What God Hath Wrought

The well-known line from Elton John's “Tiny Dancer” (“Jesus freaks—out in the street—handing tickets out for God”) may have been influenced by California pastor Chuck Smith, whose mission to connect a generation of young people to God changed the very face of Christian evangelism. Smith, along with his wife Kay, began their ministry by simply going to southern California beaches to pray for the people. Before long, Smith was teaching the bible to “hippies” at the water's edge—launching the “Jesus Movement” phenomenon that continues to this day (also known as the “Calvary Chapel Movement,” centered in Costa Mesa, CA). Teaching at the beach, Smith would draw crowds that continued to grow. In an era of cultural crisis that included the “generation gap,” Smith distinguished himself by accepting everyone—looking past long hair to see the value in each individual. Directed by Jurgen and Stacey Peretzki, What God Hath Wrought features many interviews with folks who laud Smith, but the best one is an extended interview with Smith himself. Smith—a surfer (and perhaps the original “soul surfer”)—felt both a call to preach and a call to the water. Here, he comes across as a genuine, self-effacing man who appears to have the heart of a true servant. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)