Early Life and Career
Chalke was born in Croydon, South London in 1955. As a teenager he became a Christian and decided to dedicate his life working to end poverty. He graduated from Spurgeon's College, was ordained a Baptist Minister in 1981, and served as a local minister for four years. Then, in 1985, he founded the Oasis Trust to set up housing, healthcare and educational projects, including a hostel for the homeless in South London.
Oasis has since developed into a group of charities working in 10 countries over four continents (Europe, Asia, Africa and North America) to deliver housing, training, youthwork, healthcare, family support and primary, secondary and higher education. It is a significant voluntary sector provider, delivering services for local authorities and national governments as well as self-funded initiatives providing opportunity to people across the globe. Oasis Trust has also set up Oasis Community Learning, the Faithworks Movement, Stop the Traffik and a growing network of Oasis churches. In the UK alone Oasis now employs over 2,000 staff as well as working with thousands more volunteers.
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