The history of our fellowship: by Pastor Huck Kusner

NO ONE WAS THINKING OF BLACK CANYON CITY
In 1990 my wife Debi and I were wrapping up our work of the last five years in a Christian comedy ministry known as "The Special Delivery." At the same time our pastor, Bob Claycamp at CC North Phoenix was praying that God would raise up Calvary Chapel ministries in smaller towns of Arizona. Jesus declared the apostles would be empowered to take the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth. Little did anyone know that Black Canyon City would soon become like a Judea or Samaria just outside the metro Phoenix area, that would experience a fresh move of God the Holy Spirit.

GOD PREPARES THE PEOPLE
In the spring of 1992 a small group of people from BCC were traveling to Calvary Chapel of Camp Verde because they so enjoyed the simple expository teaching and expression of worship. Today we are aware of at least three women locally that were praying for God to begin a new work in Black Canyon City. I recall two of the ladies meeting in the post office informing each other they were praying for a new fellowship. They both used the term "real" revealing their heart's desire to further learn about Jesus from the entire bible. Paul declared to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:27 that he did not shun to teach them the "full counsel" of God. Psalm 40:7 says, "in the volume of the book" it is written of the Lord.

THE GATHERING PLACE
After word got to pastor Mark Martin of Calvary Community Church concerning the need for a BCC bible study, I was asked if we were interested. We closed our home study in Phoenix and our first BCC meeting occurred in the home of Garrett and Diana Cross. We examined Eph 4:11-15 and God began to bless immediately.

Within ten days a local group known as the "Filthy Five" graciously blessed us by allowing the use of their facility at High Desert Park at no
charge. Despite the name they were the nicest people and always treated us with grace and kindness. I have fond memories of many of these folks who have since passed away.  

OUR FIRST SANCTUARY
As God began to grow the group Rae Shelton offered to rent her house on Vladimir and K-field, which had a large carport. As the carport was being enclosed and converted into our sanctuary, we were gathering and growing in the living room. We squeezed approximately 35 chairs onto the carpet area and began calling the adjacent kitchen the "balcony" as more people arrived. Soon we moved into our first sanctuary, which was a renovated carport, and bedrooms were converted to classrooms.

TIME TO MOVE
After three years we had reached capacity and God led us to purchase property on Indians Hills Rd., where both men and women built the first structure. It was a glorious New Years Eve in 1997 which was our first service. Karl Borman led worship for nearly 2 hours as we sat and sang in awe of what God was doing.

After two years a new sanctuary was added and today children fill the initial building for Calvary Kids Club, VBS and various children's classes and events. It is certainly true as the prophet Isaiah declared: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

CURRENTLY
Our seniors ministry, "The Top of the Hill Gang," has blossomed and bears much fruit. God has provided ministry from nursery to teens, our local CSN radio at 90.1 FM, home bible groups in Phoenix and BCC, the "One Hour Prayer Watch" on Monday evenings, the Helping Hands ministry to those in need, and a semi truck truck delivers skids of free food as we minister to the hungry of BCC at the church.
 
Classes on marriage, parenting and foundations of the faith are offered. We have toured Israel on several occasions where God has caused His word to go from black and white to living color for us. Pastors in India under "Gospel For Asia Ministries" are sponsored, as well as missionaries to the Navajos in northern Arizona. God has led us to support CC of Jerusalem and help provide for the Russian Jews returning to their homeland as prophesied.
 
We contribute to approximately five ministries that spread the gospel across America including "Mission Assist" which reaches many countries. Today our question and answer newspaper article, "The Calvary Corner," is sent around the globe via the internet to anyone that would subscribe. We can truly say, God "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages."

I invite you to join us as we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For now we continue to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Where God guides God truly provides, and we praise Him forever.