Community Blog

Trust and Follow: Jessica's Story

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:33:00 GMT

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When Saddleback Church went through the Good Neighbor series in December of 2011, Jessica and her husband knew they wanted to help their neighbor, Deanna. Deanna was a single mother with a young son named Sean. Sean had severe behavioral problems, which made watching him even for a day quite a challenge. But Jessica and Dan knew they wanted to help. Little did they know they'd end up being much more than just neighbors.

Prior to the Good Neighbor series, the Jessica and Dan enjoyed several family outings with both Deanna and Sean. And then, one week before Christmas, Sean ran up the stairs shouting to Jessica that his mom had just collapsed. Unfortunately, a few days later, Deanna passed away from a Pulmonary Embolism. Dan and Jessica both immediately knew they needed to step up and be this boy's family.

After they made that decision, Jessica felt as if God had been preparing them for this adventure their entire lives. Dan lost both his parents as a young boy and Jessica's biological father was never in the picture. Neither of them could ever imagine that God had plans for these tragedies that they didn't understand at the moment. "But His plans are good. And when Sean retreats to a place of anger, hurt and resentment, we are prepared for that."

Despite being a young mother to Elijah, Jessica still felt a bit unqualified. However, she resonated with the story of Mary, called by God to birth Jesus. "Mary could have never imagined the things that happened to her. Her story taught me God has plans for us we might not understand, but his plans are good. I need to trust Him with all my heart. He will help me, like He helped Mary, and get me through."

Feeling God's strength every day, Jessica lovingly cared for Sean and Elijah while working through the court system. Contacting next of kin caused anxious moments, but the need for Sean to be part of a loving, caring family conquered the legalities making Dan and Jessica guardians for Sean. The Turner's nurturing created a place for Sean to grow and thrive. "He has come a long way and is excelling at school. We are honored to call him our son."

Recently Jessica gave birth to another son, Jonah. She is excited "to experience joy and happiness as a family. It will be such a positive thing for all of us to grow as a family together. We always stress to our kids that we go through things in life so that we have the opportunity in the future to help someone else go through the same thing. Life is not without many struggles, but if we hold the hands of those in need, we are serving God's greater purpose for our lives."

With her loving husband and three sons, Jessica sees her life as part of God's plans. "People often don't understand their own strength in God and are hesitant to move out of their comfort zone. We don't have to know what is going to happen. We just need to follow Him."

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Char's Friendship: Always Ready to Respond

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 06:36:00 GMT

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On the last day of basketball camp in July, 2011 on the Navajo Reservation in Sanostee, New Mexico, a high school girl approached Lisa Lampkin who was part of a Saddleback PEACE Team. Lisa felt the seriousness of the situation when the girl motioned to follow her to a corner of the gym, then turned her back to the court. Avoiding eye contact, she quietly told Lisa her story.

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Char was the third oldest in a family of five. Her mother was at home fighting for her life after a recent breast cancer diagnosis. A few years earlier, her father abandoned his family. Her older sister was married and her older brother went missing over a year ago. This left 16-year-old Char as the head of the household caring for two younger sisters. In the course of the conversation, Char spoke of her sense of hopelessness borne out through the scars on her arms from past suicide attempts.

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Lisa gave her a hug and found out her immediate needs for the night. Lisa prayed with Char and could see a change in her the second they said "Amen." After the prayer, Lisa and the other PEACE team members worked to find the items Char requested.

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Lisa and Char exchanged phone numbers and after the camp ended kept in touch. Char began to blossom after this prayer. In addition to a successful basketball season, Char was named Homecoming Queen. Her mother's recovery was going well. Reading the Bible became a priority for Char, who even convinced her mom to attend church with her.

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When they reunited at basketball camp the following year, Char told Lisa about a school friend who was facing a difficult situation. Char assured her friend that "God has a plan for her and to hold on for His plan!" Lisa believes God showed Himself through Char, as she watched this young girl emerge from darkness, see the light of God and then help others into that light. Lisa saw firsthand that we never know when God will use us for His purpose, but we must always be ready to respond. If we do, He will find a way to help those around us. He may use a teenager, an elderly person, a bad or good situation...just trust God and always be ready to show his love.

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Recently, Char's church initiated a program for teenagers to fellowship together. God continues to grow His love in that community and is giving kids like Char exactly what they need most....a purpose.

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Char's friendship taught Lisa that God does have a plan and all she has to do is trust Him in all situation. Just a small prayer with a hurting individual turned a teenager away from hopelessness towards thriving in the love of God. And, Lisa still feels honored to be a small part of God's plan for Char.

Oklahoma City PEACE Disaster Relief

Sun, 26 May 2013 03:01:00 GMT

On May 20, a massive tornado tore through Oklahoma City, leaving a path of devastation. Most heartbreaking was the elementary school that was in the tornado's path. More than 24 people have died, including nine children, according to news sources. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers search through the rubble.

Saddleback Church is mobilizing our church family to come to the aid of Oklahoma City. Our church has been assisting in disaster relief for more than three decades. We work with the local church to assist people impacted by disaster through compassionate care and the love of Jesus that comforts and gives hope.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Show Christ's love, mercy, and compassion to the people of Oklahomain three ways: Pray, Give, and Go.

Pray
Pray for the men, women, and children affected by this incredible tragedy. Pray for the local churches and city leaders as they respond. Click here for a prayer guide to help you Pray.

Give
Help fund PEACE Relief work. We will support and work with the local church in Oklahoma to assess, aid, and develop the area and its people in the wake of the tornado. Click here to Give.

Go
Join one of our PEACE Disaster Relief teams that will be on the ground in Oklahoma to share Christ's love, mercy, and grace with the people affected by this disaster. We come, not to solve, but to serve. Click here to learn more about our relief teams. Email relief@saddleback.com to sign up for a team and Go. **Join us for our next training on Wednesday, May 29 at 6 pm in Room 301 on the Lake Forest campus.**

Click HERE to read updates from our PEACE Relief team that is on the ground in Oklahoma.�

PEACE Relief Team on the Ground in OKC

Sat, 25 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

On May 20, a massive tornado tore through Oklahoma City, leaving a path of devastation.�Saddleback Church has mobilized our PEACE Relief teams to go to the aid of the people of Oklahoma City. Our church has been assisting in disaster relief for more than three decades. We work with the local church to assist people impacted by disaster through compassionate care and the love of Jesus that comforts and gives hope.

Check back with us to read updates from our team as they asses the damage, meet with church leaders to discover the best ways to offer aid, and care for those affected by this tragedy.�

Click�HERE�to view a photo gallery of PEACE Relief in Oklahoma.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 10:49 AM

"Today we got our work order from the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Team. We were told that we were going into a very fragile situation where a woman who had gone to pick up her two children from the Plaza Towers Elementary School just before the tornado. All three were in the school when the tornado hit and had suffered terrible emotional trauma from the event. Her house had been damaged and because of her emotional state, could not come up with enough energy to clean up her house. We met the woman's stepmother, Laholma, at the house. As we entered the home, we prayed with her and spent the day removing furniture, clothing, and other items that could no longer be used. Throughout the day she shared her story with us and you could literally see the healing that took place. We took her to lunch and spent time loving on her and her husband. At the end of the day, she told us that she was so grateful for our help. She felt like it was a blessing to her, but really the blessing was ours. It was a privilege and honor to be able to help her get through this very emotional time in her life. She touched our hearts deeply and we intend to keep in touch with her to find out how she, her stepdaughter and stepchildren are all holding up as time passes."

TUESDAY, MAY 28 12:15 PM
"We received the following note from a friend in Oklahoma: 'My name is Reverend Jonathan Yandall. I am a youth minister in Ardmore, OK. My family and I survived the tornadoes, but it deeply affected our state. Every week, I watch your sermons on Saddleback.com. I logged on this morning and was so happy to see on your homepage a link to help with the OKC tornado. I am very, very thankful that your church is concerned with what is happening all around the world! It's a testament to your love that you would care about us "Okies"! Thank you so much. God bless!'"

FRIDAY, MAY 26 2:45 PM

"Today, our team toured the hardest hit areas of Moore, with Fire Chief and first responder to Plaza Tower Elementary, Mark Murdock of the Moore Fire Department, and Fireman Lance Breeden of the Edmond Fire Department. 'Choosing to leave the station was a tough decision but we did it because we knew that people would need immediate assistance after the storm hit and I wasn't sure our station was going to make it,' said Murdock.

Even though Murdock's fire station did not take a direct hit, it still received some minor damage. Murdock and another fireman arrived first on the scene at Plaza Tower Elementary and immediately began sifting through the piles of destruction for survivors. He quickly reminded other fire teams who arrived on the scene to be prepared for what they were about to see...afterall, they were at an elementary school. 'It's frustrating how thick the rubble and debris was and knowing that people are trapped in storm shelters and we can't even get to them,' said Breeden. Murdock's team recovered about 100 people from storm shelters in the Plaza Tower neighborhood and yet, it didn't feel like enough.
'I struggled on deciding whether or not to stop searching but by midnight, my team just had to stop and hand it off to another team,' said Murdock. �When relief teams asked Murdock which streets to search he responded, 'There are no more streets, just search!' Murdock was absolutely correct. The entire surround neighborhood to Plaza Tower Elementary was completely destroyed. Entire home structures were completely demolished and replaced by hacked pieces of wood, wall insulation, mud, upturned vehicles, fallen trees, and unrepairable personal belongings.
'Right now everyone is just thankful to be alive and are not asking for much assistance but in a few days, reality will set in and they will realize that they have basic needs and will want all the help they can get,' said Murdock.
From the elementary school and the the local bowling alley to the Moore Medical Center, the town of Moore will need significant aid in upcoming weeks. If you would like to help, we'd like to encourage you to PRAY. GIVE. GO. Check out saddleback.com/okcrelief to get involved."

THURSDAY, MAY 25 7:38 AM

"Today we met with Pastor Chris Beall of LifeChurch.tv to begin the conversation about how Saddleback can partner with their releif efforts here in Oklahoma City. LifeChurch.tv's south campus is located about five miles north of the Moore community and serves as a transitional relief site. They coordinate volunteers from various LifeChurch.tv campuses and the local community.�

BealL says the support they've received from other churches and organizations in the surrounding area, and from across the country, has been overwhelming. 'The remarkable thing is that these organizations don't want to give to anyone but the church,' says Beall. And that's exactly why Saddleback Church is in Oklahoma.�

Approximately 2,800 families in the Moore area have been displaced from their homes and Beall's team of community volunteers were tasked with calling each of these families to learn about, and meet, their needs. The shock of what has happened is settling in, adrenaline is running out, and people are in desperate need of help. That's why our Saddleback team is here, to show the local church and community how much we care. We would love to send more teams of willing relief volunteers to Oklahoma City to work alongside our friends at LifeChurch.tv and bring relief to the volunteers who are working so hard to bring restoration and peace to a community that has survived the costliest storm in history. How can you help? Pray. Give. Go. Click HERE to get involved."

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 11:44 PM

"Our Oklahoma City Relief Team has left Los Angeles and has landed safely in Oklahoma. Tomorrow, the team will meet with pastors of local churches to assess how Saddleback can help. Saddleback will go anywhere to show love for a neighbor. Will you?"

Click HERE to learn how you get involved in the Oklahoma City relief efforts through Saddleback Church.�

Called to Serve: Becoming Berlin's Pastor

Sat, 25 May 2013 09:30:00 GMT

When you meet Dave Schnitter, lead pastor for Saddleback Berlin, you quickly realize that Saddleback has placed quite the tall order when choosing its leaders for the 12 Cities Initiative. Dave truly fits the "tall order" bill. At 6'7", he towers over most people in any room he enters. But Dave's height isn't the only big thing about him. God has bestowed in Dave an immense passion to reach the unchurched in Germany and all of Europe.

Dave was born and raised in Germany and grew up as the child of missionary parents. His father was a music evangelist in Germany, which helped develop a passion for music and evangelism in Dave. After watching Jurassic Park for the first time when he was nine years old, he prayed to Jesus for the first time. Sure, it may have been a prayer of protection from dinosaurs, but it was the start of a journey with Jesus. When Dave was 19, he went on a mission trip to Kosovo, and that's where he felt God's calling in his life to become a pastor.

"I felt God tapping on my shoulder, saying, 'Hey, I want you to do this for the rest of your life,'" Dave recalls. "I didn't know exactly what that meant at the time, but I knew that God was calling me into fulltime ministry."

From that moment, Dave has pursued God's calling by preparing himself to lead in the church. After attending a Bible college in Switzerland, Dave was hired as a worship leader at a church in Belfast, Ireland.

"I knew I wasn't ready to lead my own church yet," Dave says, "so I went to work for a lead pastor who could mentor me and help me become the leader I needed to be in the future for whatever God had planned for me."

The next three years for Dave were a time of learning and experiencing life as a pastor, until he felt God leading him to plant his own church in his home country, Germany. He began to pray that God would provide some guidance, and in the meantime acquired a temp job at a Christian publishing house. Shortly thereafter, a friend informed him that Saddleback Church in California was planting churches in London and Berlin. Having been familiar with Saddleback in the many years that he had been doing ministry, he quickly checked it out. After reading Pastor Rick's vision for reaching every tribe for Jesus and about Saddleback's vision to plant 12 churches in 12 cities around the world, Dave immediately got in touch with Saddleback PEACE team leaders.

"I sent an email to the PEACE team indicating I was interested in knowing more about the planned Berlin campus. Abraham Muelenberg [a pastor on staff at Saddleback] was going to be in Germany within the next few weeks and asked me to meet with him."

After a few months of conversations and interviews with Saddleback leaders, it was clear that God has chosen Dave to lead Saddleback Berlin. While Dave knows the challenges ahead of him, he trusts that God is in control, and expects that He is about to do something big in Europe.

When asked why Saddleback members should pray about going to Berlin, he said, "God is up to something in Europe, and that's exciting. But it's more exciting to be a part of it!"

Dave is married to Jenny, and they have two kids, Naemi (4) and Liam (1).

Perry Noble Coming to Saddleback

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:49:00 GMT

Follow Me is an exciting new series that features teaching by America's leading speakers and pastors. In this series we are learning what it means to follow Jesus and the difference it can make in every area of life.

This weekend, we will welcome Perry Noble-the founding and senior pastor of NewSpring Church in South Carolina, a church that averages more than twenty-two thousand people during weekend services at eight campuses throughout South Carolina. Perry is known for his honest, humorous speaking style and his mission is to reach 100,000 people in the South Carolina area with the message of Jesus Christ. He's the author of the New York Times� Best Selling book, Unleash! and is one of the nation's leading voices on leadership, vision, and creativity.

JOIN US THIS WEEKEND AT A CAMPUS NEAR YOU.

A Heart for Youth: From Sports Coach to Student Pastor

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:10:00 GMT

Aaron Crumbey, a.k.a. "AC" grew up in a family full of strong role models. Nine of his uncles are pastors and church was always a second home for him. And as he grew as a young man and a young Christian, AC followed in their steps. But his path to ministry started in a unique way-he discovered his heart for youth through coaching teen sports teams.

"What began as a way to be competitive turned into a ministry for me," says AC. "I was able to teach biblical principles to the kids and their parents. I never tried to convert them, I just tried to model Christ to them. I still talk to those parents and their kids, and now that I'm a youth pastor, I've been able to talk to them about God." It was this heart to be a Christian model to young men that kept AC involved in youth ministry. He moved to California from Michigan in 2007 and began volunteering for Saddleback's student ministry. Two years later he joined the staff as the Student Care Pastor.

As the Student Care Pastor, AC helps students as they struggle through faith and family issues. AC knows what that struggle is like. Growing up in a Christian home doesn't guarantee your faith will be strong. It's something that AC had to find out for himself, and he loves to help students do the same.

"I definitely feel that God has called me to youth ministry." Seeing God work in people's lives is what keeps him motivated.

Saddleback Church Business Directory Print Edition

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

The Saddleback Church Business Directory is a powerful tool that connects businesses and consumers like never before. The free print edition is now available for pickup from the bookstore. We also have a mobile app to help you on the go. �Search "Church Business Directory" and download today. If you're a business owner, there's still time for you to be part of the online directory. Click here to visit the Business Directory.

Jud Wilhite Coming to Saddleback

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:55:00 GMT

Follow Me is an exciting new series that features teaching by America's leading speakers and pastors. This weekend, we will welcome Jud Wilhite-author, speaker, and senior pastor of Central Christian Church, a church founded in Las Vegas with campuses in multiple states.

Central is recognized as one of the largest and fastest growing churches in America. In partnership with God Behind Bars, Central innovated multi-site church campuses inside prisons in several states. A recent study revealed that over ninety percent of people surveyed at Central said God "saved their lives" through the church. Jud is the author of several books including Pursued, Torn, Throw it Down, Uncensored Grace and is also founder of People of the Second Chance, a movement of people championing grace and love in our culture.

If you missed any of the previous messages, visit the Follow Me page and click on the speaker's image to watch the message.

JOIN US THIS WEEKEND AT A CAMPUS NEAR YOU.

Treasured: United by a Mother's Love

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:26:00 GMT

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A mother's love has the ability to create a strong connection and bond in her family. Michelle Wood and her family have such a bond, but it's one that has been severely tested. It was her mother's faith in God and a Bible study called Treasured that helped them persevere.

What makes Michelle's family unique is not just the trials they've overcome, but also the way they are unified in their faith. In fact, Michelle's entire immediate and extended family all attend Saddleback Church, and Michelle and her mother serve together in the Treasured study.

Seventeen years ago, at just 26-years-old, Michelle's sister was diagnosed with bone cancer. Eight years ago, her father battled prostate cancer. Both now live as cancer survivors.

Then the struggle hit even closer to home for Michelle-she and her husband dealt with years of infertility as they tried to start their own family. They were finally blessed with two sons and that's when Michelle began attending Treasured. Treasured is a Saddleback Bible study where moms from all ages and life stages come together to grow in community and to grow spiritually.

"I felt the need to connect more with other Christian moms," says Michelle. "I started going to the meetings and I just fell in love with these women who have the same desire to grow closer to God."

"This is now my seventh year in Treasured. It has helped me grow in my marriage, and as a mother. I can honestly say I'm a better wife and mother because of it." Michelle is now a leader at Treasured, and serves alongside her mom, June, who is a mentor mom, offering counsel to the younger women. Treasured offered a place for both Michelle and June to grow and find community, and help other women do the same.

Last year, the family's faith was tested again when June was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. But her diagnosis didn't temper her faith, it just strengthened it.

"We have seen, through her treatments and everything, that my mom has actually brought us closer to God because we truly have trusted that God works everything together for good."

The Treasured group has also been there to support the family. "My treasured group has just come together and united us . . . helped us. My mom had to step down from being a mentor mom this year because she's in and out of the hospital. But I have seen how my mom's faith has gotten stronger. She actually has been ministering in the hospitals. When the nurses come into her room, even with her bald head and beautiful face, they see that there's something different about her. And my mom tells them, 'It's because Jesus is with me. I don't feel alone.' She has even prayed with some of the nurses."

June had a mild heart attack last Christmas and came down with pneumonia. According to Michelle it was one of the scariest moments they've experienced. "In the hospital," recalls Michelle, "she held my hand and my sister's hand and said, 'Girls, I want you to know how proud I am of you. When God does call me home, I'm going to be okay. I know we're all going to be together forever.'"

Michelle credits Treasured and small groups with keeping the family focused and united. "Our whole family goes to Saddleback. And that's the one thing that's helped everyone. We can all come here, and pray together in the same place, and feel united that way. Even though Saddleback is such a big church, we still have our small group of prayer warriors. My mom said you can see the power of prayer when you go through something so difficult."

Despite a bleak prognosis, June is now nearing the end of her treatment. "She finished chemo. Once they confirm she's in remission, then she'll get a bone marrow transplant and we can start a new chapter."

June plans to return to Treasured. "She wants to share how she never felt alone, how God gave her faith and hope through prayer."

If you would like to learn more about Saddleback's Treasured groups, click here. To learn about Saddleback's cancer support groups, click here.

Share your own story at saddleback.com/yourstory.

Russell Moore Coming to Saddleback this Weekend

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:05:00 GMT

Jesus said, "Follow Me" to 12 men 2,000 years ago, and it changed the world. Today, you are given the same invitation: "Follow Me." Following Jesus takes trust and courage, and it's the key to truly living.

"Follow Me" is our new series during which�America's best preachers will explain the difference that following Jesus makes in every area of life. This weekend, we'll be hearing from Russell Moore, the President-elect of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Moore will be giving a special Mother's Day message that you won't want to miss.

Join us this weekend at a campus near you.

The Teachings of Tragedy-Justice Through Serving

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

The last thing a mother wants to see on the eleven o'clock news is her son's mugshot. But fourteen years ago, that's how Luci Miller found out that her son was being accused of a murder he did not commit.

On the night of the murder, Matthew was out with his friends. While their car was parked at a friend's house, two of the young men went across the street and attempted a robbery. Things went awry, and one of the victims was shot. Matthew was across the street near the car at the time.

Luci didn't find out about Matt's arrest until she got home later that night. "I came home and I saw my son's picture on the news."

He was sentenced to two 25-year terms and his family spent the next decade appealing. Two years ago, when the final appeal was denied, Luci had to accept that the circumstances were out of her control. At the same time, she and her husband started attending Saddleback and she decided to give her life to God and be baptized.

Luci now volunteers with Saddleback's Good Neighbor San Clemente ministry, which partners with the Sheriff's Department, the District Attorney's office, and the School District to help reduce gang activity. Through the ministry, Luci reaches out to kids who are at risk of joining gangs. She volunteers to keep kids from making the same poor choices that Matthew did and to teach them the importance of picking friends who will be a positive influence. �

"If one thirteen-year-old-boy hears my story and decides to make the right choice, then I know it will make a difference.

Click here to learn more about the Good Neighbor ministry.

National Day of Prayer Event

Wed, 01 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Join us on May 2 for the National Day of Prayer. More than 25 churches will be gathering together to pray for our nation, our state, our churches, and our families.�

Thursday, May 2

7:00 - 8:15 p.m.

MIssion Viejo City Hall Civic Center

200 Civic Center

Mission Viejo, CA�

Click here for more information.�

Choco de Jesus Coming to Saddleback

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:14:00 GMT

Join us for part two of our new series, Follow Me. This weekend, Wilfredo de Jesus, aka "Pastor Choco," will join us and discuss what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ through his message titled "Amazing Faith." Pastor Choco is the senior pastor of New Life Covenant Ministries, one of the fastest-growing churches in Chicago.

He has helped develop several community-based programs while at New Life, including Gangs to Grace, which reaches out to gang members; the Chicago Dream Center, a homeless shelter and rehabilitation center for women; and Chicago's Masters Commission, an intensive discipleship program for college students.

If you missed week 1 of Follow Me, featuring Francis Chan, click here to watch it now.

JOIN US THIS WEEKEND AT A CAMPUS NEAR YOU.

The Seed of Hope: From Heartbreak to Adoption

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:32:00 GMT

Jennifer always knew she wanted to adopt a child. From the age of five, it was a desire that was clear to her. She was open with her fiance about her desires, but he was hesitant. She trusted that God would change his heart.

A short time after getting married to her husband, Brandon, they were ready to start a family of their own. The plan was to have two biological children, and then adopt a third child who needed a home.

Months turned into years as Jennifer and Brandon experienced disappointment every time the pregnancy test turned up negative. "As time wore on, we were falling deeper into sadness. Our nights were filled with prayer, asking for our desire to be granted. We faithfully attended Saddleback. It was our rock and our only way of seeing a glimmer of hope in the darkness."

The struggle lasted six years, and throughout that time, God was speaking to Jennifer. And he began to speak to her about adoption. He planted a seed of hope in her heart in a way that she had a hard time seeing at first. "When I was at rock bottom after a failed cycle, or when I was reeling from learning that someone else I knew was pregnant, I would see these ads at Saddleback for adoption. At the time, it felt like God was taunting me. Little did I know, he was trying to plant a seed of hope."

Six years later, after several failed attempts at medical intervention, Jennifer and Brandon decided to put their quest for biological children to rest. Jennifer immediately felt drawn to begin the adoption process, but Brandon wasn't there yet.

"My dreams were filled with images of adoption." She finally brought it up to Brandon, and he could see the yearning and earnestness in her eyes. He agreed to pursue adoption.

Brandon and Jennifer found themselves sitting in an information session with Bethany Christian Services, an adoption and family service agency. They felt peace wash over them as they prayed about adoption.

"The journey [to adoption] wasn't smooth. We had a failed adoption and some paperwork glitches. But at long last, we were placed with our daughter, Madilynne. Looking back at our trials and tribulations, we know that God planned for us to have Madilynne in our lives. We couldn't imagine having our family any other way. We feel so much joy knowing that we stopped living in the darkness and walked into the light that God has provided."

If you're interested in learning more about adoption, visit the Orphan Care page today.

Francis Chan Coming to Saddleback

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

This weekend we will kick off our new series, Follow Me, with guest speaker Francis Chan. Chan is a pastor, speaker, author, and activist who is known for his best-selling book Crazy Love and his raw, authentic take on spirituality. He is the founding pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley and is currently working to start a church planting movement in the inner city of San Francisco and working to launch a countrywide discipleship movement.

Chan will launch this exciting new series, Follow Me, that will help you discover what it means to be a follower of Christ. Other guest speakers in this series include Wilfredo de Jesus, Craig Groeschel, Perry Noble, Mark Driscoll, Doug Fields, Pete Wilson, Steven Furtick, David Platt, and Judah Smith.�

JOIN US THIS WEEKEND AT A CAMPUS NEAR YOU.

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**If you missed Francis' message, click HERE to watch it.**

Surviving the Tsunami: Love in the Midst of Recovery

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:47:00 GMT

Eva Lopez was full of hope when she married her husband at 20 years old. But unrealistic expectations and difficult circumstances led the couple to divorce. Eva found herself a single mother struggling to make it through college. Eva prayed a quiet prayer: "God, if I never get married again, I am going to do missions work. But if I do get married, it would be great to find someone to do missions with me." Little did she know, God would answer her prayer in the most incredible way.

Eva, a new Christian, was excited to share her faith with others. She invited a friend, Kevin, to attend Saddleback with her. Just a few months after attending his first service, Kevin began a relationship with Christ. As Eva and Kevin grew in their faith, they grew closer to each other and began dating

When the tsunami hit Japan in 2011, Eva knew she wanted to help. To her surprise, Kevin was on the same page. They joined a PEACE Relief Team and went to Tokyo that summer. As they served side by side, Eva and Kevin began to see each other differently.

They had discussed marriage prior to the trip, but when they returned home, they realized that serving together overseas had created an unbreakable bond between them. They became engaged and were married in December of that year.

Kevin and Eva look forward to returning to Japan again someday. They are grateful for their unforgettable PEACE trip to Japan, for as they spread God's love to others, they defined their love there as well.

Click here to learn about The PEACE Plan's 12 Cities Initiative.

Greg Laurie at Saddleback This Weekend

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:46:00 GMT

Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship and founder of the Harvest Crusade. Greg will be speaking this weekend on "Hope for Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones,"� an important message as Saddleback continues to love and support the Warren family, and for anyone who is dealing with loss.

Join us this weekend at a campus near you.

If you missed Greg's message, click HERE to watch it.�

Join Us in the Fight Against Mental Illness

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Friends,

Kay and I have been overwhelmed by your outpouring of love since Matthew's tragic death. You are true friends, especially with the vitriol from haters we've received.�Friends show up when others walk away.

If you missed what happened, click here to read my letter.

You've asked, "Is there anything we can do to help you?" �

The answer is yes! We could use your help right now in THREE PRACTICAL WAYS:

1. Sign a petition that urges�educators, lawmakers, healthcare, and congregations to raise the awareness and lower the stigma of mental illness, and also to support families that are dealing with mental illness on a daily basis. Thanks for adding your voice!

2. Offer your help and prayers to those around you who are caring for mentally ill family and friends. They need your encouragement more than you realize

3. Fight mental illness with an online gift to The Matthew Warren Fund for Mental Health. Your gift is tax-deductible.�

We are reading every note. We'd love to hear from you here on Facebook, or you can email us at PastorRick@saddleback.com. Your prayers and words continue to strengthen us.

Pastor Rick

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Home Run: The Comeback Story

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Everyone loves a comeback. Seeing people overcome seemingly impossible odds encourages us to face our own struggles. Home Run is a new movie about a baseball all-star who ends up in Celebrate Recovery to find freedom from his past and hope for his future.

Celebrate Recovery is a biblically-based 12-step program that was created by Saddleback Church in 1990. Home Runis based on the true stories of thousands of people who have turned to Celebrate Recovery for help and hope, stories like that of Greg and Carol Evans. �

Greg spent the first 38 years of his life running from his fears, insecurities, and worries. I was the guy who drove intoxicated, but never got a DUI," says Greg. "I was the guy who used drugs and alcohol, but never had an overdose. But after having used alcohol and drugs for over 24 years, my luck seemed to be running out, and my life was beginning to catch up with me."

Greg's younger brother was born with a narrow valve and 2 holes in his heart. And at the of three it was confirmed that he was severely developmentally disabled. Greg's brother's mental capacity would remain at the level of a five-year-old, and as his parents worked to care for his brother, it left him feeling confused and alone. Greg turned to sports to occupy his time and gain a sense of belonging. "I decided to start living for myself and my brother, and be the best son for both my parents. I wanted to help my parents forget about the troubles of my brother. I dreamed that I would one day become a professional athlete which would allow me to take care of my brother for the rest of his life."

Greg was a star athlete, but struggled academically. In order to keep up the facade, he started cheating on tests, forging notes, and lying to cover his behavior. In eighth grade he started drinking and liked the way his fears and insecurities seemed to melt away when he was drunk. By his senior year of high school, he had become one of the best basketball players in Southern California and received a full scholarship to play Division 1 basketball. He was one step closer to his dream of becoming a professional athlete. But he continued his double life and began using marijuana. His dreams were cut short just five games into the season when he hurt his knee and was taken off the team. "I felt like a complete disgrace and failure."�

After college, Greg got a great-paying job, and continued his lifestyle of partying hard on the weekends. And that's when he began to experiment with harder drugs. During that time, he met a woman named Carol who would eventually become his wife.

"She was beautiful, funny, hardworking, mature, and a Christian. She had all the qualities that I was lacking. And this is this is where I began the manipulation to persuade her to like me. I would tell her everything she wanted to hear. I even told her that I was a Christian. Unfortunately for her, she did not know that I was fake and a liar."

Carol had grown up in a home where alcohol and abuse were prevalent, but she had grown accustomed to keeping up the appearance of being a loving, church-going family. She thought Greg was her knight in shining armor until they got married, and she began to see the effects of his addictions.

"I honestly thought that if I got married I would change," says Greg. "But at our wedding, I left her alone to hang out and party with my friends. And our wedding night, which was to be this special time between Carol and I, didn't happen because I was too intoxicated."

Carol and Greg were trying to live the American dream. They bought a house, had a daughter, and both had great jobs. On the outside they looked like they had it together, but they were struggling and drifting apart. Carol started to have panic attacks and became very depressed. Greg was confused and frustrated as he tried to help her. Greg once again turned to partying to numb the pain and stress. And then he was introduced to cocaine.

Their marriage suffered as Greg got deeper into drugs and worked harder to hide the habit from Carol. She finally insisted they see a counselor. �"Something came over me and I knew I could not lie anymore," says Greg. "I broke down and told Carol that I was addicted to cocaine."

The counselor suggested that Carol and Greg go to Celebrate Recovery, and just a few months after they started the program, Greg gave his life to Christ.

Carol also experienced freedom in Celebrate Recoveryl. "I could no longer run away from my fears and pain," says Carol. "Since turning my will over to God and giving the program my all, communication and trust between Greg and I is being rebuilt. I have learned how to forgive Greg and others in my life that have hurt me. CR has helped me find a peace and freedom that I have never known, and though I am not healed I am healing. I will never be perfect, but my victory is in my progress."

"Since I have been attending Celebrate Recovery my life has changed dramatically for the better," says Greg. "I needed a program that would not only get me sober, but a place where I was going to become a better husband, father, friend, brother.person. �First and foremost, I needed to find Christ." http://saddleback.com/blogs/communityblog/home-run-tells-the-story-of-celebrate-recovery/Click HERE to learn more about the Home Run movie.

Click HERE to learn more about Celebrate Recovery.