Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of a church in East Jerusalem. It’s called Calvary Baptist Church. This isn’t just any church. It’s a beacon of hope for the evangelical Christian minority in Jerusalem.
Calvary Baptist Church was established in 2006 by Pastor Steven Khoury. His inspiration came from a tragic event. His uncle was martyred. Pastor Steven wanted to minister to the very community that had harmed his family. He saw a need to support the dwindling Christian Arab population.
East Jerusalem’s demographics are complex. A significant portion of the population is Arab. Among them, only a small percentage are Christians. Most are Greek Orthodox or Catholic. Evangelical Baptist Arab Christians often face ostracism. They are a minority within a minority. This makes them vulnerable. They become easy targets for criminal acts.
Calvary Baptist Church has faced its own challenges. It has been pushed out of several rented locations. This was due to pressure from opposing religious communities. Yet, the church perseveres. It reaches out to the community with love. They organize annual summer camps. Music programs are offered. Open dialogue forums are held.
The core of Calvary Baptist Church consists of 150 believers. They are learning to live openly. They follow Christ’s example. Love and forgiveness guide them. The church invites others to join their weekly services. They encourage a deeper love for God. This is fostered through biblical studies.
The Jerusalem Project is a vital ministry. It advances Christ’s church. It focuses on Jesus’ promise. The Gospel would spread from Jerusalem to the world. This happens through local churches. The Jerusalem Project partners with established churches. It trains church leaders. It also plants new churches.
This project has three interconnected branches. They work together to advance Christ’s Church. The first branch partners with established churches. The second branch trains church leaders. Thriving churches need mature leaders. The project provides training and resources. This equips leaders to serve. The third branch plants new churches. This is a strategic way to spread the Gospel.
Love motivates the Jerusalem Project. They serve with the same love parents have for their children. Their focus is not on earthly rewards. They want to see believers when Christ returns. They imitate Paul. He encouraged the church to live lives worthy of God.
Mercy is their mindset. They act justly. They love mercy. They walk humbly with God. The church is where God dwells among His people. It is where the fullness of God is found. The Jerusalem Project focuses on the local church. Their heart’s desire echoes Psalm 84. “How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty.”
Calvary Baptist Church in Jerusalem stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope. It spreads love and forgiveness in a challenging environment. Its story is one of perseverance, community, and unwavering devotion.