions and encouraged us to get out of our comfort zones (while staying around to support). They were friendly, approachable and cared a great deal for us. We were very well taken care of which allowed us to focus on God and grow deeper into what he was calling us to do during our time there.”

“God has shown me not to question him and to go where he sends me. He will take care of EVERYTHING else! He has shown me how to trust him on a deeper level and to walk in my faith, not just say the words. He gave me (us) everything we needed to prepare, while we were there and filled/refreshed my soul to continue to pour into others now that I am back. I didn't know I needed that week until I was on the plane ride back and could feel how full/replenished my perspective and heart felt!”

Please pray and consider joining the NY City Relief teams in 2025. There will be two back to back trips, September 15-20 and 22-27. Learn more about all Calvary’s GO Teams and to apply here: Calvary Church GO Teams.

We all have felt the squeeze with the price of groceries going up. But did you know that for those living outside our city limits, access to food pantries can be denied? First Fruit Gives serves families who face food instability. You can make a difference and help keep their shelves stocked. 

How? Next time you’re at the grocery story, pick up an item from the list below and drop it off in the collection box in the Commons on a Sunday

• Cereal

• Breakfast Items: Oatmeal, Pop Tarts, Granola & Cereal Bars, Muffin Mix, Pancake Mix & Syrup. 

• Canned Fruit 

• Canned Meat: Tuna, Chicken, SPAM

• Toiletries: Paper Towel, Toilet Paper, Shampoo & Conditioner, body wash, laundry supplies, deodorant, etc. 

You will be serving Jesus as you serve those facing food insecurity this holiday season!

Families are experiencing record levels of housing insecurity and local shelters are overwhelmed. Calvary Church and Valparaiso’s faith community are working together with New Creation Men's Shelter to house single men this fall at area churches.

On Sunday nights beginning October 20th through December 2024, Calvary Church will partner to host New Creation Men's Shelter clients overnight at Crossing Community Church, 1305 Silhavy Rd. Valparaiso.

We are in need of volunteers for:

• Male Overnight Supervisors

• Sunday Dinners

• Monday Breakfasts

Consider asking your small group to provide a dinner or breakfast. Or ask the men in your small group to register together to serve one evening. Please click the link below to learn more details and to sign up.

Calvary Church: Men's Shelter SignUp