What is Orange Coast Christian Outreach Week?

A celebration of changed lives!  Ordinary people tell their stories of a lost, broken and insecure existence turned into an extraordinary, satisfying, and nurturing relationship with Jesus Christ.  The speakers have had a dramatic experience that made them stop and take a different path in their life.  Their stories inspire others to reflect on their own plight and open their eyes to the real answer to the discontent in their lives.  This time of reflection points us to a Savior rescues, comforts and forgives.

It is unlike any other event, because in seven days, you can hear a multitude of stories from who have experienced freedom from a past of fear, shame, unforgiveness or worry. This Outreach is a non-threatening way to invite a hairdresser, colleague, neighbor and family member who might not feel comfortable in a church to a welcoming home, a community center or plush hotel. This Week is a time each year to think about those who are hurting and offer them an eternal gift.

Why are you doing this?

Because God has reached out to us while we were lost and undeserving of His love and grace, we desire to reach out to our Orange Coast community in a friendly, non-threatening way with the Good News of the changing power of Jesus Christ.

What is a Party with a Purpose?

Hosts open up their homes to friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and strangers, serving food & drink and welcoming all who come. Speakers (ordinary people) tell their inspiring stories of how Jesus Christ has changed their life in an extraordinary way.

• Parties with a purpose are open to the public
• Reservations are not needed except where indicated.
• The home events are FREE. No offerings are taken.
• Childcare is not provided.

How can I get a brochure listing all the events?

The brochures are ready!

If you would like to help with distribution to churches or if you need a single brochure, please e-mail us at info@outreachweek.org.

Did you say this is the 44th year??

Yes! Christian Outreach Week has quite a history. In the early sixties, Mr. Lloyd Johnson attended the Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Upon his return, Lloyd formed a "think and pray" group of local men to explore methods for impacting the community with the claims of Christ. Their goal was to duplicate the effectiveness of the Prayer Breakfast in Washington.

The very first annual "Newport Harbor Christian Leadership Week" was held April 18-24, 1964. In addition to the Prayer Breakfast, women's coffees, service club meetings, evening home meetings and a banquet enhanced the week-long event. A significant number of people responded to the Gospel message which confirmed that the week had a great impact on the community.

The name was changed a few years ago to "Orange Coast Christian Outreach Week" to include all of Orange County…and to re-define the audience. We invite everyone to bring their friends, neighbors and co-workers to one or many of the events so that they can clearly hear the inspiring life-stories of those who have been changed by the good news of Jesus Christ.

Why such an emphasis on “changed lives?”

Whether we are watching the daily news or looking at our own families, we realize that we live in a broken world that needs repair. As we admit that we are more sinful and lost than we ever realized and yet more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope, the Gospel (the good news of what Jesus has done) changes us from the inside out. He gives us a radically new identity, freeing us from both self-righteousness and self-condemnation. He liberates us to accept people we once excluded, and to break the bondage of things (even good things) that once drove us.

In particular, the gospel makes us welcoming and respectful toward those who do not share our beliefs. We believe that nothing promotes the peace and health of Orange County like the spread of faith in the gospel. It renews both individual lives and reweaves the fabric of whole neighborhoods.

We believe that nothing moves Christians to humbly serve, live with, and love all the diverse people of Orange County like the gospel does. Though we joyfully invite every person to faith in Jesus, we are committed to sacrificially serving our neighbors whether they believe as we do or not.

How are you able to bring so many churches together?

We are united on these foundational principles from the Bible. We believe:

• In the inspiration of the Bible
• In the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
• In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ and His virgin birth
• In the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ alone
• In salvation by grace through faith alone
• In the guidance of the Holy Spirit
• In the return of Jesus Christ

How are you supported financially?

By the generosity of churches and individuals.

Donations can be made to the “Prayer Breakfast Network.” Write “For OCCO” in the memo line and mail to:

Orange Coast Christian Outreach Week
c/o Pamela Curry
40 Vienna
Newport Beach, CA 92660

How can I be a part of Christian Outreach Week?

• Mark your calendar for March 7 - 15, 2008.
• Deliver brochures to churches
• Co-host a party—provide food and assistance to the host
• Become a church liaison...deliver flyers, make announcements
• Host a table at the Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast
• Host a table at the Women’s Luncheon
• Pray daily for your friends, family, neighbors & co-workers. Reach out and invite them to one or more Christian Outreach Week event. If you don’t invite them, they won’t come!

For more information contact

PamelaCurry@cox.net