The Witness of the Persecuted Church: Igniting Our Faith Through Theirs

Tuesday, November 3 ~ 6:30–8:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church in Mt. Pleasant

an invitation from Susan Keller, World Missions Team Chair

Did you know that the fastest growing church in the world is in Iran? And the second fastest in Afghanistan? The plight of Christians suffering for their faith throughout this world is something hard for most of us to grasp and consider in our busy, comfortable lives here in the West. Yet we must! 

The world missions ministries of three churches (St. Philip’s, the Church of the Holy Spirit in Daniel Island, and St. Andrew’s Church in Mt. Pleasant) present a very special and important evening where you’ll hear powerful stories of our brothers and sisters from Iran, Afghanistan, and South Sudan who are––amazingly––flourishing under extreme persecution. How can this be, and what does it mean for us? Come discover how God is bringing people to Christ in these most unlikely places, and leave challenged to move beyond complacency to wholehearted discipleship. Together we will remember, pray for, and learn from these precious believers whose witness reminds us that Jesus is worth it all.

Note: Due to the sensitive nature of this event, no photography or videography will be permitted. 

About the Calvers: We are blessed indeed to hear from these two very remarkable servants of our Lord on this special night. Once our team of organizers had the opportunity to hear them speak about the persecuted church, we knew we wanted to extend the opportunity to others in the Lowcountry to be challenged and inspired by them.  

The Rev. Dr. Clive Calver was born in 1949 in England. He met Ruth at the London School of Theology, where they both received their formal theological training. In Clive’s early ministry, he played a significant role in organizing youth outreach and evangelistic campaigns throughout the UK. In 1983, he assumed the role as General Director of the Evangelical Alliance for the United Kingdom, an organization that partners with thousands of evangelicals, churches, and organizations across all four countries of the UK. This role enabled him to bring the love of Christ into the public square for 14 years.  His son, Gavin, has now taken up this role. 

Clive and Ruth then moved to the US, and he served as President of World Relief for seven years. He has been featured on the BBC, ABC Nightline, CNN and NPR, and has worked and traveled to at least 100 countries – that number is about 80 for Ruth!  They both have intimate knowledge and relationships with countless Christians across the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus.  

Clive served as senior pastor of Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel, CT, for eleven years. He was the first pastor to arrive at nearby Sandy Hook Elementary School following the horrific 2012 shooting. He and Ruth organized a great deal of ministry for that community after that terrible event. Ruth is also ordained and has ministered alongside Clive throughout their life together.  She is quite accomplished in her own right, leading multiple ministries for years wherever they have been.  

Clive and Ruth have four children, all of whom are serving in full time ministry, and six grandchildren. They now live on Daniel Island, where they are near their daughter and her family in the Charleston area.  

Clive has written 29 books and is working on his 30th. When he and Ruth are not traveling, he assists with preaching at the Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit on Daniel Island.  

We are thrilled that this amazing couple is so close to us here in the Charleston area and are greatly looking forward to hearing what the Lord will say to us through them on November 3! There is no charge for this event and no registration is required. Just come––and bring your friends and family!