CBC alum rides bike across Africa to raise funds for freshwater wells
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Many know David Crabtree as an inspirational speaker and writer. In Zambia, he is known as a man who helps build freshwater wells. But for the past 30 years, the members of Calvary Church in Greensboro, N.C., have known him as pastor.
The Rev. David Crabtree, a 1981 Central Bible College graduate, will be honored this fall during Evangel University’s Homecoming celebration as the CBC Distinguished Alumnus for 2015.
The award presentation will be made during an 11 a.m. luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the University Plaza Convention Center.
Crabtree is the lead pastor of Calvary Church, and since he arrived in 1985, the church has seen steady growth, due in part to a strong emphasis on missionary efforts.
“One of the strongest AG churches on the east coast, Calvary has benefited from David’s steadfast, creative and dynamic leadership,” said Doug Jenkins, director of CBC alumni and church relations at Evangel.
Fresh water for Africa
Crabtree doesn’t just talk about meeting the needs of the impoverished. In 2011, he founded Hope Ride, an annual endurance bicycle challenge in Africa. The proceeds of this annual challenge are used to fund missionary efforts in Zambia.
On August 26, Hope Ride 2015 began in Mokopone, South Africa, and traveled 620 miles north through Botswana, across the Namibia, and terminated at Reaching a Generation’s base on the western Zambezi River in Zambia.
“Funds raised will continue efforts to bring clean water and hope to mud hut villages in this remote part of the world,” said Crabtree.
He was joined by a team of three riders and support personnel logging a hundred miles per day across some of the wildest country in the world. For additional information: https://www.razoo.com/story/Hope-Ride-2015
Providing opportunities
Under Crabtree’s leadership, short-term mission team opportunities have given the members of Calvary first-hand involvement with church building and other service projects in the former Soviet Union, Malaysia, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Cuba and Panama.
The church also has a commitment to local missions such as Teen Challenge, Pregnancy Care Centers, Tabitha House, and 2nd Chance Prison Ministry.
Today, Crabtree is a sought after speaker, both home and abroad. He has also had a strong writing career, with his work featured extensively in Assemblies of God and many other Christian publications. He is the author of a book titled Fire and Brains.
Crabtree is a native of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
He graduated from CBC with a bachelor’s degree in Bible. He also holds a master’s degree in ministerial leadership from Southeastern University and is currently enrolled at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, where he is pursuing a doctor of ministry degree.
His wife, Cheri, is also a 1981 CBC graduate. She earned a B.A. in music and serves as the music and adult education director at their church.
The couple has three children, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
EU Homecoming 2015 honorees
Three additional alumni awards will be given during this year’s homecoming celebration. The recipients were chosen by the Evangel University Alumni Association Board of Directors:
- Evangel Distinguished Alumnus – Robert Ferguson
- Evangel Outstanding Young Alumnus – Amanda Wachsmuth Heavens
- CBC Outstanding Young Alumnus – Rev. Nick Poole
For more information, contact the Evangel University Alumni Relations Department at (417) 865-2811, ext. 7333.