Can You Believe It?!
I must admit, I am writing in a somewhat surreal state. Is it possible that what we have dreamed and hoped for for almost two years has really come to a close with a beautiful night in downtown Sydney? Is it possible that we have landed in seventeen cities? Touched down on six continents? Seen sixteen nations? And is it possible that “God Of This City” felt just as powerful in the last one as it did on night one back in Kyiv?
Tonight we said hello to Sydney and goodbye to a journey around the globe that has united students from Sao Paulo to Tokyo, Cape Town to Mexico City, London to Jakarta. And, as in the case of Passion Sydney, we have seen the faces of university students who are serious about their faith and passionate to see the name of Jesus reach every person on the planet. 8000 of us were together tonight, with more than 80 colleges and universities represented from all across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
That we found Passion friends and made new ones tonight is pretty cool. And that we reconnected with those who have been at Passion events somewhere else in the world is amazing. During the giving tonight someone handed me a piece of paper from the front row which read, ” Dear Louie, I was there at Shelby Farms and am so glad you finally made it to my country.” For those who are new to the movement, that was the first OneDay in 2000, where 40,000 university students gathered outside Memphis for a solemn assembly of prayer and worship. Jane, we are so glad God finally allowed us to come to your country, too. It’s a place we love very much and one we believe God is anointing to be a light to the nations.
To all of you reading along and praying from the four corners of the world, this has been OUR tour, yours and ours, and we are incredibly blessed to have you along for the ride. Fortunately, the story doesn’t end here in Sydney tonight. There’s much more to come as God continues to do “immeasurably more than we could think or imagine.”
With love from down under,
Louie
October 21st, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I kept coming back to the website to see if there was a new blog!! How awesome! You guys have been a blessing and God as usual has been AWESOME AND FAITHFUL! Thanks so so much for your dedication. I felt as if I was right there with you on this journey through the blogs and podcasts, and my prayers! GREATER THINGS ARE YET TO COME!
October 21st, 2008 at 11:27 AM
AMEN!
I have been refreshing the blog for the past few hours waiting and praying. Oh, praise Him for what happened in Sydney with the college/university students tonight.
All I have left to say is, thank you Jesus for making this whole world tour possible for Louie and the Passion team!
I can’t believe the WT is over, I even felt a tear when I read the last few words of this blog post. Although I agree, there is much more to come as God continues to work. AMEN!
In His Spirit,
Mike
Vancouver Canada
October 21st, 2008 at 11:34 AM
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!
“Now to Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the ONLY GOD, our SAVIOR, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD, be GLORY, MAJESTY, DOMINION, and POWER, before all time and now and forever. AMEN.” – Jude, verse 24
GREATER THINGS HAVE YET TO COME, AND GREATER THINGS ARE STILL TO BE DONE…
October 21st, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Yes, it’s hard to believe that the Tour is really over. It’s such a privilege to be connected to people all over the world in a way that I’ve never imagined possible. I can’t wait for the day that we can all worship together, lifting up our voices to the One who deserves all praise, glory and honour! Thanks again Louie and the team for believing and stepping out in faith. God is SO GOOD!!
OK Mighty to save is actually playing on my iTunes RIGHT NOW (not planned!)
Saviour,
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever,
Author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
Shine your light and
let the whole world see
We’re singing
for the glory of the risen King
Jesus
GO PEOPLE!!! WOOHOO!!!!
October 21st, 2008 at 12:15 PM
To be honest, I have goose bumps all over….
WOW, our God is so faithful! I still remember that day so clearly at the international gathering @ Passion 07 when you first told us about the World Tour….
Sitting there with big eyes in front row and hearing the buzz all around when you shared the good news with us, I will never forget it! And look what the Lord has done….
Thank you so much to everyone involved with this entire tour.
Thank you for your commitment, energy and love.
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Thank you for answering His call.
Thank you for lifting His name up above all…
THANK YOU.
October 21st, 2008 at 12:23 PM
WoW! (gotta end the first WT right!)
How amazing this ride has been; what awesome things our God has done!!!
Looks like Sydney was a great ending for WT #1!!!
I’m Sad and Excited all at the same time…It has been awesome seeing what God is doing around the world; it gives such hope that
“Greater Things ARE STILL To Come”!!!
WoW! WoW! WoW! WoW!
Our GOD Reigns…FOREVER HIS Kingdom Reigns!!!!!
With much love and many prayers!!!
Karahly in Texas
(this has been 110% ride) ;D
P.S. Thanks once again Louie for taking us with ya’ll on an experience of a lifetime and thanks to all with Passion!!!
Thanks for letting God use you in such amazing ways!
God bless you all of your days!
GREATER THINGS!
October 21st, 2008 at 12:38 PM
[...] tour is over, but the work that God is doing and will continue to do around the world hasn’t concluded. In [...]
October 21st, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Louie !!! Louie !!!
You’re so quick in posting!! You knew we are all waiting anxiously right? Thank you!! Terima kasih !!!
I CANNOT believe that the Tour has ended too!!! I’m starting to get all teary esp with this serious Passion Conference withdrawal symdrome!…gosh.. mmm.. but I know you guys has done such wonderful things for different ppl in different continents. You guys are much loved by us all !!! It’s really a moment to rest and return to your home grounds and start blessing them about the stories that you’ve seen in other parts of the world. I know all of them are waiting anxiously for your return!! Send them our love k? Much Love from KL Malaysia!
You guys had been so so wonderful.. thank you for sharing that burning passion you have for Jesus! All of you deserved a round of applause
Rest well and have a safe journey back to your home until you guys are all charged up for the next move of God!! God is moving!! God is moving !! Can you hear the sound of revival??? I CAN !!!!!!
Thank you Jesus for each and every member of Passion Team! Continue to bless them in every aspect of their life and bless even their children’s children! Thank you for these lovely people. Grant them journey mercy even as they return to their respective home. Angels of God..continue to watch over them ya? AMEN!
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Passion Team ..WELL DONE!
Much love,
Celine – KL Malaysia
October 21st, 2008 at 12:40 PM
WOW ! Looking at the pictures.. it felt like it was only yesterday I’ve attended Passion HK and it was only last week that I’ve attended Passion KL !!!
Rest well friends!!!!!!
Cheers,
Celine – KL Malaysia
October 21st, 2008 at 12:54 PM
WOW!!!!
Praise the Lord for all he has done in the past 2 years! May He bless all you do from here on. Thank you for answering God’s call for your life Louie!
I will be praying for the Passion “movement” and hope to see you again in Johannesburg…..and very soon!
Much love!!!
Hannes;)
October 21st, 2008 at 1:16 PM
I was a volunteer at Passion when you first threw out the idea of a world wide Passion. Even though I knew it would be difficult, I prayed God would see it accomplished. This is an awesome thing to experience…may a fire be ignited in the hearts of college students all over the world and God be glorified on every continent.
October 21st, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Hello Passion Team,
Whoo-hoo!!!!!
This seems so bittersweet. But I know that all good things must end in order for even greater things to begin. Yes, the best is yet to come! God is progressive and each new endeavor is greater than the one before. I’m believing for a bountiful harvest from all the seeds that were sown in people’s hearts. God has wonderful plans for each person touched by His Presence on this tour. And He has awesome plans for all of you as He continues to unfold His purposes in your lives. He is so faithful!!! Tighten your seatbelts, this ride is truly just getting started!
Lisa
October 21st, 2008 at 1:28 PM
The tour may be over, but this journey has just started.
KEEP WATCHING!
October 21st, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Incredible! Thank you, thank you for sharing this journey with us through the stunning photography, amazing podcasts, and awesome blog updates (I’m running out of synonyms!)! It gave us a small glimpse into what each “event” was like – “event” is such a small word for the powerful message you were sharing – Jesus’ salvation, grace, forgiveness and unconditional love – to the nations! Your journey has certainly increased my desire before the Lord – “please use me more” to share Jesus and to be light in the darkness. Thank you, Passion.
I wanted to share that in the past week or so, my children have all mentioned something about Passion (except for the baby!). After listening to the Passion Tokyo podcast, my 7 year old wanted to know if there were any more podcasts for her to listen to, my 9 year old wanted to know if there were any more “Louie DVDs” for her to watch (we’ve seen 2 so far), and my 5 year old – who loves his music class & teacher – mentioned that he likes Hello Love 90,000x more than his music class CD!
Thank you, thank you, Passion Crew, for all that you do – for your example and for sharing all of this with us – including my young children! May God bless you all abundantly and I pray you all have safe journeys back home and for rest!
Love in Christ,
Dawn
p.s. We cannot wait to see Chris in Baltimore 1/24!! My children are practicing all of the songs so they know the words without needing the screens!
October 21st, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Wow Wow Wow!!!
Can’t believe it’s over! No, I simply won’t believe it is over… because NOW is the time when the real journey is actually going to begin!
Thank you so much for listening to the prompting on your hearts so many years ago to help start this movement that has now reached all around the globe and touched thousands, if not millions, of students’ lives. Christ has truly started an awesome work and I cannot help but get all excited when just begin to think of all that is still lying ahead
Yes, greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done!!!
For His Fame!
Cape Town, South Africa
October 21st, 2008 at 3:45 PM
So excited that the Passion Tour was able to happen =)
Counting down to Spring 2010!!
Please have it in Texas! lol
October 21st, 2008 at 5:55 PM
Wow… God is so amazing! Thanks for making this happen. I know that even greater things are yet to come for the Passion team
October 21st, 2008 at 7:01 PM
such an awesome journey! god bless you guys.
October 21st, 2008 at 7:10 PM
I am dying to see some Aussie students post about last night and hear what God did I their lives!!!
October 21st, 2008 at 7:33 PM
GOD MADE JESUS WHO HAD NO SIN TO BE SIN FOR US SO THAT IN HIM WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD!!
2 COR 5:21
[CAPS used to show shouting!]
October 21st, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Hey….just heard that you guys are planning 5 more cities next spring. Look forward to hearing more about it, as the plan unfolds! Safe travels back home.
October 21st, 2008 at 8:50 PM
wow!!…im in the picture on Louie Giglio’s blog!!!
last night was amaaaazing!!…one of the best days of my life.
@David Crowder: plz plz come to sydney again.
October 21st, 2008 at 8:53 PM
THANK-YOU a million times over for the wonderful experience of tonight!!!!
It was amazing to see all the like minded young Christians!!!
Seeing everyone with their hands raised! awe inspiring!!!!
God be praised!
I will add this ministry to my prayer list!
God’s blessings for the things that have happened are happening and will be
happening because of this tour!
The Lord has blessed you richly!!!!!
Fruitcake for JC
October 21st, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Thank you for being so open and loving and bringing the love of Christ to
all of us. He saved my life this year, thank you for reminding me of how
much i owe to our gracious God.
Bless you and all you may come across in your life. All the thousands of
them. xoxx
October 21st, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Last night changed my life forever! GRACE!!!!!!!!!!
October 21st, 2008 at 9:20 PM
What an awesome night @ Passion Sydney! Thank you to everyone who helped make this night a very encouraging one! Louie’s story of Ashley was particularly touching. How on earth her unbelieving dad gave express permission for her journal to be shared to many thousands I’ll never know, except by God’s grace!
And of course the songs rocked… tears welled in my eyes about how much of a task it is to spread Jesus’ fame in secular Sydney as I meditated on these verses:
“Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here”
October 21st, 2008 at 9:27 PM
Wow!! Glory to God.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:31 PM
May the Lord continue to use Passion in soo many mighty ways, and that this generation will be awaken to the call of the Lord to live lives that is worshipful of a GREAT and MIGHTY God.
He is the remedy for our ailing generation.
Passion World Tour won’t end, but it’s still continuing in the hearts of all the students around the 17 cities and throughout the world.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:18 PM
What an awesome display of God’s power! God’s anointing is all over your ministry. Your humility and excitement are so evident. And those pictures are amazing. Thanks for giving your lives to change this generation.
Blessings, blessings, blessings,
Sandy Cooper
http://www.godspeakstoday.blogspot.com
October 21st, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Way to go, Sydney!!!!
Wow… I can barely believe I got to be a part of all of this… there are not enough “thank you”s in the world to thank you Louie, Shelley, Chris, Danielle and all the Passion team – and of course the people from all around the world who have given their money, their time and even their hearts to make all of this possible.
Most of all, GOD, thank You so much!!!!! … I would never ever ever ever be able to fully convey how much I’ve been blessed by the Passion WT – not only by Passion Sao Paulo, which was when I first got to meet you – but by every othet stop which I could only follow in prayer and through the blog and the podcasts.
I praise God for His unending love and amazing grace over my life and I pray He will use my life to multiply all the blessings he’s given me through the Passion WT, so that many other students and people get to know how great is our God!!!
Greater things are still to be done and I can’t wait to see the greater things that are yet to come as the next chapters of this crazy global movement unfold.
Always praying for all of you.
For His fame,
Rodrigo – Sao Paulo, Brazil
October 21st, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Beautiful…simply beautiful..God bless u guys & galz..safe trip home..looking forward to greater things that God will do in the near future..
Much love & prayers-
Melissa francis (Ipoh, Malaysia)
October 21st, 2008 at 11:21 PM
I’ve been thinking of what to post… it’s just beyond any words my feeble mind can articulate…
“How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” – 2 Samuel 7:22
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 AM
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW !!!
Praise God for this wonderful journey!
I’m speechless…
GOD IS GREAT!!!!!
Merie
(Manila, Philippines)
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Congratulations to you and your amazing team of dedicated & talented friends! You left the world better than you found it.
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:41 AM
How bittersweet it is to read tonight’s post. But I am like you, not sad that this part is over, but so filled with hope about what is next that I could bust!! Thank you Louie for connecting us all through this and letting us be a part of Passion’s story albeit from afar, really afar!
“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” Psalm 102:18
Louie, the Passion team and the Musicians…..you are leaving a legacy far greater than just the people you have reached on this or any other tour you have done. Your legacy will extend beyond your years and into the lives of those not only in this generation but to their children and beyond. What a powerful God we serve that you could touch the lives of those that are not even born yet!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Hey Louie and the team,
I went last night with little to no idea what Passion was about other than I knew it was likely going to be a great gathering of Christians to celebrate, worship and listen to the Lord speak to us.
My friends had booked tickets a while ago and I only found out about it on Saturday and I’m really glad I went as it was a top night – even if I missed the post-offering period at the end due to tiredness getting the better of other members of my travel party… but anyhoo.
I blog quite a bit and Louie the point that you made about ‘Nobody can’t be changed by the grace of God’ resonated with me the most – no one is unsavable by the Lord! That’s spun gold for encouraging Christians to not give up on people who don’t YET know Jesus – because God certainly hasn’t. I wrote a pretty heavy blog on Monday about the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) from the sermon our pastor delivered on Sunday and now I’m going to get heavy to the other extreme today with one about 2 Cor 5:21 – because the most enouraging part of that verse is that through what Christ did for us – in him WE might become the righteousness of God. I particularly like the synonym Justice in relation to righteousness because paraphrasing the sermon on Sunday – “If justice doesn’t matter to you, God doesn’t matter to you.”
I’m glad at least 8,000 people last night indicated that righteousness matters to them because God’s more than prepared to let the good work begin in them!
And clearly – whether we’re outwardly fruitcakes or not – God is gonna use us to show his love to others – if our hearts are open to the righteousness God has promised us.
Cheers team,
Warrick
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:17 AM
keep it going!
we need a welcome home party when you get back
cannot wait to hear the plans for what is next…
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:20 AM
thank you for coming to sydney.. it was really phenomenal night!!
i’ve also been following your movement since 2000 when i saw the video OneDay in 2000.. ( i wish i was there in shelby farm as well hehehe)… it was sooo inspiring & motivating. it was a turning point for my life… and our youth ministry journey started ever since…
thank you so much Louie and Passion Team!! we love you guys and let’s make JESUS’ name famous together!!
In His grace,
YK
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:39 AM
No words can express what happened last night at the entertainment center….
Thanks You all the Passion Team!!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:00 AM
Last night was the AWESOMEST!!! Thank you Passion Team for coming to Australia and bringing your mission with you because there are many non-Christians out there and they are in thirst for our God.
We pray that you have a safe journey home and that you keep going on those journeys to every where in the world to bring Jesus to those who need his salvation.
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:08 AM
How Great is OUR GOD. the God of the nasions, cities, and people.
Louie. this tour, which God planed and did, remained a lasting impression to all of us. – i’m in Seoul.
I can’t just stop wondering and praising what HE has done for us and expectingt the greater things HE’s been donig.
Thank God!! wow~~
and you guys, just awesome under the Grace of our JESUS Christ!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:20 AM
Passion Sydney was the best night ever. Thank you to Ashley’s family for allowing her story to be shared. It touched my life in a really, really powerful way. And, Fruitcake, thank you, too! Be blessed!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:24 AM
hey! wow i cant believe passion has come to an end, but i can believe the marks that God has left on the hearts of those he has through through you! passion will continue to live on in the hearts of those who experienced what it was like to be slapped in the face by who God is. Sydney welcome to the feeling of being slapped in the face by our Awesome God, its amazing, hold onto that feeling where ever you go. keep it in your heart and take it with you! right now i am sitting here listening to the passion podcast-i should be studying for my end year exams for University-ha ha. but i wanted to tell you how God has moved in the lives of those who were and weren’t at passion, im a teacher-student teacher, and some of my students were at passion, and they took what was said and done into our school assembly, starting off with God of this City! wow has God moved, he has continued to use passion in the lives of those who don’t even understand why we get so excited when we talk about it. he is changing lives, and will continue to do so! Sydney walk in his love and light as you say ‘yes Lord’, i promise you he will use you!! passion thanks you so much for all you have done! continue to keep us updated, we love you guys!!
thanx again! God is truly AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:18 AM
I can’t believe it’s “over” I remember that I was so excited to hear about the World Tour and know it happened. I can’t believe it. It is so great to read all the blog entries from each world tour destination, hear the stories of the people that experienced it and to see the impact. God is so amazing.
I’ll continue to pray for each city … Read Moreand nation because greater things are happening!!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:18 AM
Wow. We watched the hope DVD in our bible study last night and all we could come up with is wow. It spoke to each of us in a different way. We all just wish you would come back to South Africa and have a Passion Conference in Durban!!! Isn’t God amazing!
My uncle was diagnaosed with lung cancer earlier this year and was told his tumor was 5 cm. We all immediatley went into panic mode. My aunt and uncle are both non-practising Catholics. By non practising I mean they do not attend church and have so many questions about God’s validity. In my home, we have never been raised Catholic but have attended non denomination churches all our lives. It used to be so difficult to discuss God with my aunt or uncle. But I really do believe now that the cancer was a message for all of us. For us, it was stop being so affraid and save ohers! For them, it was God is always there.
After going to the bible for answers, my aunt has found an amazing diet called the Hallelijah diet. It goes back to what God tells us to eat in the bible. My uncle has been on chemo and has never felt better he claims. His doctors are amazed at how healthy he has been. His last scan showed the tumor had decreased to 1/2 cm. Isn’t God great!!! My aunt and uncle are now pre-Christian. That is the term we use in our bible study to describe someone who has just dawned on the amazing revelation that God is great!!!
Thank you for your DVD’s. hey have been an amazing instrument in showing people how great God is.
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:21 AM
Hey Louie,
I just wanted to thank you for the photo’s from your log ‘Beautiful people’! I used them for the background of my site. (hyves) I can’t help it, but I’m so proud of my hyve! (A) Thank you!
http://www.alideopurk.hyves.nl
Alide..
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:15 AM
Glory to our God! It was amazing to see His work all over the cities. I will be waiting for more tours
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:01 AM
Thankyou soooo much to the team!
I was in Sydney last night and it was AMAZING!
Greater things are still to be done in this city – and I can’t wait for it because it started last night!
God bless you all!
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 AM
Thankyou for helping me to have a renewed fire and passion for Christ and and passion for living a life called by God within a generation that needs him!!! Yesterday for amazing and Im glad to have gone!
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:39 AM
Wohoo!! How great is OUR GOD!! C’mon guys, make Jesus famous all of the world.. Louie & all of Passion team you all do a GREAT job.. Gbu all, see yaa next year.. lol
veRa – Jakarta/Indonesia
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Hi Guys, I want to say ‘Thankyou’.. All you guys had, went into last night. Thank you…
Just a really quick run down on life since 97.. I lived in Atlanta and watch Passion evolve. Shelby Farms TN was huge and impacted so many lives. We are all in our 30’s and many of my friends married with children of their own… We are still talking about what happened over those amazing God filled days.
My journey has been filled sharing Jesus with kids in camp (all year round) and watching some grow into Leaders themselves. One of my campers from Canberra is even studying to be a Preacher. HUGE!! Passion inspired me and is inspiring the current generation to share Christ boldly.
I would have loved to have you all over for dinner. Please let me know the next time you are in Sydney – because I would love to share a little hospitality with you all, maybe even get a chance to spoil you all with a harbour cruise (for all 40)… will see.
Bless you all, safe trip home….
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Well done!
I can’t believe that more than 2 months have passed since we saw you all in Jozi!
All you guys want to do I am sure is put your feet up and all we want to ask is;
“When will you be back?!!!”
We serve an awesome God!!!
Thank you for all your hard work, we love you here in South Africa.
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Yeahhhhhhhhhhh!!!! no solamente estoy emocionado por lo que Dios acaba de hacer alrededor del mundo a traves de Passion, sni por lo que esta por venir. Con esta vision que se traen estos tipos del Passion team, quien sabe que otra gran idea se les ocurrira para seguir conmoviendo naciones. Lo unico que puedo decir es que sea lo que sea, estamos con ustedes!!!!!!! desde las tierras mayas de Yucatan, Mexico nuestras oraciones acompañaron el tour completo, y aunque no pude asistir a ninguno de los eventos, ni siquiera el de Mexico. miles a de gracias a Louie por este blog, pues me senti como si estuviera junto a esos miles y miles de jovenes en cada ciudad en asia, europa, africa, norteamerica, america latina y australia… que mas puedo decir simplemente Passion ha sido inspiracion para mi vida… espero conocerlos algun dia. por el momento seguire mi vida cantando: greater things is yet to come!!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Gracias Passion por venir a México. Fue simplemente espectacular y profundo, así es Dios =)
Thks Cape Town!!
Oramos por ustedes Vancouver y Sidney!! Passion Rocks!!!
Vamos México!!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:21 PM
WOW!! the world tour has actually come to an end!! Amazing to see what God is doing in the youth! HE amazes me each day!
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. AMEN!!” Eph 3:20-21
Thank you Louie and Passion TEAM for letting God use you and declaring His GREATNESS through you! May the story of Ashley stay in everybody’s hearts forever! His Grace still amazes me…..
Passion team – you deserve a looonnnggg holiday!! may you be blessed out of your socks!!
All the Glory to God!
Jesus loves ya all!!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Love the podcasts!
Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into what is happening at each city. And I must say I loved your Chinese on the HK Podcast haha 
It took me a couple tries to understand what you were saying, but not bad at all … you should try more Cantonese haha …
Can’t wait to see what else God has in store for Passion and the church you’re helping to start. Many blessings to you and the team!
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:34 PM
So… I was just having breakfast in Cafe Molinari in the heart of Sydney enjoying Chris Tomlin’s Arriving album play overhead. Cool cafe! Needless to say, memories of Passion Syndey were triggered all over again. 8000+ young adults singing out Jesus Messiah with hands lifted high. Crowder Band lighting up the stage for the first time in Sydney. Joyous smiles and dancing all around when I Saw the Light was played. A second-to-none volunteer team, combined with arena staff, that made the night seemless for the attendees. A reunion of sorts with friends from previous Passion events. Louie bounding with energy on stage, connecting the audience with Ashley’s story. And at the center of it all… JESUS! The King of glory! A treasured night… Thank you, Janna, Dylan and Brooklyn, for making this trip possible. Back to Ohio on Friday. Much love. Brian
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:50 PM
Thanks for the reminder that the Gospel of God, His very glory and wisdom: Jesus Christ Crucified – is POWERFUL and MIGHTY to save.
What a privilege to share in the righteousness of Christ and to share this message of reconciliation with the world.
Hayley
(Sydney, Australia)
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Ps 115:1
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:40 PM
What an encouraging night! Had 4 of fly across the country from country WA for Tuesday night and it was an amazing, POWERFUL night.
We heard the challenge and call laid out to the students of not only Sydney, but also Australia, to be the expression of Christ in our community.
Let’s be praying and encouraging each other as the wave grows.
A thanks to the Passion Team and especially the team that made Sydney happen! We appreciate all your running about and background work! Much love, hope to see Passion in Perth soon…or we’ll start it there anyway
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Awesome to see young christians worldwide united together. Awesome! Greater things still to come.
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Fantastic night guys … such unity, such encouragement.
Come back soon guys!
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 PM
No words could ever describe the feeling of standing in the midst of 8000 of my peers, fellow students, all united under the name of Jesus Christ! Praise you Jesus for all that you are and all you have done!
I pray that Sydney will become a beacon of God’s glory and grace and the vision spread on Tuesday night will flow to all the campuses and cities of Australia. We are praying for that here in Melbourne.
And on top of all, it was the most fun night ever! Crazy loud worship, shouting out ‘Sing Sng Sing’, dancing our butts off to ‘I Saw The Light’… WOW!
Thanks Louie for sharing Ashley’s story and the grace of God she found at the foot of the cross – the world needs to hear that! Come back soon Passion – we love you!
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:53 PM
I am so so thankful to finally able to come to Passion..standing with 8000 fellow students, worshiping One God..screaming on top of our lungs lifting Jesus up..
I started knowing about Passion about 1 and a half years ago..have been saving up..thinking I should be able to make in 2009 to US and attend Passion..
but What a GRACE from HIM to actually bring Passion here to Australia. I am so close to going back to my home country Indonesia this year..If that would have happened..I would have missed Passion Sydney..but Praise the Lord..for His great plan and timing..
Thank you Louie..Thank you Passion..Thank you team for carrying such a Passion for us ..University students..May we all continue to play our different parts and make HIM famous…Please do come back!! We love you..
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Pity I didn’t see the awesome Passion t-shirts on sale, otherwise I SO would have gotten one! Were there any left?! I hope you can make them available in the 268store because all my friends want one too after seeing one person wear it the next day!
ANYWAY…
I have NEVER seen some of my Christian friends become THIS crazy for Jesus, like they were at a rock concert, except they were passionately raising their hands, dancing and shouting praises to our Lord and Saviour! It was just absolutely amazing and I’m sad it’s over because I’ve looked forward to it for SO long! But it’s NOT really over, because God has used you so faithfully to speak His Word and His love into our hearts, to give us Christ’s own heart and righteousness to shine His glory to the rest of the world!
Praise God! And thankyou to you, Louie & team!
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Well, passion Sydney is still being processed by all of my college friends. We are still wearing our bracelets. We are still talking about the Ashley story [even in class]. And most of all, we are still chewing on the scripture Louie shared [what a revelation!]
As an American, living down under, I remember watching the first passion DVD when it came out. That DVD captured the heart of that generation and it was contagious. I had wished I was at the first one, so it was surreal when I got to come to this event for the first time. Through the CD of the first passion event, I learned to worship in freedom as well.
The anticipation we had was so exciting. The queue was full of screaming and excited people [myself included] as well as Macca’s .30 ice cream cones! We were there for many hours before it started so we had all bonded and prepared our hearts.
I wanted to thank you to coming to Sydney. I have never been more assured that God’s kingdom will advanced than that night. The worship was explosive and I sensed in my spirit people taking hold of the city when singing “God of this City.”
We were very encouraged and the environment that you created touched people’s hearts and gave them them ability to have God moments. Even though there were so many Aussies there, so many of my friends are literally from every continent. They were passionate to go back to their country as well and take hold of the city.
So, thank you for your hearts for uni students. Also, the volunteers were amazing and super friendly!
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:27 AM
louie.
having the boys from bluetree over tonight.
thanks again for vancouver. so great following the blog.
love,
darian
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 AM
17cities were PASSIONED…endless hearts were touched by Jesus…
praise the Lord…
my JC had rocked the world yet again!!!!!
;P
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 AM
Hello and thank you to Louie & Shelley, Chris and band, David and band and all the Passion team. So grateful that you came down under to Australia. I was pleased and priviledged to be a part of the volunteers at Passion Sydney. What a blast!! I would have paid to be a volunteer. It was one of the most beautiful nights of my life (and I am NOT a uni student!, not by a few decades!)
I have so longed for Passion to come to my country and to be in the midst of those 8000 worshipping, dancing, jumping and praising ones, was a real treat. Louie, thanks again for sharing Ashley’s story. I know many of the young ones (and not so young ones) would have been really touched by Ashley and wanting to be “fruit cakes” for Jesus.
A few highlights – to hear the Name of Jesus lifted up in Sydney by 8000 mad for God students and others. To be able to sing my lungs out and dance my feet off while DCB played “You are my Joy” and Chris’s band played “Sing sing sing”. Taking up the offerings and connecting with all those beautiful faces, young and old, so eager to contribute to Passion, because they know – as I do, that it is all about Jesus – His Name and His Fame and thats the bottom line.
Thanks so much, you will ever be in my heart and prayers – and hopefully we can do it all again sometime. Much love, Barbie.
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:26 AM
All for God’s GLORY!
THANK YOU GOD AND THANK YOU PASSION TEAM.
i was at Passion Sydney 2 nights ago, it was absolutely AMAZING.
May God keep allowing you to further his work with terrific music and a gifted speaker.
Bring many more to know Christ, show his fame and glory to all. make him to known to all.
i’ve been challenged to be that ‘fruitcake’ – i believe God gives us opportunities to step outside our comfort zone to make him known.
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:46 AM
Hey Louie, I hope this gets to you. I am a Texas Tech University student but I am studying abroad for a semester in Sydney Australia. I had the Most AMAZING experience last night at the Passion World Tour. What is also cool about it all is how I got there. I have been here in Australia a little over two months now (still two more to go) and I have been really homesick lately. I feel so disconnected from my friends and family at home, and God. So monday I went for a walk down in Manly… Manly is just across the harbor and is where my school is…but I was wearing some Tech shirt that I had thrown on and was wandering through a stationary store and this random guy goes, are you from Lubbock?! Now im tellin ya, people in even Texas dont know where Lubbock is, How does this guy in Australia know Lubbock!! turns out he is from Texas as well, which was exciting cause im soooo homesick, and he went to Texas A&M -yeah texas tech football beat them this year
but we shared a little bit of convo why I was here and why he was here and he said the passion tour so I asked what that was and he said a christian concert and that chris tomlin, Louie Giglio and david crowder band were playing. OMG more Texans!!!!! so he gave me information and I no kidding ran home to get the tickets online. One of my friends came to the show with me, and IT WAS AMAZING. everything you said totally hit home with me, lifted my spirits, and turned on the Hi Def vision! and there is no way I nor anyone else could ever turn back to an old school tv once you got the HD. It was exactly what I was needing and I didn’t really even know it! But I never caught the names of the guys I saw at the store and I want to thank them for inviting me. I know God was working that day, because for us to cross paths, him spread the word, and bring me to Passion, that’s more than just a coincidence. So if you can find the two guys (one being an Aggie that I think lives in Houston now) that were in Humphrey’s news agency in Manly on Monday afternoon at 2:30 give them a hug and thank them for me!!
Thank you Thank you THANK YOU!
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:50 AM
Wow I can’t Believe the Passion World Tour is over! What an amazing journey, God has done truly Awesome things through you guys and this tour! On that note I’d just like to thank the passion team for being willing to take time away from your families to serve God in this truly amazing way. It’s so encouraging to see so many, across the globe, in our generation following Christ!
Greater things are still to come!!!
Dave
Cape Town
Ps still wearing my wrist band
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:28 AM
Thank you Louie and team. What a night!! I was a volunteer and loved every minute of it. I would do it again in a flash. Just to see all those “crazy for Jesus” faces coming towards us at the door holding up their wrist bands and charging in to get the best seats, was such a blast. Knowing that two of my daughters and 30 other young people from my church were singing and praising their lungs out to their King made me very happy. Chris and band, you were amazing and Crowder, well man he’s just unbelievable. Love his worship and am looking forward to the band coming to Australia in January. I will cut off my wrist band tomorrow but will keep it as a momento of a fabulous night praising the Lord with 8,000 other lovers of God. Also a big hello to Angie and Selly if they get onto the blog. They were the two ladies that I had the priviledge to pray with when we broke into three’s. What beautiful hearts for the Lord you two have. Loved meeting you. Greater things are yet to come and I’ll keep sing, sing, singing and lifting up the glorious name of Jesus across this city.
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:59 AM
Remembering the first time I watched the Oneday2000 – I also hoped we could experinece something like that here in Jhb and boy did we !! There is definately an awakening in our country to reach out more to others and share the love of Jesus,to be less ourselves and more like Him, to die each day in ourselves.
Please don’t forget us Louis – we need to be in touch throughout the world with this blog page,knowing we His children actually stand hand-in-hand with prayers and praise and encirlce the globe for His renown.
Be blessed and filled to overflow with love for others.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:24 AM
I barely can believe that I’m part of this!!!
and the wave is just starting to grow!!!
God’s awesome!!
see you guys soon!! May God keep you in Him! ever!!!
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:48 PM
When does Passion come back to the States
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:59 PM
WOW! What an amazing event Passion Sydney was!! Was SO stoked I could fly over from New Zealand to be there for it! It’s been just on 3 days now since Passion Sydney and I still have the strains of ‘Greater things have yet to come, and greater things will be done in this city…’ running through my head
I am praying that all over uni campuses and cities in Australia, New Zealand and all around the world, that Christ would shine bright through Christian students being shining lights for God! What a way for that to be kicked off through the Passion World Tour!
And the future world tours!
Louie, Shelley, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Christy Nockels and every band member and crew member of the Passion team and all the ‘behind-the-scenes’ staff that gave up time & effort to see this World Tour come together in 17 cities around the world and impact countless lives – THANK YOU!!
I really loved, Louie, how you got us to form those ‘prayer triangles’ early on in the night – such a great way to connect with God and put him at the centre of the whole night as well as being able to pray with fellow Christians. I prayed with 2 other German guys, it was great! Especially found it powerful how we started singing ‘God of this City’ with images of Sydney on the screen just after we’d prayed for the city… wow, that was awesome!!
Thanks also for sharing with us Ashley’s powerful story/testimony! How cool that her non-Christian dad would allow her testimony to be used as a shining light all around the world, just as she would have loved it! Will pray that God will continue to draw her dad closer to Himself
Louie, your message on 2 Cor 5:21 was so encouraging and really challenging! I am personally challenged to make sure I daily remind myself of the gospel and to really SEE it, as you said, in High Definition and just be in absolute WONDER of GRACE!
The rest of the worship time was so cool singing & dancing our hearts out, all 8,000 of us, to songs like ‘Sing, Sing Sing’, ‘Mighty to Save’ (every time i sing/play/listen to this now I will always be reminded of Ashley’s story!!), Jesus Messiah, Here I Am to Worship, O Praise Him, Here is Our King, I Saw the Light, You Are My Joy, No One Like You etc etc… oh and singing Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) in acapella at one point!!!
I took a lot of ‘mental snapshots’ all night at Passion Sydney and it will forever remain in my memory as one of the best conferences I have ever been to!
Please come back again soon!
All glory to you God, the light of the world! Greater things are yet to come…
Priscilla
(Auckland, New Zealand)
P.S. I’m still wearing my Passion armband too, and will be for a long while yet!
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:37 PM
Callie Y,
I’m so glad you were able to make it to the event! I was praying that God would bring things together for you to come. You have a good memory as well. Used to live in Houston, but now in Ohio. God is just … COOL! He does things that meets us where we are and turns our face to Him. May God use you richly to spread His fame both in Manly and in future places. We’re headed back to the states today. If you’d like to stay in touch, we can connect on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Brian_Park/650699040. Warm Sydney blessings to you.
- Brian
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:02 PM
I am thrilled be reading and also hearing what God did to hearts at Passion . Its been worth the wait. Looking forward to big things all around Oz
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:31 PM
I must say, I’m reading this with goosebumps on my hand and sweat on my palm. This so surreal, I remember clearly the day we bought the One Day 2000 DVD, never in our wildest imagination that you guys were actually here in KL.
Seeds are planted, lives are changed forever, Jesus is famous !!
I’m so glad and thankful that you came.
God Bless
October 24th, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Hi guys! I was at Passion Sydney, and I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone involved and all those who made it possible! It was the most awesome experience, and I’m so greateful I had the opportunity to attend! Thank you all!!!
Please come back to Oz soon!
Love,
Pam.
October 24th, 2008 at 5:03 AM
Hey Louie!
Hi, my name is Jenn and I was at PASSION Sydney on Tuesday night. Unfortunately I left a little early, and I just heard on the PASSION podcast what you said at PASSION conference. In your words: “I know that ummm there are probably no podcast listeners down under…” Well guess what. There is! I have been listening since you first started the world tour when I stumbled upon it as I was going through iTunes. I have also referred a few of my friends to it as well. So in response to “there are probably none down under” THERE IS AND WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!
LOTI (Laughing On The Inside)
I also just wanted you to know that PASSION Sydney was incredible. I was challenged by your talk (I love how you explained that we had to be CRAZY for God, but also in our right minds so as not to scare our non-Christian friends at first. We can go crazy later once they know us) The worship also really challenged me. I drew deeply into God, in a way that I don’t usually and I felt God speaking to my heart.
Thank you for listening to God’s call, traveling around the world and back, and especially for coming down under, sharing your great message. You and your team are truly glorifying God with you message and you are an inspiration to many. God Bless, and please come back soon.
Lots of love and blessings,
Jenn