Passion Blog: Bus Ridin'

Right now, I am on a bus in the middle of no where, Georgia with a bunch of people I don't know to go somewhere I've never been. Sound crazy? I agree.

I am accompanied by several friends, and a bunch of other college-age people I don't know, on this bus on my way to Atlanta, for Passion 2011. Passion is a huge conference full of well-known speakers and musicians, all praising and worshiping and learning and teaching about the amazing God that created us. The event is focused on college-age people, and the goal is to help teach and set a fire in the hearts of this generation.

This is my first year that I am old enough to attend, and I couldn't be more excited. I can't imagine the experience of 20,000+ students praising God and worshipping their Creator. I'll be keeping you updated on the events of this weekend, and try to convey the amazing experience I will be sharing with so many other young believers.

I ask that you pray for those of us attending, as well as the speakers, musicians, and volunteers at Passion 2011. Let's pray that a revolution is started this weekend in Atlanta, and that a wave of God's love and truth sweeps out of Georgia to the rest of the United States and the world. I pray that God makes himself palpably present in that place, and that our hearts be consumed by Him. Talk to y'all soon! :)

Country of the Day: Canada

Today's country is a more familiar one for my American readers: Canada. Canada is vastly different from the African and Asian countries I've profiled the last few days.

Canada is around 70% Christian, in a nation of 33,759,742. That's a lot of believers! However, we cannot overlook the non-Christians of Canada. Around 2% are Muslim, but the big thing is the amount of non-religious people. This is the first time we have seen this in a Country of the Day nation. About 16% of Canada is not religious, and this is a lot of people.

Join with me in prayer for the lost people of Canada, as those are the people that need our prayers most of all. But let's not forget the 70% of Canada that professes to know Jesus. Let's pray that Canada's Christians join together, feel a desire to spread the Word, and express the love of Christ.

For more info on Canada, go to

Country of the Day: Cameroon

Cameroon is a West African nation, not far from Burkina Faso, where we were the other day. They are wrecked by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, as they rank 14th in deaths from the horrible virus. They have other health concerns, as well as a lack of money, as 48% of the nation falls below the poverty line.

As far as their spiritual health, they are better than some. 40% of the nation claim to be Christian, which is a lot of people. However, in a nation of 19,294,149 people, 60% being not saved means a lot of people headed to Hell if something doesn't change. 40% practice indigenous belief systems, and 20% are Muslim.

Let's pray for the physical healing of Cameroon, and that the HIV/AIDS epidemic can be stopped. Also, let's pray for the lost souls of Cameroon, and that their eyes be opened to the hope of Jesus Christ. Pray that the needs of the people are met, and that the Christians be set on fire for Christ.

For more information on Cameroon, go to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cm.html

Thought from the Retro Bible: Evangelize. There's No Excuse.

"13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." -Acts 4:13, NIV

Lots of people like to use this excuse as to why they don't tell people about Jesus: "I'm just a regular person. I don't know anything theological." Peter and John weren't theologians; they were fisherman, just your everyday blue-collar workers. That's what makes their ministry so great, as only God could have empowered them to speak, heal and minister like they did (paraphrased from Revolution: The Bible for Teen Guys).

Are you making excuses? Everybody is capable of telling the Good News of Jesus Christ. Go do it.

Country of the Day: Cambodia

Cambodia is an East Asian nation, located next to Thailand and Vietnam. It is not in a horrific state economically, but there are still 31% of the people living below the poverty line. This is another country ravaged by disease, as they are recent victims of the feared avian (bird) flu. Also, they suffer from high amounts of bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria.

The biggest concern for Cambodia, however, is their lack of the Gospel. Over 96% of their population of 14,453,680 are Buddhist, with another 2.1% being Muslim. Do the math, and that's a quick 14,236,874 people without the Gospel. To put it in perspective, that second number is larger than the population of both New York, New York and Los Angeles, California...combined. That's a staggering amount of lost people. As a side note, CIA World Factbook states that there is another 1.5% of other religions/unspecified religions. So, out of that 1.5%, there are probably a small number of Christians.

Let's pray first, for the Christians in Cambodia. We have no idea how many there may be. Let's just pray that they stay true to the Word, as they have a lot of negative influence around them. Also, let's pray for the entire nation of Cambodia: for medical help, physical healing, economic healing, and most of all, spiritual healing.

For more information on Cambodia, go to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cb.html

Thought from the Retro Bible: Team Captain

"15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”" -John 21:15-18, NIV

The Lord is a master recycler. He can make something new and useful out of something that seems broken or used up. Just ask Peter. No matter how bad you've failed, Jesus offers you the promise of forgiveness and a bright future (Direct from Revolution, The Bible for Teen Guys).

Yesterday, we looked at Peter being a choke artist. The game was on the line and Peter air-balled. He struck out. But Jesus gave Peter another chance to hit the game winner. Isn't that great? If we miss the shot, the coach will still put us in with the game on the line. All we are asked is that we honor Him.

Jesus loves you. All He asks is that you believe in Him and return the love. So, will you step up?

Thought From the Retro Bible: Choke Artist

"27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow." -John 18:27, NIV

Yeah, Peter screwed up here. It's not everyday that you deny knowing who Jesus is THREE times (hopefully never!). It was a major choke. But this wasn't the end of Peter. Jesus forgave him, and he became the man Jesus trusted most in building up what would be the Church.

Did you do something really stupid? Do you continue to do the same really stupid thing? Remember Peter: there's always redemption through Christ.

Today's Thought from the Retro Bible was paraphrased from Revolution: The Bible for Teen Guys.