Saddleback Goes to New York City

During the National Day of Prayer on the Friday following the attacks, Saddleback raised more than $88,000 for The Journey to use in aiding the attack victims. Saddleback Church has helped to start more than 40 other churches, mostly in Southern California. "In the aftermath of this horrendous mass murder, there is a deep spiritual hunger for comfort, guidance and answers in Manhattan," said Rick Warren, Saddleback's founding pastor.

Last Summer, Saddleback sent Searcy, (who will be appointed next month as a missionary with the Southern Baptist North America Mission Board) and his vision to New York City, without any idea that the city would face such a monumental crisis. Arriving in August, Searcy spent a month planning a church he expected to plant later in the fall.