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Chester, Pennsylvania, a city of 36,000 directly south of Philadelphia, is easily accessible from the major interstate running through it. Historically, Chester was a thriving, prosperous city.
 After the recessions of 1975 and 1982, Chester's economic base suffered great losses as businesses moved out of the city. Compounded by a long history of government corruption, the city is now faced with overwhelming problems. With 25% of its residents living below the poverty line, a 20% unemployment rate, the lowest ranking school district in the state, and one of the highest crime rates per capita in the United States, Chester residents are looking for solutions. A local state representative has said, "We need five things to achieve a solution. We have to take time, and have commitment, patience, courage, and love."
World Impact missionaries live across the street from two federal housing projects in Chester. Our missionaries are committed to take whatever time, patience, courage and love is necessary to raise up a new generation of Christian leaders who can potentially bring spiritual and economic renewal to Chester.
The Chester ministry has planted one church that is now functioning independently of World Impact being lead by an indigenous church leader. We are seeking to minister to children, teens, and adults by planting a second church in another area of Chester. We are forming small group Bible studies to develop the body of Christ which will someday worship together as a church. God recently enabled us to purchase a missionary house in our new
target area which will provide a home base for our Highland House church plant.
Our tutoring and vocational training programs provide support to our church plants, helping those to whom we minister excel in academic and vocational fields. Our ministry is housed in our Frederick Douglass school building centered between two housing projects. This is where we conduct most of our programs and have open doors for many more. The Lord has also provided a computer lab in the building where computer courses are taught to children and adults.
The Urban Ministry Institute of Chester is a training institution that exists to equip leaders for the urban church, especially among the poor, in order to advance the Kingdom of God.
Frederick Douglass Christian School opened in September, 1995. Children from low-income families who attend our school are those who are least likely to attend a Christian school and most likely to slip through the cracks in the public school. We began with Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and first grade in 1995 and have added a grade each year. This school year we are up to the seventh grade!
As the ministry in Chester continues to expand, more missionaries are needed. We are in need of church planters, school teachers, and vocational training leaders.
For more information, please contact Bob Stevenson at the address or telephone number listed above:
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