Well, it's almost 1 a.m. on Saturday morning now. We made the 525-mile bus trip back to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley from Atlanta, Georgia, arrriving safely about 11 p.m. God's favor is so appreciated. I'm still up just reflecting on the goodness of the Lord.
The Passion 2013 Gathering ended at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday and praise be to our Lord, over $3 million was raised over these past four days to help end human slavery in our modern times.
Louie Giglio, founder of Passion in 1997, was the final keynote speaker of the gathering. While the whole message seemed spot-on with Scripture to me, one "breath-taking" line from his message I hope to never forget:
Worship is giving back to God His breath!
Think about it. We were spiritually dead but He gave to us eternal life, so when we worship Him, there is no more simple or profound way to define what worship is than human beings gladly giving back to Holy God the breath of Life He generously gave to us.
Deo Volente -- Whatever God Wants!
Grateful
Showing posts with label human slavery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label human slavery. Show all posts
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Friday, January 6, 2012
PASSION 2012 -- Final Day
Well, we made it safely back to Virginia from Georgia. The journey was delightful from beginning to end. When the Lord assembles a group, you can know the chemistry will be miraculous. The Passion Gathering was a God-Thing, for sure. I was totally humbled to just serve the Lord and these young believers of Jesus.
Because it's about 1 a.m. as I am making this post and because I was the bus driver and am somewhat wondrously weary, let me just close with a few details about the Final Day of Passion 2012:
(1) Louie Giglio, The Passion Gathering Founder, shared a heartwarming closing message. He basically affirmed a message I share all the time with people. In my own words: "No matter what your age, get over searching for God's will. Just become God's will, and now!"
(2) The NASCAR rookie who won the Daytona 500 in 2011 on his 20th birthday, Trevor Bayne, was introduced as an attendee of the Passion Gathering. Louie told how Trevor gave glory to God after his win and then later when he had to miss races because of Lyme's disease continued to give God glory. The young congregation was reminded that they do not have to wait to speak for the Lord. 20-year-old Trevor Bayne didn't wait! When given the opportunity he was bold as a witness of His Lord.
(3) Also, the 40,000-plus, 18-25-year-olds raised -- drum roll please -- 2 1/2 million dollars in three days to help prevent and to begin to bring an end to human slavery around the world. In addition to that, another giver inspired by the generosity and sacrifice of the Passion attendees gave $500,000. So,yes, your math is correct -- $3 million raised to hopefully bring that 27 million slaves around the world number down, one freed slave at a time! May the Lord be glorified!
(4) The Passion attendees also brought towels and socks for the homeless to Atlanta. Last count I heard there was about 25,000 towels and even more socks, even blankets came in though they were not requested. The stacks of these items in the Georgia Dome foyers were unbelievable to see. Teamwork really does make the dream work!
Please keep praying and thanks for following us along the Passion 2012 journey on my blog. I hope the photos have helped to encourage you as well.
Ephesians 6:19 (GWT) -- Also pray that God will give me the right words to say. Then I will speak boldly when I reveal the mystery of the Good News.
Deo Volente -- Whatever God Wants!
Grateful
Because it's about 1 a.m. as I am making this post and because I was the bus driver and am somewhat wondrously weary, let me just close with a few details about the Final Day of Passion 2012:
(1) Louie Giglio, The Passion Gathering Founder, shared a heartwarming closing message. He basically affirmed a message I share all the time with people. In my own words: "No matter what your age, get over searching for God's will. Just become God's will, and now!"
(2) The NASCAR rookie who won the Daytona 500 in 2011 on his 20th birthday, Trevor Bayne, was introduced as an attendee of the Passion Gathering. Louie told how Trevor gave glory to God after his win and then later when he had to miss races because of Lyme's disease continued to give God glory. The young congregation was reminded that they do not have to wait to speak for the Lord. 20-year-old Trevor Bayne didn't wait! When given the opportunity he was bold as a witness of His Lord.
(3) Also, the 40,000-plus, 18-25-year-olds raised -- drum roll please -- 2 1/2 million dollars in three days to help prevent and to begin to bring an end to human slavery around the world. In addition to that, another giver inspired by the generosity and sacrifice of the Passion attendees gave $500,000. So,yes, your math is correct -- $3 million raised to hopefully bring that 27 million slaves around the world number down, one freed slave at a time! May the Lord be glorified!
(4) The Passion attendees also brought towels and socks for the homeless to Atlanta. Last count I heard there was about 25,000 towels and even more socks, even blankets came in though they were not requested. The stacks of these items in the Georgia Dome foyers were unbelievable to see. Teamwork really does make the dream work!
Please keep praying and thanks for following us along the Passion 2012 journey on my blog. I hope the photos have helped to encourage you as well.
Ephesians 6:19 (GWT) -- Also pray that God will give me the right words to say. Then I will speak boldly when I reveal the mystery of the Good News.
Deo Volente -- Whatever God Wants!
Grateful
Thursday, January 5, 2012
PASSION 2012 -- DAY 3 -- Ephesians
If you want to know the essence of The Passion Gathering on Wednesday, DAY #3, read the Apostle Paul's Letter to the Ephesians -- yes, all of it. In the early session Wednesday, five of the gathering's keynote speakers read in rhythm all six chapters of Ephesians aloud as the morning message. It was a strong rendering of God's Word.
And yes, today the money raised to prevent and abolish human slavery around the world rose from 1/2 million yesterday, to over 1 million this afternoon. The final number will be staggering, no doubt. Our group of only fourteen gave an offering of $1,000. Unbelievable is right! I'm sanctified proud of our 18-25-year-olds. They have also been a joy to be around. ALL JOY!
Our gathering for today ended with a midnight , silent candlelight walk and prayer vigil of 40,000-plus. We all gathered in the International Plaza here in Atlanta. Take it from me. 40,000-plus candles lit with everyone standing in the gap for modern-day slaves to be freed is powerful to participate in. And hearing Amazing Grace sung by so many voices in the dark, night air, is also very inspiring.
One more morning-to-noon session of Passion on Thursday and then we will be on the road home. We pray that upon our return to Virginia, our familes, homes, workplaces and our church will become delightfully different because we have been here seeking His face.
Pray for our young people. They have waved the white flag over their lives this week. Yes, surrender is in the air. Amen.
Deo Volente -- Whatever God Wants!
Kerry Willis
And yes, today the money raised to prevent and abolish human slavery around the world rose from 1/2 million yesterday, to over 1 million this afternoon. The final number will be staggering, no doubt. Our group of only fourteen gave an offering of $1,000. Unbelievable is right! I'm sanctified proud of our 18-25-year-olds. They have also been a joy to be around. ALL JOY!
Our gathering for today ended with a midnight , silent candlelight walk and prayer vigil of 40,000-plus. We all gathered in the International Plaza here in Atlanta. Take it from me. 40,000-plus candles lit with everyone standing in the gap for modern-day slaves to be freed is powerful to participate in. And hearing Amazing Grace sung by so many voices in the dark, night air, is also very inspiring.
One more morning-to-noon session of Passion on Thursday and then we will be on the road home. We pray that upon our return to Virginia, our familes, homes, workplaces and our church will become delightfully different because we have been here seeking His face.
Pray for our young people. They have waved the white flag over their lives this week. Yes, surrender is in the air. Amen.
Deo Volente -- Whatever God Wants!
Kerry Willis
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
PASSION 2012: DAY 2: ComPASSION
Well, it's 1:30 a.m. as we call it a day. Yes, Day 2 of Passion 2012 is history. Today, it was reported that the 40,000-plus 18-25-year-olds attending this gathering have given over 1/2 million dollars so far for the purpose of preventing and ultimately ending human slavery in our world. This evening, Francis Chan asked, "How would our passion about ending human slavery in the world be different if it were one of our loved ones who was suffering in slavery?"
Did you know that there is an estimated 27 million people living in our world today who are under the yoke of human slavery? I know, it's staggering. And beyond this staggering statistic, let us not forget that behind each number is an eternal soul in need of the church's help.
Tonight, Hillsong United led in a worship concert. One of their songs speaks directly to the issue of slavery and to many more, too. Yes, indeed, "everyone needs compassion."
When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He felt sorry for them (He had compassion on them). They were troubled and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.
-- Matthew 9:36 (GWT)
Thanks for praying for our local college-age attendees and for all of the young people in attendance. Pray that the local churches these young souls return to will be willing to embrace their new-found comPASSION for our lost and dying world.
LIVE STREAMING LINK FOR PASSION GATHERING:
Click here: Passion 2012 Live Stream
Deo Volente -- Whatever God Wants!
Grateful
Did you know that there is an estimated 27 million people living in our world today who are under the yoke of human slavery? I know, it's staggering. And beyond this staggering statistic, let us not forget that behind each number is an eternal soul in need of the church's help.
Tonight, Hillsong United led in a worship concert. One of their songs speaks directly to the issue of slavery and to many more, too. Yes, indeed, "everyone needs compassion."
When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He felt sorry for them (He had compassion on them). They were troubled and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.
-- Matthew 9:36 (GWT)
Thanks for praying for our local college-age attendees and for all of the young people in attendance. Pray that the local churches these young souls return to will be willing to embrace their new-found comPASSION for our lost and dying world.
LIVE STREAMING LINK FOR PASSION GATHERING:
Click here: Passion 2012 Live Stream
Deo Volente -- Whatever God Wants!
Grateful
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
