Attendees at the Passion 07 conference that concluded last week in Atlanta were challenged to make a global impact. Responding to the event’s theme, Do Something Now, the more than 23,000 young adults exceeded organizers’ goal of raising $500,000 by contributing $700,000 toward various global initiatives. The sponsored projects include digging 38 wells in Africa, building a freedom center in northern Iraq, translating the New Testament into the language of the Dela and Rikou people of Indonesia, and sponsoring 100 life-changing surgeries for children. “Colossians 1:6 says, ‘All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit,’” Passion Conferences founder-director Louie Giglio told the crowd. “The same changing power in your lives is working all over the world. This gospel is bearing fruit and growing, and we can see that in what you’ve done through the Do Something Now campaign.” Drawing participants from all 50 states and 33 nations, Passion 07 assembled such speakers as John Piper and Beth Moore, and several worship artists, including Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Charlie Hall and Matt Redman. Giglio said Passion is planning to host smaller gatherings in cities around the U.S. this fall and early winter of 2008. Next year he said the conference will go international, touring 20 cities in 15 countries.
