So I just attended a 4-day conference in Atlanta called Passion 2010. It was from Jan. 2-5 and I went with some friends from Ontario (we drove down). In attendance were around 21,000 university students from all around the world, and it was cool to worship with such a large group of 18-25 year olds. David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and Hillsong United were some of the worship leaders during the conference. My favourite part of these few days was exploring the "Do It Now" area, which was meant to raise awareness for ten different causes around the world. In total, 21,000 "ramen-eating university students" raised well over $660,000 for these causes, and an adult couple decided to match our entire donation. It was incredible. If you're interested in any of these causes, continue reading below and check out their websites.
- BLOOD:WATER MISSION: Clean water for African villages. 2 billion people throughout the world still do not have access to clean water.
- Watoto: Hope and homes for former child soldiers in Gulu (northern Uganda). Because many of these children have no family to return to, Watoto is working to provide permanent housing and restoration for 40 of these children.
- Not For Sale: Around the world, 27 million people are enslaved today. Join the movement of modern-day abolitionists who are working to stop women and children from being sold into sex trafficking and other forms of slavery. Together, we can end slavery in our lifetime.
- Africa Renewal: as a result of Africa's longest-running war, thousands of people in northern Uganda have been living in IDP (refugee/displacement) camps -- where the conditions are deplorable. This organisation is working to build villages to resettle as many Ugandans as possible.
- Make Trade Fair: Millions of people in poor countries are losing out because the rules controlling trade heavily favour the rich nations that set the rules. Oxfam International works to raise awareness about "fair trade" and help consumers make informed decisions. Let's work to help -- not hurt -- our neighbours overseas.
- World Vision: A Christian humanitarian aid organisation. Sponsor a child or learn about their work in disaster response (think about the recent earthquake in Haiti!), economic development, agriculture, education and literacy.
- Gobena Coffee: Love coffee? Buy high-quality, fair trade coffee from around the world. The best thing about it? 100% of the profits are being reinvested in the lives of orphan children through charity programs.
- The Seed Company: Over 2,000 people groups do not have the Bible in their native language. Help fund the multi-year process of translating the New Testament for people groups worldwide.
If you're interested in learning about modern-day slavery, there are two quick (<2 mins) videos you can watch: First Video. Second Video.
