More than 1000 people asked Jesus into their hearts at this years Saddleback Easter Services.
We saw over 38,000 people in attendance throughout 15 service times and 37 services, including 1,400 at Coto de Caza and 1,410 at the Saddleback Main Campus sunrise services and 1,854 attend the San Clemente Campus launch.
I am sincerely grateful for all the Production Assistants, Instrumentalists, Caterers, Singers, Audio specialists, Video specialists and Worship leaders that worked together all for the glory of their Father in heaven. Well done.
Did I mention the caterers? Wow!!
It was my pleasure to baptize 4 people in between all of these services: Jenny Jaynes who plays violin in our orchestra and who will be graduating with honors with a degree in Mathematics next month; Leslie Faulkner is a neighbor that I have known 13 years and she taught my 3 younger children how to swim; Zach and Whitney Reddington, family friends that I have known ever since I visited them in the hospital the day they were born.
In total we baptized 51 people over the weekend. WOW!! That is so exciting.
Are numbers important?
Numbers are very important to God. There is a book in the bible called numbers! We count people because people count. Each person matters to God so they had better matter to us. And while numbers are important, even if no one responded it is still an incredible privilege to serve God. All the work, time and effort is worth it because God is worthy.
Please share your Easter stories with me and others in the comments of this Blog. I can't wait to hear about your friends and family that came to know Christ this Easter.
Yesterday I went to San Diego Harbor and Kayaked with my Dad. We had a great time. What a beautiful day it was and even more so spending time with my father. While he did not attend any of the Easter services we talked about them and as we talked he said something that renewed my hope that one day he will ask the Lord into his life. He simply said "I am still an Atheist". The word STILL indicated to me that he still could choose to believe in Jesus. In the past he has told me that he was an atheist but never used the word "still". I am hoping for my dad and all the family and friends in our world who still need Jesus. That's why ministry is exciting to me. God renews my strength. What a great thought that God is using you and I to bring hope to His world.
"Come celebrate with me... for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost. I tell you that it is the same in Heaven-there is more joy over one sinner whose heart is changed than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need for repentance." Luke 15:3-7
"Then the Lord will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land. He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails."
Isa 58:11
Rick,
Great blog and information..I will be praying for your DaD and ask you to pray for my Eddie, who lives in San Diego.
Posted by: fermin whittaker | April 20, 2006 at 12:46 PM
Rick,
Thanks for the amazing report...that blows my socks off!!
Our church is a young church plant of just under 100 people. And we had an amazing Easter service. We saw 5 people give their hearts to Christ...some of them people who seemed to be on the fringes for quite a while. That isn't quite 1000...yet. :-)
Your post made me think of all of the people who gave their lives to Christ in our Nation and in the world this easter...amazing...that's what its about!
My wife and I are coming to the PD worship Conference in June...looking forward to experiencing some of what you all do there in Southern California.
Posted by: matt | April 26, 2006 at 06:44 PM
Rick, we had 3 first-timers accept Christ. We baptized them during the next couple of weeks. One of them really touched my heart, she came out of the water crying. I've baptized hundreds of people, over the years. It never gets old.
Another one of them works with the Coast Guard. The year before on Easter, he actually saved someone's life out at sea. This year God saved his. I can't wait to hear what happens next year in his life!
May we all devote our lives to reaching one more for Jesus...
Posted by: Jim Wilson | May 19, 2006 at 06:44 PM
Ok... this is way late, but I just saw your blog off of Ragamuffin's blog.
I was blessed to play for 8 of the Easter services at Saddleback. Thank you Lord for bringing me to Saddleback and it's orchestra! It is amazing to see God working, the people coming, Pastor Rick Warren preaching (I think I can still quote the majority of the sermon 3 months later), people fellowshipping, and the congregation rejoicing in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God is Good! All the time! Rick- Thank you so much for leading us into such a genuine and real place for worship!! I love Easter at Saddleback!
Tina (cello)
Posted by: Tina | June 28, 2006 at 08:33 PM