I am so sorry to tell you that our friend Pastor Chuck Smith has died.

As most of you know, Chuck has been battling cancer for a couple of years now.

As Pastor Chuck fought this dreaded disease, he still maintained a very full schedule of preaching and serving the Lord to the very end.

I can’t help but think of the apostle Paul’s words to Timothy:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Tim 4:7-8)

Rarely does a man come along that impacts a generation, but Chuck Smith was that man.

He certainly impacted my life.

Chuck is now in heaven and he will certainly hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant . . . Now enter the joy of the Lord!” (Matthew 25:23).

There is much more I will say in the days ahead, but for now let’s remember to pray for Chuck’s family and his congregation, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa.