November 22, 2010
Dear Saddleback Family,
COOL STORIES!
Here are just a few stories that have come in from the Faith Commitment weekend:
“Pastor Rick, I’ve never felt more hopeful about my life since we started Decade of Destiny. I am so thankful for a church that cares about my everyday work and future. There are several issues that I’ve wanted to work on for years, and now my church family is going to help with these! This will be an adventure of a lifetime and I’m glad I’m a part!
“Pastor Rick, for years I’ve been saving for an expensive sailboat. I finally had enough to buy it, yet I felt God impress in my mind that I should give the money to His Kingdom instead. I struggled with this idea for about a day, but after I made the decision to give it to DOD, I was overwhelmed with so much joy that I cried like a baby – and as a guy, I never cry. I have more faith than I’ve ever had in my life, and man it feels great!”
“Pastor Rick, as I walked into the service last weekend, I felt this wave of joy coming at me from everyone. I wasn’t sure what was causing this electric atmosphere until I realized that people were excited about making their faith commitments to God. I hadn’t come prepared to make my pledge, and suddenly, I felt very sad that I was missing out on the joy. I hope it’s not too late to get in on this blessing. My wife and I are going to discuss our pledge Thanksgiving eve and decide what our commitment will be. We don’t want to miss the joy.”
SPIRITUAL WARFARE!
Anytime you step out in faith to obey God, you can expect Satan to try to stop you. Faith is a battle and you decide who wins by your choices. Knowing the spiritual battle that was going on in lives and families last week, I expected to hear about all kinds of distractions. Sure enough, Satan did whatever he could to keep people from making a faith commitment. We heard stories of flat tires, sick kids, family conflicts, crazy accidents, illnesses, interruptions, and even a cold rainstorm. In fact, our San Clemente services had to be cancelled due to a freak accident on faith commitment weekend! Strange coincidence? I think not!
WE LOVE SAN CLEMENTE SADDLEBACK!
During San Clemente’s 9:00 a.m. service, a passing car ran over the electric grid transformer controlling the power to the high school and surrounding businesses! With no lights or sound, and pouring rain outside, our members bravely sang for 20 minutes in the pitch black gym! The 11:00 a.m. service had to be cancelled.
SO....this next weekend, we’re giving everyone at San Clemente a CD of the message they missed this past weekend, The Kind of Work God Blesses. We LOVE YOU GUYS! It’s obvious that Satan REALLY didn’t want our San Clemente family making their faith commitments, but our people never give up!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. When will we start the Daniel Challenge, our DOD health and fitness program?
We’ll start in January, 2011, with the launch of Decade of Destiny. Both Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Daniel Amen have agreed to help with “get started” seminars.
2. When can our small group sign up for a Life Planning Retreat at Rancho Capistrano?
We’ll start taking reservations in mid-December for retreats in 2011.
3. What about our 12 Decade of Destiny Initiative?
We’ll begin each of them as the funds come in!
4. Is it too late to turn in a Faith Commitment envelope?
Of course not! You have until the end of this year to be included in the program. However, I urge you to mail-in or drop-off your envelope at the Ministry Center during this Thanksgiving week so you can share in this weekend’s celebration. Remember, we can help you set up a simple online giving account which will make it easier for you. Call us at (949) 609-8000 or click here to do so.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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