6,500 Accept Christ in Packed Stadium as Greg Laurie Declares ‘There’s a Spiritual Hunger in America’
Some 6,500 made a profession of faith Saturday night during a large-scale evangelistic event that packed Angel Stadium and saw many turned away at the gate. The stadium typically sees baseball fans standing and cheering their hometown team, the Anaheim Angels. But during the Harvest Crusade on Saturday, thousands streamed down the aisles to accept Christ as the featured speaker -- pastor Greg Laurie -- urged the crowd to respond to the call of the gospel.
A capacity crowd of 45,500 filled the stadium. Meanwhile, more than 500 radio stations broadcast the event, and 200,000 watched online. It also included performances by Christian artists Chris Tomlin, We The Kingdom, Brooke Ligertwood and the husband and wife team of Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe Carnes.
"We all think we'll just live forever," Laurie told the crowd while recounting the story of his son, Christopher, who died in an automobile accident at age 33.
"The Bible says, 'Prepare to meet your God.' Are you prepared to meet God tonight?"
As Laurie gave the invitation, a steady stream of people flowed onto the field to hear more about the gospel -- so many, in fact, that the fire marshal was eventually forced to close access due to overcrowding. Harvest Crusade said it was "one of the best responses we have seen in our 35+ years" of the event.
When the field was closed, Laurie said, organizers displayed a QR code on the stadium screens, allowing those unable to come forward to receive the same information -- including a Bible -- as those on the field.
"There's a spiritual hunger in our nation, and there's a spiritual hunger in California," said Laurie, who serves as pastor of Harvest Church, which is based in the state.
"I haven't given up on California, and I believe that God wants to do another great work in this state that we call the Golden State. The last great spiritual awakening happened here in this state, California. And I pray it will happen again. God has worked, and we know many others have made a commitment to follow Christ, watching online or listening in other outlets, and so we just say to God be the glory."
On social media, Laurie called the response a "taste of heaven."
"What an unforgettable night at Angel Stadium! God showed up in a spectacular way, as He always does, pouring out His Spirit in a tangible, powerful manner," Laurie wrote. "Please pray for all those who invited Christ into their lives tonight. May they be 'seed planted on good ground' and grow strong in their faith."
Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Greg Laurie
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published July 21, 2025.
