Calvary Chapel Clayton Pastor Experiences Sweet Comfort After Great Loss
Story by Kathy Symborski
Photo courtesy of Calvary Chapel Clayton
After Pastor Kevin Edwards of Calvary Chapel Clayton, NC, lost his wife Lisa on December 17, 2022, to heart failure, he did not expect the outpouring of love and concern that came not only from his congregation but also from Calvary Chapel fellowships around the world. “It’s been quite traumatic for us as a family. Lisa’s alarm went off that morning and it didn’t shut off. That’s when my son found her, and I started CPR. This has been the most painful thing I have experienced in my life,” shared Kevin.
Over 700 mourners came pouring in to Calvary Chapel Clayton on December 23, 2022 to support Pastor Kevin Edwards and his children after the death of wife and mother, Lisa Edwards. She passed away from complications of heart disease the previous Friday.
Unexpected Outpouring
Not wishing his congregation to mourn through the Christmas season, Kevin decided to hold Lisa’s memorial service the Friday after her death. A massive winter storm swept the U.S. just before Christmas, cancelling thousands of flights, and weather in Clayton was bitter cold with blistering winds and rain. Kevin expected only his family and church congregation with him leading the service. But when Pastor Tony Clark from CC Newport News, VA, walked in asking what he could do, Kevin just fell into his arms. “I asked him to officiate the service. As a pastor does, he just did it.” Tony’s presence was a complete surprise to Kevin. “He was blown away when he saw me because he wanted to call me to come but didn’t want to burden me.” Tony continued, “I said, ‘Bro, just know that I’m here. Whatever you need me to do.’ I ended up MC'ing the whole service. I just made myself available.”
Pastor Tony Clark (right) of CC Newport New, VA, and his wife Jenise, long-time friends of the Edwards attended the celebration of Lisa’s life. Tony arrived unexpectedly and, without hesitation, officiated the memorial service.
To Kevin’s amazement, over 700 people arrived for Lisa’s memorial service. In a 200-seat sanctuary, there was nowhere to sit. People overflowed into every room in the building, watching the service on TV. “Almost every Calvary Chapel pastor in North Carolina and their wives were there; [even] pastors from Virginia. Everywhere I looked—and not just pastors, people from other Calvary Chapels, people that have been to our conferences,” Kevin marveled. Tears flowed as a previously recorded video of Lisa singing “Revelation Song” and then praying closed out her own service.
Calvary Chapel Clayton’s Women’s Ministry leadership team (left to right): Whitney Anderson, Jeanne Fields, Sally Morro, Sue Looney, and Megan Looney. Lisa and her leadership team implemented countless women’s Bible studies, organized and sponsored conferences, and loved and held each other up in prayer and support through the years.
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
He attests he has not felt alone with all the expressions of love from the CC family. “I don’t consider myself as someone special in the [CC] movement, but the guys just loved me—all of them. They did it the right way, not with a lot of words; they just showed it.” Kevin has received thousands of calls, texts, emails, cards, and books from people all over—even as far as Nigeria and Colombia. “As the Bible says, you have to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn. So often we want to give answers but sometimes it is just best for us to be quiet and weep with others,” counseled Tony.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15
“Pastors Sandy Adams [CC Stone Mountain, GA] and Troy Warner [CC Lynchburg, VA] contacted the Deep South region about Lisa’s death, but the regions out west found out from the [online version of] Calvary Chapel Magazine, which is a blessing," Kevin said. "There is something special about Calvary Chapels—maybe we forgot about it or have taken it for granted. We are not a denomination; we are a fellowship. In a denomination, you are just there in name; but in a fellowship, you are there in Spirit—you know each other, love each other, pray for each other. It’s very evident, and it makes me want to be part of it more than ever before.”
Pastor Tony testifies to the outpouring of love during the service. “I tried to keep things on track timewise, but the testimonies and kind words just kept coming. It was a major demonstration of love for a family, for Pastor Kevin as well as his kids.”
Kaylon and Lydia Edwards spoke at their mother’s service, tenderly recalling faith-filled memories throughout their childhood and of their parents’ marriage and love for each other under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Lydia reassured the congregation she would be ok but to please remember to pray for her father.
Finish the Race
Early one Sunday morning in late January, Kevin found himself down on the sanctuary floor in prayer. “The Lord said, It’s time for you to get up and finish what you started. I thought about what Lisa would say—she was my prayer warrior. She would say get up and finish the race, the work we started. I didn’t realize it was the 30-day mark of her death,” he admitted. “Every day since then has been different. I still have grief but I know she’s there with Him. And she would say, Pour into the kids, the congregation; finish until you get here.”
After purchasing a 30,000-square foot building on six acres with a planned 600-seat sanctuary and plenty of parking, CC Clayton will continue the race in a new location, prayerfully by the end of 2023. Pastor Kevin hopes to hold the first service on Christmas Eve in honor of his beloved wife, Lisa.
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