In case you haven’t seen it, a little update on Passion City Church: http://www.passioncitychurch.com/blog/.

All we hear in the news is the gloom and doom of the collapse of the financial markets worldwide, and the imminent erosion of the banking, housing, retail and manufacturing markets that will plunge us into the greatest depression we have ever known.  While I don’t doubt the severity of this crisis, or the probability that we really do not yet fully understand the scope of the mess we have gotten ourselves into, I still believe in the sovereignty of God, and the reality that He is impervious to financial downturns.  In other words, He is not wringing His hands.

So I guess it wasn’t good timing when we launched onemillioncan.com last August while on tour in Johannesburg, SA.  After all, how, in the midst of a massive recession, are people going to give to the causes of others when they, themselves, are struggling to make it through the month.  Again, I say this not to make light of the situation many find themselves in, rather to wonder how those with true needs, those living in the worst of conditions, will have a hopeful outcome when those of us who have lived in abundance have leveraged ourselves beyond our means and now seek assistance to maintain financial footing that was, on our worst day, miles ahead of the vast majority of humans in the world.

But, then again, I am not one to count God out, nor will I ever underestimate the potential that resides in this generation of worshipers of Jesus Christ.  So, during tough times, here comes onemillioncan.com, the answer to the question, “What can one million dollars do to touch the last and least of these in Jesus’ name?”

For us, that million bucks can fully fund seven objectives around the globe, helping to provide clean water, freedom for sex slaves, Bibles for those who have never seen one on their language, homes for former child soldiers, villages for refugees, solar powered scripture players for Muslim peoples and life-altering operations for children.  The campaign rolled out in earnest in the fall and has been a focal point of Chris Tomlin’s Hello Love Tour this winter.  And the results have defied logic and the climate of the day.

As of this post, you have responded to the cause of wedding worship and action and we have passed the half-way point in reaching our million dollar goal!!  The current total, $503, 253, reflects the promise of a God who does not discount the plight of the poor and draws near to the brokenhearted.  The money given to date is already on it’s way to our partner causes, working to bring change right now.

Thank you so much for helping us get to this point and carrying the vision forward as we invite others to join us on the journey.  While most cannot do it all, all of us can do something to make a huge difference in the lives of people around the world.  We’re half way to amazing, but in truth, it’s pretty amazing already!

Because everyone of us matters to God,

Louie

Well, last week we asked the question, “How many people can we gather around computers for our 2010 webcast in 5 days?”  The answer: a lot!

Last night we hosted the Passion Twenty Ten Live Launch from the Passion House [a packed PH I might add, as we had students from Clemson, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Georgia and Alabama], a night of worship and prayer that united students from around the globe.  Amazing!

We are still getting final results, but we know students were with us in Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Malaysia, China, Puerto Rico, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Mauritius, The Philippines, The Netherlands, France, Japan, Korea, Turkey, Norway, Switzerland, Italy, Singapore, Indonesia, Colombia, Germany, and Ukraine….as well as states all across the USA!

Big groups were watching at Union University in TN, Florida Southern, North Florida, Grand Valley State, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, New York University, University of Western Sydney and University of British Columbia, as well as people coast to coast from schools like The University of Southern California, University of Montana, Boston College, MIT, Northeastern, Hofstra (NY), Arizona State University, University of Delaware, [The] Ohio State University and hundreds of others.  All in all over 1700 groups dialed in that we now about, all united as we prayed the same prayers and sang the same songs…one common faith in Jesus Christ to light our lives and the world around us.

Oh, and in the middle of it all we opened registration for Passion Twenty Ten, January 2-5, 2010, here in Atlanta, with a special $99 rate for the first 1000 people.  Well, that lasted all of seven minutes and eight seconds!  Pretty crazy!  As of now, less than 24 hours later, over 1800 people have staked their place in Atlanta for this gathering of the students of the world.  Once again, wow.

Just a few of the comments we’ve received:

One of my roomies and I are watching this. We are both in leadership in our collegiate church plant here in Boston.  I first heard the Lord calling me to missions @ Passion in Fort Worth 1999.  I told my mom I was going to be a missionary… she said no way & I had to graduate. I was at Texas A&M University. The Lord continued to encourage me through Passion & One Day @ Shelby Farms throughout college. Long story… the Lord has called me to missions but has continued to keep me in the states. Passion 05 in Nashville, the Lord began to call many of our hearts to move to Boston.   Our communities have grown and multiplied….praise God.  Please pray for truth in Boston & New England, for revival in the hearts of all here. That they come to know Him, to truly know Him – the CREATOR, the FORGIVER, the REDEEMER, the LOVER, the FATHER, the HEALER & the RESTORER of all.  Please continue to pray for men & women of God to plant their lives here, especially men, we have way more women. I know we all get discouraged, but as you prayed earlier…Louie my roomie and I were sitting here with our hands in the air… for even encouragement for our own hearts.

…really feeling the power of God and His presence is in this room while watching the video cast!  from Seattle

WOW!!! While I was actually sitting alone at my school, it didn’t take long before I felt like I was in the Passion House worshiping and praying with you…and with everyone around the world!  from North Georgia

We’re sitting outside at the top of the Blue Mountains in Sydney, getting wireless from the campsite we’re at…worshiping Jesus and praying for the nations.  We’re here at our university campus Christian group’s planning conference to launch this year of service.  from outside Sydney, Australia

Such a cool night.  Such a growing wave for His renown!

Thanks for joining us.  We are for you all.  Go for it!

Louie

Today’s question: How many people can we gather around the world in 5 days from now?!?!

“Why?,” you ask!

Exactly.  Well, Passion Twenty Ten is less than eleven months away and registration opens with a LIVE LAUNCH webcast, Monday night, February 16, from 8:30-10:00 PM EST!  Streaming live from the Passion House in Alpharetta, GA, we will be hosting a concert of worship and prayer that we hope will unite students across the nation and around the world.

So, grab a few friends, plan a study break, gather around the computer and link together with other students as we celebrate all God has done and look forward to all that’s ahead. This is not going to be something to watch, but something you participate in as we worship and pray together!

In the midst of the LIVE LAUNCH we will open registration for Passion Twenty Ten, our next four-day national gathering, January 2-5, 2010 here in Atlanta.  AND, during the webcast, the cost for the first 1000 people to register is only $99 bucks!

We only have five days to make this happen, so please help us by letting everyone in your world know what’s going on.  To connect to the LIVE LAUNCH click here.  In a day or two you can check this page to test your connection.  OK, let’s go for it!

We hope to see some of you at Passion City Church this Sunday, and everyone via the web on Monday night!

Louie