Passion 2011

I had a rather last-minute opportunity to go to Atlanta this past weekend for Passion 2011. This is a gathering of 18-25 year-olds, so obviously I'm too old :), but I was invited to come with another church as a leader. I am just blown away by how amazing Jesus is, and the incredible privilege we have of lifting high His Name! I pray that His Glory can continue to be the #1 desire of my heart!
So imagine being in a PACKED stadium of 22,000 people. We're talking every single seat taken!!! And these are college-age students and to see them worship...singing and praying with ALL their hearts, souls, minds, and strength to Jesus Himself! Praying together, singing at the top of their lungs, dancing, digging into their Bibles, hungry for God's Word. And this is a world-wide movement! These Passion "events" (for lack of a better word...it's so much more than an "event"... it's an encounter of the Holy, Living God!) take place at 17 cities around the world. Beijing, Uganda, Paris, Vancouver, Brazil.... all around the globe.... 20,000+ students seeking God with all their hearts, desiring to make Jesus' Name famous! And the cool thing? The students from each previous "Passion" pray for the next "Passion" group. So, the students from Uganda pray for the students planning to come to the next Passion in Paris. This past November, students from Vancouver gathered to meet Jesus, and have been praying for our group that met in Atlanta Jan 1-4, 2011. Atlanta Passion-goers are now praying for the Ft. Worth Passion that will happen April 1-3.
Although there were some incredible speakers and bands we were privileged to hear, they all wanted it to be very clear that it wasn't about them and their fame. It's all about Jesus! We were definitely challenged and inspired in many ways.
It's all very hard to put into words.
Here's one example of how in-love these young people are with Jesus: There was a huge "exhibit hall" called "Do Something Now." Most conventions I attend have huge exhibit halls in which to advertise many different ministries. All good, and with Kingdom intentions, but the feel of these exhibits is usually "marketing" and it feels like everyone is pushing their agendas on us; telling us the latest, greatest Christian book or video that we need to buy. Not so at Passion. At "Do Something Now," there were several displays exhibiting needs around the world. Students could stop at one station and learn about the need to build homes in Haiti, or to provide fresh water wells in India, or to help children get a much-needed surgery in Uganda, or to learn about sex-trafficking and how they can free these women and children. And then there was an opportunity to respond. There was a huge prayer room, called "Kneel," at which students could pray for these people and situations, asking Jesus to bring healing, hope, and freedom. Then they could also respond by giving financially. Keep in mind that these are poor college students; they don't have a lot of extra money. Each need had a specific goal, for example: Goal of building 15 houses in Haiti for $36,000 or giving 20 small business loans in Honduras for $40,000 or providing 20,000 Bibles in Columbia for $20,000. All together, the collective goal was to raise $250,000. I have to admit, I was skeptical. These are college students; they don't have any money! Wow, did God prove me wrong!! As of Monday night, the total raised was $1,022,700!!!...and students were still waiting in HUGE lines Tuesday afternoon...after the conference was over... to give. College students...waiting in line...to give... to help others around the world..over 1 million dollars in 4 days!! That's how much these students are in love with Jesus. I was blown away! There is hope for this generation! There is hope for the Church! Jesus is alive and well and working mightily in the world!
And we have the honor and privilege of joining with others to make His Name known and exalt Him!!!
"Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your truth, we wait eagerly for You, for your name and renown are the desire of our souls." Isaiah 26:8
To learn more about the Passion Movement, and celebrate what God is doing, for the glory of Jesus Christ, you can visit: http://www.268generation.com/