Passion 2011 Atlanta

It is difficult to put into words my experience from the past few days volunteering at Passion 2011 in Atlanta. It's not because the speakers were so amazing but because the Holy Spirit overwhelmed people, including me. Here are a couple of take aways:

1. I used to think this (iY) generation was a bunch of self absorbed recluses, more concerned about the latest youtube clip or data phone than communicating with actual people in a social context. However, along with experiences with students at Covenant and at Passion I think there is some hope. Jesus means something to these kids. 22,000 students gave just over 1 million dollars in 3 days to various World Wide Ministries. Maybe this just means they are rich? Actually I know this is true but after talking with more than a few students I feel like there is more to their altruistic response than just monetary security.

2. I am old. Here is a short conversation I had with girl while selling message CD's / DVD's:

Girl: Are these all video?

Me: Actually, we have DVD's and CD's here so you can choose.

Girl: So is this audio or video? (Picking up CD of table)

Me: Yep, that's a CD...

(long pause)

Girl: So...you play it?

Me: Yeah (chuckle), it's an audio recording on a disc.

(Girl leaves as I stand shocked; glad we were not selling tapes)

3. Read Radical by David Platt. Today.

4. Jesus is all. What I mean by this is that there is nothing more important in this life than making the Biblical gospel and the name of Jesus known to as many people as possible. Nothing else even compares. If Jesus is who he says he is and we believe the Bible to be true, then everything else must fade to its proper place in line far below the pursuit of and dedication to Jesus. Mountains shake, knees bow, tongues confess, storms rise and fall, dead are raised and lives are eternally changed from ONE name alone: Jesus.

My immediate inclination of large churches and large Christian organizations is one of skepticism simply because of Matthew 7:14. However, God is big enough to use even unChristians to save "Christians." All in all I had a fantastic time and met some amazing people. I got to hear Piper speak and joined others is lifting high the name of Jesus. It was a much needed spiritual adrenaline shot going into this semester.