Calvary Chapel Golden Springs

CBN.com He came from an abusive, alcoholic background. At 8 years old, he wanted to kill his own father. So how does someone like this become the pastor of a 12,000-member congregation?

Raul Ries, pastor of Calvary Chapel Golden Springs in Diamond Bar, Calif., says he’s still amazed that God chose to use him. Raul started the church out of his home and kung-fu studio in the 1970s.

Raul has a heart for youth, especially street kids, those born into poverty who have been taught that crime and violence is a way out. Raul wanted to bridge the gap between generations, races, and economic classes, so in 1993, Raul started the Somebody Loves You crusades, which feature popular Christian rock and alternative bands, followed by a message from Raul.

Since then, close to 20,000 people have given their hearts to Christ.

"You watch them come from different backgrounds--gang bangers, surfers, yuppies--and then you see them at the alter surrendering all to Christ, weeping and crying, and then God changes their hearts and their lives. Then they become great for the kingdom of God," says Raul.

Not only are these crusades concerned with the spiritual needs of others, but they are concerned with the physical needs of others as well. So far, the crusades have collected enough food to provide more than 44,000 meals to needy families.