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Monday, December 31, 2007

Missing Passion?

While it has been a quite enjoyable Christmas without the weight of a massive conference hanging over our heads (something, to be honest, we were all looking forward to all year), now that New Year's Eve has arrived I'm missing Passion (a lot) and guessing a bunch of you are, too. It's going to be a little strange going through this week without having tens of thousands of our friends around, mass lunches on the streets, that heart-stopping roar and the joy of spending the first part of the year thinking together about making Jesus famous with our lives. And while we all know we don't need Passion to make our lives count for Him, I still miss it...and in a weird way we all are not sure what to do without it during the next few days.

As well, today makes us especially grateful for the hundreds of volunteers and Team Leads who make Passion possible. While most of you attenders were getting ready for a big New Year's celebration at this time last year, our volunteers were checking in for Passion 07 and already hard at work getting ready for your arrival. So to all of our fabulous volunteers...celebrate, enjoy and thank you so much!! We love you!

And to students everywhere, we want you to know we are thinking about you and looking forward to the time we can be together again soon. Pop in a Passion CD or message, think about Doing Something Now, shoot a text to someone in your Family Group, journal about what God did last year and has done in your life since, surrender all over again today, put your everything in His hands for His renown, remember....we don't need an event for any of these!

Happy New Year!!
LG

posted by 268gen at 11:49 AM

43 Comments:

  • the passion movement rocks!

    By Blogger philahne, at 12/31/2007 12:38 PM  

  • wow, it sure does feel weird. i left exactly one year ago today to go to Passion07...we all crammed in 2 big vans, and left Springfield, Mass for Atlanta, Georgia...i had no idea what to expect, but i just remember being stunned the very first night...the message where you cut the flower..the symbolism was incredible..and then ct followed it up with Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)...

    i'm sure gonna miss the huge conference this year, but it's okay...God is bringing His Name all over the world to places where people need Him.

    hope passion returns to the US for a 4 day soon! God bless!

    Happy new year, louie and passion team!

    ..p.s. when is the new cd supposed to drop?..

    By Blogger Joe, at 12/31/2007 2:28 PM  

  • Hey Louie, Hope you had a good christmas! This time last year three of us were sitting in a very noisey super8 hotel (no1 warned us they were so mad!)in downtown atl, tird from the flight from Northern Ireland... Anyway, heres looking to 2008 with the same anticipation we had then, except this time we will be hoping to make the much shorter trip to London UK!
    Heres to 2008 and to the vison of passion for the Global reknown.... we Love what you stand for.

    In Him

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/31/2007 2:40 PM  

  • podcast! podcast!!!

    i wish it was time for Passion again but in due time. looking forward to 08 should be a doozie

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/31/2007 3:24 PM  

  • i laughed when i saw your post b/c i was blogging this morning myself about my year this year and as i looked back, Passion really set the tone for my whole year. 2007 was a bittersweet year full of change, loss, progress and grace for me and being challenged the first four days of the year to "Think.Go.Live.Be." really changed me and how i approached things...

    i wish '08 could start the same way, to encourage me to keep on fighting, but i'm looking forward to April and the dynamite experience it's going to be!

    Happy New Year to y'all and see you soon!!

    By Blogger Kate, at 12/31/2007 4:23 PM  

  • I've had the feeling for about a week now. It would be so awesome to be at Passion getting ready to see the students piling in and seeing their smiling faces and feeling the excited energy knowing that God is about to show up and change us all!

    I praise God for Passion, for Louie, and for the 268 Generation. God has used you to change my life which has changed the lives of my wife and children.

    We begin seminary this next year at DTS and hopefully will volunteer at the regional in Dallas and/or Atlanta.

    To God be the glory!

    By Blogger wonderingfellow, at 12/31/2007 5:19 PM  

  • I totally relate to feeling the absence of the Passion activity as the new year rolls in...I volunteered last year in Atlanta and the year before in Nashville. It was an amazing way to begin the new year. I'll be volunteering in D.C., but I was reminded often these past several days to pray for the students who have been impacted for Christ through Passion and those who have yet to be impacted as I recalled some of the incredible things God did at each of those events. I look forward to seeing what He has ahead and to being a part of it!

    All God's Best to you, Louie and the Passion team,
    Darci in FL

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/31/2007 5:47 PM  

  • I.
    HAVE.
    BEEN.
    SLIDING.
    IN.
    THE.
    NEWS OF PASSION.
    IN ALMOST EVERY.
    CONVERSATION.
    I HAVE HAD WITH MY FRIENDS!!!

    I have been waiting for Passion to come to the LA area ever since a friend of mine played in the one over in Georgia. He would share with me the devotions he would do with some of the bands there and try to explain the incredible movement which really is...well, inexplicable.

    I hope to meet you.
    I probably had the chance to at Rock Harbor, but for some reason...didn't? I sat smack in the center right in front of you and soaked in every word.

    By Blogger Michelle S. Kim, at 12/31/2007 8:48 PM  

  • amen.

    By Blogger '09 Ukraine Orphan Care Trip Team, at 12/31/2007 9:46 PM  

  • Louie - For the past three years, I have been on my way to Passion at this time. It is weird for me not having the Passion conference to go to right after Christmas. I am missing it right now.
    I will see you guys in April in Atlanta. I love what you guys are doing. And even though I am in the Passion age range, I hope to volunteer overseas with you guys in '08!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/31/2007 9:55 PM  

  • I've been at Passion for the past 3 years and I feel lost not being there this year. I miss it SO much too. It's good to know I'm not the only one out there feeling just a little down tonight. Passion always cured my "after Christmas blues". Though I know that I don't need Passion to make my life count for Him, it's been a good reminder the last three years of what he's done for me and what my purpose is here on earth. And I will probably spend my New Years with Dick Clark in my living room followed by a Passion talk :) I wish you and all of the Passion team a Happy New Year! I'm excited to see what God does with the Passion team in 2008 - I'll be seeing you in a few months in April!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/31/2007 9:58 PM  

  • Thank you Louie, shelly and the passion team .....

    God spoke through you all to make 2007 a memorable year for me (first time ever getting involved in the Passion movment as a volunteer)! God has done amazing things in my life since Jan. and Thirsty 07. God has sparked new dreams and passions for Him as well as brought healing in certain areas of my life and continues to help with the pain of life and help me celebrate the good times as well !! It is all for Him.

    This is my Desire to be used by
    You (Jesus).... Jeremy Camp !!

    See you soon...

    To God be the Glory,
    Angela

    By Blogger Unknown, at 12/31/2007 10:00 PM  

  • Oh yeah, forgot to wish you a Happy New Year and God Bless !!

    By Blogger Unknown, at 12/31/2007 10:01 PM  

  • This comment has been removed by the author.

    By Blogger gail, at 12/31/2007 10:47 PM  

  • It was 107f here in Melbourne on New Year Eve and half a world away from wintery Atlanta and I couldn’t help but think back to last year's NYE and my son and I helping setting up at the G.W.C.C. I feel so very, very privileged to have been able to volunteer at Passion '07 and so thankful to God for the opportunity for my son to experience Him working in his life at Passion.

    Being part of the Kneel prayer journey I was so very special. It was great to talk with the students, see their passion for Jesus and His renown in their lives. Praying with them as they surrendered things in their lives to the Lordship of Christ was an honour and very humbling.

    I continue to pray daily that each young person surrenders to Jesus and lives for Him. As Louie says here " surrender all over again today, put your everything in His hands for His renown, remember....we don't need an event for any of these! "

    Live gloriously for Him in 2008 !

    By Blogger gail, at 12/31/2007 10:50 PM  

  • so much has happened in 2007 - i cant believe it's 2008! (well.. almost 2008) :)
    Thanks, Louie, for all the ways God has used you this year in my life and in so many others lives.

    2008 is going to be amazing...
    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12/31/2007 11:41 PM  

  • HAPPY NEW YEAR, Louie and the Passion Team! Yes, my brother and I have somewhat hit the "Post- Passion" dilema all over again in the absence of no major gathering going on tommorrow, but we are so pumped about what all God has in store for 2008! And you will be happy to know, that just now, immediately after counting down and toasting our tumblers of welch's bubbling grape juice to the New Year, my brother brought out his guitar and the first song we sang this year was "Joyous Light". It's how he and I brought in last year- in the midst of packing for Passion, and so now I guess it's a tradition :) So even though we can't all be together tommorrow, we are all still united in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. So once again, many blessings for 2008 and HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D

    By Blogger Aslan's Girl, at 1/01/2008 12:32 AM  

  • I can hear the roar!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/01/2008 10:55 AM  

  • I can hardly believe it has been a year since Passion 07. It was my first Passion Conference and can honestly say it changed my life. For the first time I learned what it means to truly have a relationship with Christ. So to the entire Passion team thanks for all you do.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/01/2008 1:16 PM  

  • thanks Louie for loving God and sharing Him so. I was so glad to listen both your sermons on suffering today.

    Awesome way to start 2008, making much of God in my life right now.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/01/2008 3:04 PM  

  • that first paragraph couldn't put my heart in better words. being in the presence of God with all you wonderful people does something to my spirit i can't explain. a treasured joy for sure. i wish i could thank you guys face to face for the way you challenge and encourage us as you move right along loving Jesus but i guess i'll have to settle for the blog. to say the very least, thank you for serving Jesus and making Him the only thing worth living for. see yall in the big D.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/01/2008 3:57 PM  

  • hey you guys should put the Passion07 streams up again for a few days! haha

    By Blogger Joe, at 1/01/2008 9:14 PM  

  • Louie,

    I would much rather be at a Passion event right now than in the Sandbox. I've been blessed and humbled to be involved since the first Austin event. I've got great memories of serving with old friends and making new ones. More importantly, Passion has stood as a constant reminder of His love.

    Thanks for letting me: tear down sound systems, drive trucks, pick up the mail, serve as Tague's runner, stack boxes of water, stake out camp grounds, run registration, serve lunches, serve lunches and, ummm, serve lunches.

    Basim

    By Blogger Unknown, at 1/01/2008 11:49 PM  

  • Yes, definitely missing it all last night and today... Such a huge milestone marker...
    Just reconnected with my friend from London who I met at Passion a couple years ago while we were serving together as volunteers. From Texas to London and all around the world - it continues to blow me away to see the unity we have as the body of Christ!
    Can't wait to see all that God will do in 2008. Amazing times!

    Prayers for Passion and for this generation...

    By Blogger sandra r., at 1/02/2008 12:19 AM  

  • God is so faithful. I can remember my prayers for God to work in my life and my campus. The prayers I prayed at Passion last year-God answered them. I prayed for God to come alive on my hall, for lives to change, and broken people to be fixed, and it happened! God did it. He used me as a small part of the process and nothing could be sweeter. Praise Him!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/02/2008 12:42 AM  

  • I've been reflecting on Passion 07 from here in the south of England - I watched the stream on the internet last year. We've got a beautiful Amaryllis growing in our house, and every time I see it I remember Louie's talk from last year. Praying for Passion, praying for London in June, praying Isaiah 26.8.

    By Blogger Unknown, at 1/02/2008 7:27 AM  

  • January 1, 2008
    Mr. Giglio,
    This time last year I was in Atlanta, GA for four days of Passion 07. I could never tell anyone what was going through my mind while being at Passion because it was too big for me to grasp around my mind. I didn’t know what a Passion # anything was until I had gone to college. It wasn’t until my fourth year of college years that I finally decided that I was going to the next Passion conference. This happened to be Passion 07. If I were to be asked what Passion’s effect had on me I’m sure I still wouldn’t have an answer? Maybe I could answer it like this: The first time I walked into Phillips Arena I was blown away by how many people really came to worship God. I’ve never been around that many people who want to worship God in ways that I know how to worship Him. But then I think about the last night that I was in GA and everyone from Phillips Arena and the GWCC came together and we all walked outside in the streets to have worship, it had to be the most wonderful night ever to experience.
    The one thing that Passion 07 challenged me to do was the “Do Something Now”. Which my “Do something now”, was to work at a summer camp in Kentucky with disadvantage and behavioral kids. All the mission service projects from Passion, I felt that they weren’t really for me because I didn’t really want travel to the other side of the world. After Passion I didn’t know I was even going to be working at camp I thought I was going to have to work in a hot tiring warehouse all summer and be miserable. I don’t think I would have ever got my chance to work at a camp all summer long without the prayers from my friends.
    I want to thank you and everyone at Passion for all that you do. I want to say thank you for following your heart when God called you into College Student Ministry. Its people like you that we should have more of that can get a bunch of college students riled up about God. Thank you for your gift.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/02/2008 1:11 PM  

  • thanks Louie! We were thinking of our extended Passion family as we drove home thru Atlanta yesterday! We reminiced about who was singing or speaking, etc...it was fun! God has done great things in our students' lives and our lives as college minister (and wife) since Passion a year ago!
    SHINE!! :)
    Happy New 2008 Louie, Shelley and Passion Team!
    PS-we are counting the days till April!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/02/2008 2:32 PM  

  • ...still missing Passion!

    By Blogger '09 Ukraine Orphan Care Trip Team, at 1/03/2008 12:46 AM  

  • Happy New Year!! I'm thrilled and excited and looking forward on what God is going to do this year!!

    By Blogger Jacoline, at 1/03/2008 7:07 AM  

  • It brings me so much joy to think about last year...what a great week in my life! and father brought me out of SUCH a time of trial and to Passion. Thank you Lord. May we live by your grace from day to day, not conference to conference!

    By Blogger Lifted, at 1/03/2008 11:36 AM  

  • ps when are we looking at a release for the new passion cd? just thought i'd shoot that out there. no rush. just hoping!

    By Blogger Lifted, at 1/03/2008 11:38 AM  

  • Tonight was the night of the candlelight worship on the plaza! Amazing night!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/03/2008 12:24 PM  

  • I'm missing Passion a lot too. I changed a lot at Passion 07 and added to that change at Passion in Chicago. At Passion 07 I got forced out of my shell and my comfort zone and I haven't been back since:>)I'm a leader in my Singles group and they can attest to the change. I haven't stopped talking since:>)
    Thanks so much for going where God leads.

    By Blogger Rachel Gardner Potography, at 1/03/2008 1:50 PM  

  • That is so true. Yes, I miss it, Passion 07 one year ago, wow! I was just thinking about how Passion set the tone for 2007.It is awesome Passion will be around the world, but it would be amazing to have a 4-day one big together again!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/03/2008 4:04 PM  

  • I am so excited and expectant for what the Lord will do in LA. I have never been to a passion event before, since my first chance to go was last year, and I'm over here in California. Thank you so much for bringing passion closer. I had no idea last year, watching the online stream, that I would ever be able to go to a passion event. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/04/2008 4:22 AM  

  • It's funny, my husband and i were just talking about 722 and passion last night with some friends of ours. My husband remembered a couple of years back in youth group how a group of sat on our lap tops watching the series Life Interrupted ( i think that's what it was) and how cool it was that everyone was given a cd and were asked to go back outside to their cars and when they heard a voice in the speakers they were all asked to put the cd in and listen to the message. You guys are so creative.
    And then my husband and i remembered going to Passion on our honeymoon. We were still in college, well, im still in college and it was just awesome. Listening to Beth speak to a whole room of young women and listening to John Piper. Just great. That was the beginning of '05. We really have missed going to the conference but we did watch each year on dvd or our computer...So, just to say it's an awesome opening to a new year..and i know alot of people miss, hope it starts again..but thank you for passion and for serving God so wholeheartedly.

    By Blogger Marcy Ribeiro, at 1/04/2008 2:14 PM  

  • Hey there all, Im so over the moon that passion is finally coming to Johannesburg SA !!! cant wait and im not even a student...only a mom of one but no matter still young at heart-hope to meet you all.We need a movement like this here for our younger ones to ignite the fire even more for our Father...How great is Our God yeah

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/04/2008 3:08 PM  

  • i wasnt at passion 07 but i watched all the streams... was fortunate enough to make it to chicago and i am heading to DC... God is so amazing! thanks louie and all the passion peeps for all your hard work and dedication, and for believing that our generation is worth it!

    PASSION: GOD OF THIS CITY
    http://www.familychristian.com/shop/product.asp?prodID=55571

    By Blogger TRACE.FACE PHOTOS, at 1/06/2008 1:25 AM  

  • It is interesting how our minds and thought play out.... I was just thinking today during church...last year this time I was on my way home from passion 07. Oh how I miss it.

    So I decided it has been a few months since I checked out the blog, and now I find myself here missing passion but thankful for the motivation, courage, and strength it has brought to my life and especially my walk with Christ.

    In 2006 I felt God calling me to overseas work while I was at passion... I still being in college at the time dismissed the thoughts for another year ....thinking that it was just me and not Gods call....then last year I found myself back at passion 2007....Go.Tell.Do

    I left passion 07 with the thoughts of I don't know where I am going....when I am going....but I know who I am going with.....

    Well I Just wanted to update the passion gang...... I now know where I am going....when I am going...and who I am going with....

    I leave in June 08 for Liberia :) woo hooo

    I am so excited...it was been a lot of work up to this point...and with lots of fundraising to be completed yet I anticipate a lot more.....but I can't wait to love the people of Liberia in Jesus name.....I pray for the people who I will be in contact with that Jesus can shine through me to them......

    Thank you passion for shining Gods light to my generation.....and although I have been missing it this year.... I am more excited about the lives that are going to be impacted for Christ through Passion all over the world....

    I hope to someday attend another passion conference in the US (next time I will have to be a volunteer...because I am getting old and slowly slipping away from the college age :(). I loved COLLEGE!

    To God be the Glory and Honor ALWAYS!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/06/2008 2:45 PM  

  • "...think about Doing Something Now, shoot a text to someone in your Family Group, journal about what God did last year and has done in your life since, surrender all over again today..."

    I just wrote a post about this very thing. Before Passion 07, I had never heard of The Seed Company or OneVerse and now I will be volunteering with them as a writer.

    I loved volunteering at P07 and think about all the students of the silver community group now and again. While this year ended on a tragic note for me, I think — like others have mentioned — those four days in Atlanta set the tone and reminded me that no matter how dark it gets the Light still shines!

    By Blogger Tammie, at 1/09/2008 11:42 AM  

  • Oh, and Darci in FL ... I think I was a volunteer with you hanging out in a hotel in Vandy at Passion 06 to greet students. I'll be in DC and it would be great to see you. Stop by my blog and leave a note!

    By Blogger Tammie, at 1/09/2008 11:44 AM  

  • ppAre you coming to Dubai? It was on the schedule and now it is not. We were planning to fly in for it. Any chance you will come? We would love it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/31/2008 10:32 AM  

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