HISTORY
Church Alive International (CAI) was founded by Pastors Melvin & Evangeline West, opening its doors on June 7, 1992, at a local Holiday Inn conference center, and shortly thereafter, relocating to a storefront building on Williamson Road. The church's inception was a result of God's moving on the hearts of Pastors West and their two daughters and sons-in-law. Each couple was stirred to the decision to relocate their three families to Roanoke to begin a ministry that would reach out to people's real needs, that would transcend boundaries of culture, race, age, gender, and economic status and meet people where we live. With Pastors West serving as the Senior Pastors, the three families pioneered what was initially named Church of the Harvest, a name which captured the essence of our founding mission... to be laborers to bring in a fruitful harvest to the Kingdom of God.
In the quest to meet practical needs, the church has been involved since its very beginning in community outreach here in Roanoke's inner city, as well as in worldwide missions. We continue to pursue effective means of reaching people through both local and global outreach.
The year 2000 began with an incredible energy and excitement, and with the anticipation of the unknown, Pastors West passed the mantle of Senior Pastor to Pastors Carey & Vannie Harrell. Along with that transition, the church was re-named Church Alive International, not neglecting the foundation of being laborers in the harvest, but acknowledging the call on this ministry to be a truly life-giving church that touches not just one sect of society, but all ethnicities, cultures, and nations of the world.
In May 2007, God's favor and grace allowed CAI to relocate into a building built specifically to carry out the mission of CAI. Our current location on Peters Creek Road is a testament to the faithfulness of God in that He has provided a space from which we can launch more effective ministry in our community, in our nation, and around the globe.
