2007 Honorable Mention
Calvary Chapel Sawgrass
Name and location: Calvary Chapel Sawgrass, Davie, Florida
Denomination: Non-denominational
Pastor: Gary Mauro
Date Founded: 1991
Total Church Membership: 1,200
Website: www.calvarysawgrass.org
Outstanding Involvement and Effectiveness in the Fight Against AIDS:
Following a visit to Kenya by Pastor Mauro in 2005, the church launched in April 2006 what would become a controversial "Weekend of Hope" during its Good Friday and Easter services. Many churchgoers, previously unaware of the severity of the AIDS crisis in Africa, sponsored 500 children from Kirindon, a community in Kenya, as well as purchased additional food, livestock and other services for the people of Kirindon. In 2007, the church brought a pastor from Kirindon to speak to the congregation, and he presented photos of the powerful impact of the church's donations on the people of his community. The church currently donates 20 percent of its annual income to Kirindon-about $200,000-as opposed to the average American church that donates two percent to missions/charity.
Impact on the Congregation:
Unfortunately, some members and attendees believed the church, with its new-found interest in AIDS, had abandoned traditional gospel teachings and, as a result, 200-300 people left the congregation over the next several months. Those who have remained-and newcomers-have embraced the cause of AIDS. Several will join Pastor Mauro in October 2007 to visit their "adopted" community and see firsthand the impact of their sponsorship on people of Kirindon.
Pastor's Quote: "Jesus identifies Himself with the poorest and least in the world. I realized that I can actually worship God and serve God by loving people. Lots of American pastors are battling this right now. ... I just think this is where Jesus would be."
Comment from the Judges: "Although the decision to engage in the AIDS battle has been costly for you as a church, we are inspired by the way in which it is strengthening your resolve to be everything God intends for you to be with everyone God intends for you to touch."
