Rick Warren Headed to North Korea

Over the last couple of days a bunch of people have stopped by HolyCoast while searching for information on Rick Warren and North Korea. Although I haven't posted specifically on that issue, the search engines are pointing people here. Since it's apparently something of interest to a number of folks, let me tell you what I know.

This past weekend I sang in all 6 weekend services at Saddleback Church (once in a great while they decide they need a bass singer and this was the week), and Rick announced at the end of the service that he was heading out this week on a 13 nation tour. During this trip he will be meeting with the heads of each of the countries on the trip and holding a number of stadium-sized meetings, and at some point in the trip will be visiting North Korea (at the invitation of the country) to discuss plans for a future speaking engagement there. According to Rick, the North Koreans have agreed to allow him the use of a 15,000 seat stadium (which could be upsized based on demand). Billy Graham was the only pastor previously allowed to speak in that country (about 10 years ago), and he was limited to 200 students at a university. This is a pretty big step by the North Koreans, and I'm curious as to why they are allowing it now.

I don't have any more details than that, but you can check the church website for more info as it becomes available.

UPDATE: The "We Hate Rick Warren" crowd jumps the shark over the Korean trip. Too funny.

UPDATE2: Here's an article with more information on Rick's trip.