Two weeks ago, I had the awesome opportunity to attend the Passion Tour 2017 at Central Baptist Church in College Station, Texas. I have never attended a Passion Conference, so when I heard that Louie Giglio and Passion music was coming to Aggieland, I knew it was an opportunity I simply could not pass up.

I heard about Passion and started listening to their music my freshman year of college. I also had many college friends who attended the 2017 Passion Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Passion aims to spark a spiritual awakening in young adults ages 18-25 and spread the message of Jesus to every college student in the nation and world. Their mission revolves around the verse Isaiah 26:8 - “While following in Your ways, O Lord, we have waited for You. To remember You and Your name is the desire of our souls.”

What’s even more incredible is how Passion came to exist.

I recently heard a podcast with author, pastor, and founder of Passion, Louie Giglio, explaining how it all began.

Giglio was on a normal plane ride to Dallas, TX to attend a speaker conference, when what he describes as something “mystical” happened to him. While flipping through a magazine, killing time on his flight, Giglio said he zoned out and went somewhere else in his mind. God placed an image in his head - sea of college students, as far as you could see, on their knees, praying and worshiping the name of Jesus.

Little did Giglio know, this collegiate ministry vision would actually become a reality. It was the start of God’s plan for him to start the Passion movement and conference.

Fast forward to present day and now Passion has had 20 annual conferences, in various states and locations across the country. This past January marked the 20th passion conference and held at the Atlanta Georgia Dome. More than 55,000 college students from 90 different countries and all 50 states in America attended.

At the conference, students get to listen to many Christian speakers, pastors, and see various Christian artists- including artists of Passion music, Kristian Stanfill, Brett Younker, and Melodie Malone.

At the Central Baptist tour I attended, worship was led by Passion music. Giglio and pastor of Fresh Life Church, Levi Luska, each gave a message on overcoming hardships. It was very evident to see God's love and work at hand through the Passion team. That night was a small glimpse into the huge movement that is taking place through Passion. It was awesome to experience.

Giglio shared in the podcast that there are around 19 million college students in America. He said that according to a particular survey done every year, 80 percent of these college students say that they do not consider themselves born again through Christ.

Passion's goal is to reduce this percentage. To make the name of Jesus known on every collegiate campus in the nation and even the world. Giglio's obedience to God's vision and plan is a lesson for us all. No matter how big or unclear His calling is for our lives, we must pursue it wholeheartedly and with eyes focused intently on glorifying His kingdom.

Giglio's story reminds me of the story of Abraham in the Bible - "The Call of Abram".

"The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you." - Genesis 12:1

Abram (who would later be renamed Abraham by God) didn't know what God had planned for his future. He didn't even know where the land God had promised was located. Plus, he was told to leave his native country and family and go off into the unknown. God just told him one day to go.

Without any questioning, he listened to God.

"So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him." - Genesis 12:4

Talk about a leap of faith and unshakable faith and trust in God.

Just like Abraham, Louie Giglio had no clue what God had planned for him. And just like Abraham, Giglio listened to God's call. No matter how difficult or crazy it sounded.

God's kingdom is glorified and others will be blessed when we are obedient.

We must never quiet the call of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God wants to use you for the advancement of His kingdom. The visions and callings He places in our hearts are there for a reason.

To learn even more about Passion and their ministry you can visit their website at this URL: https://268generation.com/ and look up their music on Spotify. I also encourage you to check out Louie Giglio's books.