"Harvest with Greg Laurie" Returns to New York City to hold large-scale outreach, Oct. 19, at Madison Square Garden
Some 75 Local Churches Join Together to Host Evangelistic Event
RIVERSIDE, Calif., Sept. 18, 2008—After drawing some 9,000 people to a preview rally at the Theater at Madison Square Garden last year, Harvest with Greg Laurie will return to New York City on Sunday, October 19, holding its largest evangelistic outreach in the area to date on the Garden’s main stage. More than a year in the making, the "New York Harvest 08" is being hosted by some 75 New York and New Jersey churches.Prior to its visit last year, Harvest with Greg Laurie previously visited New York in 2000, hosting a one-night event at Centennial Hall.
"There is great excitement within the local churches about Harvest 08 coming to New York City, and the level of their involvement is incredible. We are praying that the outreach will serve as a tool to introduce many to Christ, building their faith," said Harvest organizer Ron Case.
"New York City has a long history of large-scale evangelistic events and prayer revivals. From the Fulton Street Revival in 1857 to The Billy Sunday Campaign in 1917, to Billy Graham’s renowned crusade in 1957 and follow-up outreach in 2005."
In fact, Southern California pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie has been called the "evangelist of the future" by Billy Graham. During the New York Harvest 08, Laurie will share a message of redemption and hope, drawing on contemporary means to describe the relevance of faith in today’s world. Laurie’s talks encompass topics that appeal to people of any age and answer questions like: Why am I here? Is God real? What happens when I die? These topics are particularly meaningful to Laurie in light of the recent death of his 33-year-old son, Christopher—a personal tragedy he hopes will point others toward faith in God.
"It's hard knowing that I won't see my son again on earth, but I have the assurance that Christopher is in heaven because he put his faith in Jesus," said Laurie. "I haven't lost my son because I know where he is, and someday I will join him. This is the hope I have for everyone."
In addition to a message from Laurie, the New York Harvest 08 will feature top Christian music from MercyMe, Relient K, and the Katinas. A 400-member community-wide youth choir will also perform.
Greg Laurie founded the evangelistic Harvest events in 1990 and serves as senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., one of the largest churches in the U.S. Over the past 19 years, Harvest events have drawn more than 3.7 million people to stadiums and arenas in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Laurie also serves on the board of directors for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse.
Volunteer Opportunities
More than 1,000 people are expected to volunteer during the New York Harvest 08, and training sessions for follow-up workers, called Impact Rallies, are being offered throughout New York City and New Jersey, Sept. 21 – Sept. 28. For more information, access ny.harvest.org.New York Harvest 08 Facts and Figures
As preparations are underway for the New York Harvest 08, facts and figures include:- Some 75 churches of different denominations are working together to host the New York Harvest.
- More than 1,000 local volunteers will serve as follow-up workers and ushers, and will sing in the 400-member community-wide youth choir during the Harvest Outreach.
- Another 100 volunteers from California will pay their own way to help at the event.
- Some 100,000 invitations and prayer cards to the New York Harvest are being distributed locally, as well as 1,000 posters.
New York Harvest 08 Event Details
| Sunday, October 19 | 7 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) |
|---|---|
| The New York Harvest 08 will feature a message from evangelist Greg Laurie and music from MercyMe, Relient K, the Katinas, and a 400-member community-wide youth choir. | |
The Harvest outreach will be interpreted into Spanish, and signing for the deaf will be provided. Audio podcasts and blog accounts of each message will be available at blog.greglaurie.com.