IN KEHANCHA, KENYA SINCE 1994
Pastor Solomon Rioba Charwi established the church he pastors in Kehancha, Kenya, East Africa in 1994. We met Pastor Solomon in 1998 during his first visit to the United States. He requested that a visit be made to Kenya for the purpose of instructing pastors in the teaching of the Bible; that was the beginning of Calvary Petaluma missions. Pastor Solomon oversees the Pastor’s Library, stocked with commentaries and Pastor Chuck Smith’s Bible study tapes, which was built in 1999 as an extension of our ministry to pastors. The use of the library is free to any pastor who wishes to borrow Bible commentaries or Bible study tapes, and can also accommodate a pastor who wants to come and spend a couple of days just studying. Pastor Solomon has also undertaken a project translating Pastor Chuck Smith’s “Through the Bible” studies into Swahili, the national language of Kenya. He has done it in such a way that you hear both English and Swahili on the tapes.
PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
We are honored to partner with Harvest Christian School, which is committed to nurturing students through Christ-centered education. They do incredible work at the school - students are equipped with academic excellence and grounded in biblical truth. Through caring teachers, a strong sense of community, and a focus on discipleship, Harvest is raising up the next generation to live out their faith with purpose and confidence. We’re grateful to support them in this meaningful work.
SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
We are grateful to partner with Redwood Gospel Missions in their vital work serving the homeless in our community. Through their Nomadic Shelter program, they offer a warm, safe place to sleep during the coldest months of the year, along with care, dignity, and hope. As part of this effort, our church provides shelter one night a month during the winter season. It’s a meaningful way we can extend God’s love and meet practical needs in Jesus’ name.
ON MFANGANO ISLAND, KENYA, SINCE 1992
Located on Mfangano Island in the Kenyan area of Lake Victoria. The Shalom Christian Center has been ministering to and caring for AIDS orphans on the island. AIDS has had a devastating effect on the island’s families. The Shalom Christian Centre Primary School, in 2009, engages students in grades one through eight. Calvary Petaluma Missions developed a sponsorship program through which students who are orphaned, totally or partially, or from families who are unable to provide for their schooling can receive support. Since its inception, the school has consistently ranked among the top schools in the district. Calvary Petaluma currently covers some of the teachers’ salaries and supports some of the children through a sponsorship program.
Caitlyn Christie (Hernandez) is currently off the mission field and spending this season back in Petaluma with her children. After faithfully serving in Guatemala, she is in a season of transition and taking time to rest, reconnect, and seek God’s direction for what’s next. We are continuing to support her during this time as she reflects and steps into whatever God has planned.