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This past week, Jan 2-5 I had the opportunity to attend the Passion Conference in Atlanta Georgia! This was my second time to go, and man did GOD move!!! Although I could blog on and on about the incredible things that went on at the conference I want to highlight one particular event!
The theme of the week was Freedom and we learned their are 72 MILLION slaves in the world today. That's more than ever before in history..EVER!
To say the very least, I was floored and immediately interested to find out what could be done to bring these men, women, and boys and girls justice and taking it a step further... the GOSPEL!
Throughout the week 42,000 + college students participated in the "Do something now" center which was set up with facts about slavery, and ways to give money to certain organizations that serve the very purpose of bringing about freedom!
The goal to be raised was set to 1 Million dollars ( college students... you may think, yea right!)
The final total as of yesterday.... 3 million+ dollars ...WOW!!
The last night/day at Passion all 42,000 of us met on the International Plaza and on the streets (about 8 blocks back) and were each given a candle. At exactly 12 am on Jan 5, 2012 we lit all of our candles together as they lit the giant hand that you see in the pictures above!
This was the most incredible thing I have ever been a part of. To see so many lights held high with one purpose...to shine our light in this dark world for all to see that God is who says He is and will do what he promised He will do...
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,that the blind will see,that the oppressed will be set free,and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”Luke 4:18-19
The hand is made from several things that represent ways in which slavery exists:
Red Flags- Red light district ( Sex trafficking )
Coffee bags- (Men, women, boys and girls who are forced to work in factories)
Ornaments- same
Shoes-same
Socks-same
and the list goes on...
The hand is a monument designed to represent our stand for freedom, but it's more than a monument it symbolizes a movement! A movement that is not possible with man, but only through Christ!
CNN actually did a special on this...To check it out click on the link below!
The only words I know to share at this point is the lyrics of one of my favorite songs:
I see a generation
rising up to take their place
with selfless faith
selfless faith
I see a near revival
PRAYING as we stare and seek, we're on our knees
we're on our knees!!
-Hosanna (Hillsong)
Please be in prayer for these men and women and boys and girls who are suffering and are oppressed. We are a generation that must RISE UP and take our place. For we have been rescued, now its time for us to rescue!
There are so many other things to share, but I will save them for another time! Be looking for more updates soon!
P.S.If your heart is stirred by this PLEASE check out this website. It's one of many organizations that are pledging to do something now!
Believing freedom is near!
-Han
