There was no better way to ring in the New Year than being with 65,000 other young adults joining in worship. Passion 2020, which started on New Years Eve and went through the first couple of days of the New Year, was truly one of the coolest experiences I have ever been a part of!
We arrived in Mercedes Benz Stadium the evening of NYE with eager anticipation of how the night would go. People slowly trickled in, and by the time it started, every single seat was filled. Powerful messages were delivered that night, and incredible worship occurred. Seeing hands lifted and praise going up as the clock struck midnight was so moving.
One of the coolest aspects of the gathering was that each person was given a bracelet that would light up during different songs and at certain moments, and seeing the stadium light up throughout the weekend was spectacular.
I continually kept thinking it couldn’t get better, and then it continually would. Everyone had been eagerly waiting and hoping that the roof of the stadium would be opened at some point. We later found out that there had been technical problems with the system, and it just pretty abruptly opened without the performers onstage knowing it was going to happen. Kari Jobe seemed really emotional as she sang which seemed odd at the time, but her Instagram post later revealed that she had super specifically prayed Acts 2:2 which reads, “Suddenly there came a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” Everyone’s hair was blowing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit was undeniably present in that stadium. It was one of the most powerful things I have ever seen!
A huge part of what made this experience so special was going with an incredible church family. I have attended and served at Pinelake Church since my freshman year, and the deep friendships I have made are truly irreplaceable. Sharing in that weekend with them helped us all grow closer and also deeper in our faith, and having each other to lean on and grow together after made it even better. I am so grateful for all of them!
Levi Lusko spoke about the Roaring 20’s and used parallels from a century ago along with biblical teachings. It was one of the best sermons I have ever heard, and I pray that the Lion of Judah continues to roar throughout this decade of the new 20’s!
One aspect of the conference that was so special was a fundraising effort that we took part in. We were able to make contributions to Bible translations being done in parts of the world that have 0 access to scripture, and together we raised more than $1.2 million. It was unreal and so special to be a part of!
It was such a special experience, and seeing God move through so many young people to create a revived generation was so humbling. I am so grateful I was able to make the trip to Atlanta for this conference!
