Rick Warren to Preach to 15,000 Christians in North Korea
By Lillian Kwon
Christian Post Reporter
Tue, Jul. 04 2006

Rick Warren recently shocked thousands of Saddleback congregants with news of his invitation to preach to some 15,000 Christians in North Korea, according to several recent media reports.

The megachurch pastor and author of best-selling book The Purpose-Driven Life told about 5,000 worshipers at his church in Lake Forest that he would be embarking on a "grueling" tour to meet with presidents, business leaders and pastors of 13 foreign countries, according to Religion News Service. His nearly 40-day journey includes visits to Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Rwanda and South Korea where he would preach at the world's largest church - Yoido Full Gospel Church which numbers around 800,000 members.

"I want to ask you to pray for me," Warren told the congregation, according to Religion News Service. He further informed the congregants that North Korea would allow him to preach in a stadium seating 15,000 but would not be limited to that crowd number. Warren was invited to preach in a larger venue if he could fill the seats. the rest