Divine Appointments at the Outlets Mall of San Clemente

Story by Mark Meizner
Photos by Mark Meizner and Sean Muro

"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2

In the face of COVID-19 and governmental oversight, the needs of the church are being addressed in a unique and unusual manner. Senior Pastor John Randall and the leadership of Calvary Chapel San Juan Capistrano (CCSJC) sensed the Lord was drawing them to meet the needs of people more personally than with “church online.” Christians were missing the gathering of the family of God to worship Him together, to hear the Word of God face to face, to be encouraged, to be prayed for and prayed with—in person.

Pastor John Randall teaches the Word of God verse by verse, chapter by chapter, at the Outlets Mall of San Clemente, CA.

After the church leadership prayed and wrestled with options, the Lord opened a door. A meaningful relationship with the Outlet Mall business executives was formed. The church was welcomed to hold Sunday and mid-week services in their large parking lot. Visitors have expressed their thankfulness that CCSJC is boldly teaching God’s Word.

Over the last 13 weeks, surprisingly positive results have occurred at the Outlet Mall, its employees, and those who were seeking truth and fellowship. There have been families traveling from as far as Ventura to the north, Riverside to the east, and Ensenada, Mexico, to the south, driving to the services on a regular basis.

CCSJC meets for the first time for the Wednesday night service at the Outlets of San Clemente, CA.

The numbers continue to rise on Sundays from the original launch in March with 300-400 cars, to 13 weeks later, surpassing 800 cars. The workers in the shops and restaurants at the mall expressed gratitude for CCSJC’s presence and shared that the services on site brings them hope. The general manager of the mall recently asked that the services continue to be held there even after the pandemic subsides. Pastor John Randall stated, “All the glory goes to the Lord and the moving of His Spirit in touching hearts. Many new decisions for dedication and rededication to Christ have been made at the parking lot.”

Pastor Darcy experiences a moment of joy after baptizing his daughter.

The following comments were received, through social media, from visitors who attended services from outlying areas:

“Prayer and worship not cancelled here today. Good to see a church doing what a church is supposed to do.”

“My husband loves the way John teaches. We have even vacationed there so we can attend service.”

“We are currently living in Ensenada, Mexico, and we have no churches around us. Our former church is not meeting in person. We are driving 4 hours to be at the service.”

“We are so glad all you have chosen to follow God’s Word in obedience and the ministry is blessed because of it. We are praying huge blessings and protection for your church and pastor. We have family and friends in SoCal watching from home and sharing with others. I jokingly told my husband that I’m looking at property in San Juan.”

“Every Sunday and Wednesday at the Outlets has been AMAZING! Even in cars or lawn chairs, it feels like church. So glad we can meet in person! God is doing something great here! Revival is in the air.”

Pastor John's wife, Michelle Randall (right), encourages others in Christ through fellowship.

Pastor John and the staff are grateful for the opportunities the Lord has provided. They continue to seek the Lord for the present and future needs of the church in these unique times.

"Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul." Acts 4:32a

A young couple sing praises of worship to the Lord together.

 

Families come together as the body of Christ to worship the Lord.

 

A couple enjoys worshipping in the parking lot.

 

A little girl enjoys her time in church at the drive through service.

 

A father and his son enjoying a time of corporate prayer together.

 

Aurora makes a public stand for her faith by getting baptized.

 

A young man gets baptized after making a decision to follow Christ.

 

Baptism is a special moment for believers in the Lord Jesus.

 

Several pastors of CCSJC help a man who is determined to be baptized.

 

The worship team at CCSJC lifts up praises to the Lord.

 

Pastor John Randall and his wife, Michelle, enjoy their time together in the parking lot where they were given permission to hold services.

 

 

All verses above are quoted from the New King James Version.

© 2020 Calvary Chapel Magazine. All rights reserved. Articles or photographs may not be reproduced without the written permission of CCM. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.® Used by permission.