An estimated 102,000 people attended the 18th annual Southern California Harvest Crusade in Anaheim, Calif., over the weekend while nearly 33,000 more showed up via live webcast.
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(Photo: Harvest)For the 18th straight year, the Harvest Crusade in Anaheim, Calif., drew tens of thousands of people to Anaheim's Angel stadium and online through live podcasts and webcasts.
It's become an annual tradition for some “So Cal” families as the evangelistic crusade at Anaheim's Angel Stadium is one of the only crusades that has run for 18 years. And every year thousands return for the hottest Christian bands and up-to-date messages from evangelist Greg Laurie, who reminds them of the brevity of life.
"What are you doing with your life?" Laurie asked the large crowd Saturday night from the center of the baseball field. "What are you living for? What's going to happen to you when you die?"
Thousands attended the Harvest Crusade for the first time, some not knowing what to expect.
Maybe you've come here dissatisfied, said Laurie while addressing 32,000 people on Sunday. "You've tried philosophy; you've tried religion."
Beyond religious rituals or attending church every weekend, Laurie hoped for the thousands to accept Jesus Christ into their lives.
Rather than just saying "I believe in Jesus," Laurie urged the crowd to follow Jesus, who says, "Turn your life over to me."
But many want salvation on their own terms, Laurie indicated. Many cringe at the notion of having to admit being a sinner.
"You like to think that if you live a good life, God will let you into heaven," he said. "Let's say good works will do it. Do you think you've done enough good things to get you into heaven?"
Even one sin is enough to keep you out of heaven, Laurie said bluntly.
The Bible teaches "good works don't save you," he stressed. "You have to say "God, I'm a sinner.'"
A recent LifeWay Research survey revealed that many of America's teenagers are confused about how to get to heaven. Only 28 percent trust only in Jesus Christ as their way to heaven; 27 percent said they trust in their own kindness to others; and 26 percent trust in their religiosity as their means to get to heaven.
How do you gain eternal life?
By being "born again," Laurie indicated.
It's a term often tossed around but not clearly understood, the evangelist added.
Essentially, "you cannot be a Christian without being born again," said Laurie. To be born again implies change.
"All around you tonight is hard evidence of changed lives," Laurie told skeptics. "Put your faith in Him."
Over 9,500 people made decisions for Christ over the course of the Aug. 3-5 crusade.
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shame on these people writing these negative comments.If just one person is saved then it is worth it! and pray for the people who did come down that it is sincere and their lives will change.I myself went forward at a Billy Graham crusade...Thank God that Greg is being the evangelis that God has called him to be....
This is how many of us met Christ. Someone one time, shared. Like the parables of the soil, when seed was planted the second or third time it fell in my heart because it was a time of brokeness. The first time still remained with me, although I never saw the woman again. The Lord knows how to reach us. Jesus didn't "organize" his followers. Some did stop following. But the ones that did (like the ones who followed three days and had no food (no church?) Jesus made sure they were fed. I have dropped out of the American church. I still follow Jesus, and He still feeds me. He still leads me and shepherds me, and keeps me with the flock that hear his voice. I'm not sure I would want to "disciple" any of these people from events like this and send them to the "church". I found most churches in America are not really led or taught by the Holy Spirit.
It means that 9500 people came down and chose to follow Christ, now unfortunately a whole lot of those will not continue with that commitment, but its awesome that their hearts were moved in the first place. They have counselors that talk with each person on the field and have them leave a phone number to follow up later and see how things are going and encourage them to keep that commitment for a new life in Christ. Many of those people do show up thr following year for two reasons, to bring a friend who isnt saved and to fellowship with other christians are that there. The more the better :)
'Over 9,500 people made decisions for Christ over the course of the Aug. 3-5 crusade.'
These are what I and others consider 'cool-aide' crusades... as they mean little if anything in the long run.
Have to agree wiith RobinHood! I have known hundreds of people, who have attended the Harvest Crusades simply for the opportunity to hear a free concert or to stand on a major league field. One on one evangelism is the best!
Do they keep track on how many people make how many decisions (per year)? Decisions for Christ meaning...what exactly? The commitment to show up next year and watch Greg perform and listen to rock music...