16th Annual Harvest Crusade Opens in Anaheim
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The aroma of popcorn and hot dogs overwhelmed thousands of people as they flooded into Angel Stadium, Friday. This time, however, the eager crowds were not rushing to their stadium seats for another Angels baseball game; they were waiting to hear a "down-to-earth talk about heaven" from Pastor Greg Laurie at the 16th annual Harvest Crusade.
Dove Award-winning band Casting Crowns opened the crusade with such chart topping songs as "Who Am I" and "Voice of Truth." Hearing the familiar lyrics, the thousands of attendants, both seated and standing, echoed the chorus line with lead vocalist Mark Hall.
Raising excitement among the crowds, internationally acclaimed British rock band Delirious took the stage with what Harvest leader Laurie called a "warm harvest welcome."
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Applause broke out as the band sang the words "now is the time," bringing thousands to their feet in worship.
After the concert, Rev. Laurie took center stage to ask a question virtually everyone could identify with: "Have you ever been stressed out to the max?"
The stadium rang with "yes," especially when Laurie mentioned having kids and teenagers.
Laurie listed the countless worries and fears that dominate people's lives, including phobias that 50 million people suffer from.
He also mentioned the terror attacks that recently struck London as a reason for fear.
"Terrorism is certainly not over," he said, noting that terrorism is also coming from other parts of the world.
"Life is filled with frightening things," which leads to more stress, said Laurie.
Bringing light to the grim situation, however, he said that it is "the words of Jesus Christ that can bring comfort to your hearts."
The Bible acts as a "user's manual" for believers to live by. It is just a matter of opening it and perusing its pages.
Many stadium seats were emptied as people made their way down to the stage area to accept Christ.
The three day crusade continues with Jam '05 Saturday night, featuring free-style motocross, first time guest Toby Mac, Kutless and Jeremy Camp.
