It was an awe-inspiring, faith-building, life-changing experience, to be a part of Passion Conference 2012 early in January.  Hagar had been selected as one of five conference partners months ago.  We were told that if on-site donations reached their goal, they’d support a year’s care for 25 children from trafficking backgrounds.  Prior to the conference, I knew Hagar was fortunate to be a partner.  However, I had little idea what to expect flying to Atlanta.  I had no idea how fortunate we were.  Being in the midst of God’s work through 42,000 college students was an amazing experience.

We’ve posted a clip from CNN coverage on our website, but the footage doesn’t even come close to capturing the scene.  First, there was the energy and commitment and praise rocking the Georgia Dome, multiple times a day throughout the conference.  But the vision I’m hanging on to is this:  18 to 25-year-olds, twelve abreast, standing in a line that wound through the building and outside, at least several city blocks long.  The sight of thousands of them lined up in anticipation was one you needed to see to believe.

I had the pleasure of being the official ‘greeter’ to the throngs of students as they entered the donation space.   By the time they reached me, they may have already stood in line for more than an hour…packed tight, twelve abreast…But instead of being impatient or ornery, you could feel the anticipation and excitement building.  It was as if they were waiting to get a front seat at a general admission rock concert.  But, they were there to donate!  To give money to Hagar and the four other organizations!

I was so touched by the joy and the expressions of gratitude from so many of them:  they knew, without a doubt, that God was doing something special through them, and they were ecstatic.  When they walked past, many gave me high fives.  When I mentioned I represented Hagar, they cheered.  And, just as each one of the thousands passed my spot, they would catch their first glimpse of 55 volunteers and 55 computer terminals, all lined up to take their money.  They were anxious to get to the end of the line, as you might expect.  But they weren’t anxious because it was the end of the line, they were excited because the opportunity to transform broken lives was now within sight. 

In fundraising, we sometimes talk about how – through giving – the giver is transformed.  At Passion 2012, I saw that transformation happening, on thousands of students’ faces. 

Wow!  It was an awe-inspiring, faith-building thing to see.  And 25 children in Hagar’s care are the real winners.

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