Will's World: Will's World 03 03 2010

Mildred C. inside the Crystal Cathedral.

Glass, and plenty of it, sparkles in the sunlight, and dazzles visitors at Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif., which is the home of Rev. Robert H. Schuller and his internationally televised “Hour of Power”, which claims an audience of approximately 20 million.

“To inspire and motivate persons through possibility thinking to grow in a loving relationship with Jesus Christ so they can be the persons God dreams, desires, and designed them to be,” is the Cathedral’s mission statement.

Schuller, 83, often preaches sermons focusing on positive actions, and has written 37 books, in hopes of motivating his audiences. He began his career in Orange County when he rented the Orange Drive-In movie theater and held Sunday services from the roof of its snack bar.

According to church officials, “The New Yorker said in 2008 that Dr. Schuller’s ministry is the ‘phenomenon’ behind today’s mega-church movement.”

When we visited the church, my parents enjoyed the architecture and the many statues depicting Biblical scenes that were scattered about the campus.

First stop after leaving the church was the Salvadoran restaurant in Santa Ana, “El Curtido” for some delicious Carne Deshilachada (shredded beef sautéed in onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers.