On mission in Iraq in 2005, U.S. Marine Octavio Sanchez suffered burns on 70% of his body. Despite flatlining and resuscitating three times, he survived—and much more. God has used these intricate pieces of his life to prepare him to lead FrontSight Military Outreach, a California ministry serving veterans and sharing Jesus. A documentary of his life was released in 2025.

In the midst of violent crackdowns, mass arrests, and looming public executions, a desperate generation in Iran cries out for freedom. As the regime tightens its grip, the Gospel quietly advances—calling believers worldwide to pray for God’s intervention and mercy.

Raised in a devoted Irish Catholic home, I believed being “good” was enough. Years of loving challenge and Scripture revealed my sin and my need for Christ. When I trusted Jesus alone, I found assurance, transformation, and a new life in Him.

Pray for Syrian Christians, endangered by Muslim extremists after the December collapse of their government. Calvary Chapel-based Far Reaching Ministries is working to rescue them.

Many believers are suffering and dying for their faith, as confirmed by Open Doors International. Jesus warned in Matthew 24:9 that persecution would increase before His return. Let us keep our brothers and sisters in daily prayer.

Jesus instructed His disciples to deny themselves and follow Him, a teaching that continues to believers today. Pastor Mike MacIntosh highlights key points about this sacrificial lifestyle that allows the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in our lives.

Genesis Chapter 32 describes Jacob wrestling mightily with the Angel of the Lord at Penuel, not letting go even when his hip was dislocated. Desiring a blessing, Jacob received a self-reflecting question first—what is your name? Pastor Joe Focht delves into why here:

“I’m really burdened in my heart with one word in ministry: die,” Pastor Lloyd Pulley of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, NJ, emphasized during the CCA International Pastors Conference in November 2025. Teaching from 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, he explained that dying means no longer living for self, modeled by Jesus Christ.

“I hope you are thinking, … What part do I play?” exhorted Pastor Jim Gallagher of CC Vero Beach, FL, to many pastors gathered in November at the CCA International Pastors Conference. Teaching from 2 Kings 13, he urged them to “strike the ground with their arrows.”

Pastor Garid Beeler, senior pastor of VISION Calvary Chapel in Irvine, CA, shares a powerful and timely message encouraging us as evangelical believers to stand with Israel, especially since the deadly and satanic attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

As antisemitism rises worldwide, Pastor Damian Kyle warns that the hatred of Jews is not new—but spiritual in nature. From Scripture to modern attacks, he argues Israel remains central to God’s plan, calling Christians to reject antisemitism and respond with gratitude, humility, and compassion.

In an age swollen with suspicion, the serpent’s whisper sounds the same as it did in Eden—questions that twist truth into poison. Yet the church must cling to Scripture, resist unfounded accusations, and guard unity with a love grounded in Christ alone.

Public accusations against Calvary Chapel pastors have caused concern, yet after decades documenting their ministries, I affirm these claims are false. Scripture calls us to reject fear, walk in truth, and continue pointing every heart to Jesus Christ with steadfast love and integrity.

In this season of giving, please consider helping Calvary Chapel Magazine upgrade our vitally important—and aging—camera equipment. We use these cameras and their accessories to document God’s work around the world, even in remote locations.

Through the steadfast love of Jesus, on display by his in-laws, Pastor Al James and his wife Becky, the once-atheist Raj Ahuja now serves as Senior Pastor of Calvary Prescott, AZ. Read about his intriguing conversion from emptiness to Truth.

Calvary Chapel Magazine is grateful for your support as we share testimonies of God’s transforming work around the world. As we prepare Issue 107, please pray about partnering with us so these stories can continue to reach even into the 10/40 window.

Join the mission of Calvary Chapel Magazine—sharing real testimonies of what God is doing throughout the Calvary Chapel family and reaching more hearts for His Kingdom. Revelation 12:11 reminds us, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” In this video, volunteers and staff unite to prepare the magazine for distribution to churches, helping spread these powerful stories of God’s faithfulness.

Nearly two years before Charlie Kirk’s assassination, a young man from Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks, NV, asked the Turning Point USA founder: “If this was the very last time you could speak to the youth of America …, what would you tell us?” Hear his answer in this clip.

Two Calvary Chapel pastors—one a former professional surfer—and a family member rushed to save a drowning boy and his uncle at a churning Florida beach in late October. Family members praised the men’s timely actions, calling them “heroes”.

On a recent trip to what is considered the nation’s opioid epicenter, a group of servant-minded volunteers from Calvary Chapel Clayton, NC, spent four days on the crime-filled streets of Kensington, PA, offering the hope of salvation in Jesus and help through The Rock-Calvary Chapel's various ministries.