Senior Pastor Grace W. Christopher

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Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

In the early 1990s, the Lord Almighty gave me a vision that would change my life. I saw a diverse group of people receiving healing and rescue as I ministered to them. At the time, I was a mother of three, undergoing theological training, and leading a small congregation on the outskirts of Colombo. The vision seemed almost too grand to believe. After sharing it with my seminary lecturers and church pastors, it was confirmed as a calling.

In early 1995, my family and I moved to New York to join my husband, who had settled there earlier. The vision remained vivid in my heart, prompting me to start Sunday services in our modest one-room apartment with friends from the Christian community. By January 14, 1996, we officially began holding services under the name Calvary NY, as a branch of Calvary Main Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Despite the challenges of balancing services and daily life in a small space, we soon realized the need for a larger place.

Through prayer, God blessed us with the opportunity to purchase our current building—a two-family house with an attic and basement. With the support of my husband and three sons, we renovated the basement, and on October 17, 1996, we commenced services in our new location. The vision God had given me was gradually becoming a reality. I recall the heartfelt prayers for two sisters who faced medical challenges in bearing children. Through faith and prayer, they are now proud mothers of two children each.

God has worked through our ministry in remarkable ways. We’ve been able to assist Sri Lankan asylum seekers held in camps by connecting them with a Christian attorney who secured their release. Four of them—Brothers Srithas, Ruban, Ranjan, and Sister Mala—accepted Christ, were baptized, and have become integral members of our church. We’ve also seen families reunited, singles find life partners, and many secure employment and permanent residency.

As our church grew, we recognized the need for a more structured administration. With the blessing of our Chairman, Rev. Dr. Tissa Weerasinghe, we appointed Brothers Srithas and Ruban as elders. Alongside their wives, Meera and Priyanthi, they have been invaluable, especially during challenging times.

A special thanks goes to Sister Stella Solomons, my steadfast companion and prayer partner, for her unwavering support and wise counsel. We also appreciate Mrs. Joseph, our devoted member, for her consistent presence at our church events.

I’m grateful to the Ayyadurai family, Brothers Ravi, Jeeva, Francis, Koren, and Sisters Shiromi and Polin, for their ongoing support and dedication to our church community. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has joined us to celebrate our 11th anniversary and contributed to our church’s growth. Your prayers and support are deeply appreciated.

As I reflect on this journey, I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for His guidance and blessings. Lastly, I am profoundly thankful to my husband and sons for their unwavering support throughout this journey.

May God reward you for your labor of love and commitment.

Pastor Grace Christopher