Jim's Around The World Tour Blog

Passion Sao Paulo is History!

2010-09-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

But, Passion Sao Paulo will never be forgotten, and the impact on this City and the kids will live throughout eternity. The Brazilian kids are the most exciting, exhuberant, passionate, I have seen on this entire Passion World Tour. If you are not singing or leading them in singing, they just start singing a song themselves. In line to come into Passion, they are in line chanting and singing and dancing. What a last night here in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
There is nothing like thousands of young people giving "all" they have to be what God wants them to be.

While they were singing the HOSANA song, the words always impact me, especially, "...break my heart for what breaks yours..." Is that true? When you sing that song, is that true in your heart? If not, it would be better if you did NOT sing it! It would be better to keep your mouth closed and not sing, if it is not true. So, what breaks God's heart? SIN! Does sin break your heart? It does God's. In fact, He can't stand it. He cannot stand to be around it. Is that how you feel?

Ok, back to Sao Paulo! We head home tonight, Sunday night and return on Monday, Labor Day in the States. So, talk to you all then and we will wait again until NOVEMBER when we got to Vancouver, CA.

Pictures for Sao Paulo may have to wait till I get home to ge added...stay tuned

Bienvedos Sao Paulo!

2010-09-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Portugese is the language in Sao Paulo and I am not sure I spelled everything correctly, but anyway we are here in Sao Paulo. We arrived at the venue in Sao Paulo, a 10 minute ride from the Hotel that took an "hour". Yes, with 22 million people in the city, what should be a 10 minute ride it took an hour to get here. Oh well, it was expected. The motorcycle drivers are still the craziest in the world. There are 6-7 deaths PER DAY of motorcycle riders. When there are white lines between the lanes...that is where every motorcycle rider goes racing through all the time. So, don't change lanes and don't open your door or you will have it torn off and a motorcycle attached to it.

We are in the largest indoor venue in Sao Paulo and it is SOLD OUT! We are expecting a large number of University students for the next 2 days and it will be crazy. I think in 2008 the Brazilian kids were the most excited and loudest in their worship and praise. As excitement builds and volunteers arrive we are preparing for a glorious time the next 2 days. Another good thing is that we have 300 volunteers signed up to help us plus another 100 or so venue personnel and security. So, we are looking forward to a great time of worship, praise and study here in Brazil.

More later with pictures.

Wake-Up BLOGGERS, Arrival in Sao Paulo, Brazil

2010-09-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

Just a short message for now, but we arrived in Sao Paulo, Brazil a few hours ago and what a City. Does not look lile it changed much since 2008, but it is a big crazy city. The venue is said to be packed out with University students. I will have more to say tomorrow and hopefully some pictures. Pretty tired right now, a long flight and no sleep on the plane.

Talk more later, be praying for the students and bands as they all prepare,

Back in the U.S.A.

2010-06-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I just landed in New Jersey from a long flight from Hong Kong. I had a few probelms with my camera and have not been able to post many of my pictures. I will do that and post again when I finally make it back to Austin late tonight or sometime tomorrow. I have a 5-hr. layover here in NJ before boarding a flight for Austin.

It has been an exciting tour and I have seen God working all over the world and am convinced that He has university students all over the world that have one purpose, "to make His name famous in their lives whatever it requires."

I will post again tomorrow with many more pictures.

Take Care,

For His Glory Alone!

Passion Hong Kong

2010-06-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

It may be hard to believe but Passion Hong Kong is underway! I had a day to recoup from the plane trip and had some time to see some of the sights and beautiful surroundings of this city. The people are friendly and excited about making Jesus Renown in this country.

As I watched them worship with tears of joy coming down their faces and worship like it meant everything to them. They prayed and worshipped LOUD and as I sit at the stage and look up into their faces I can see genuine love for who they sing to!

I do not know the impact and the trials they will face ahead of them, but I am confident of this one thing. The One they worshipped and sang to will be with them wherever they go and whatever they do. They were so hungry and thirsty for what they heard they did not want the night to stop and it went on for a "good" long time. There were many friends I remembered from 2008 and it was great to see them all again. There were many who came and followed us from Manila to come again. There were many who came hours and hours away from mainland China; Shang-hai, Bejing and other places throughout the country.

I can't describe the emotions I feel as I hear kids from every country sing and worship, but it brings tears to my eyes everytime. This night will be over and I will leave this country and this part of the tour with more encouragement and more people to pray for as I travel back home. There are many pictures to post and I will post again tomorrow after I can reflect on all that has happened.

"If God is for us...who can ever stop us! If God is for us who can be against us?"

What a song that Chris Tomlin has written and the words are fantastic!
Talk to you tomorrow or whatever day it is.

Hong Kong via New Jersey

2010-06-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

It is exciting to be headed to Hong Kong to see thousands of university students who have been patiently waiting for 4 weeks while Passion traveled to Kiev, UK, London, England, Tokyo, Japan and Manila, Philippines.
After a brief rest at home, I have arrived in New Jersey for a 4 hour layover before my plane takes off for Hong Kong. It will be a long flight and I hope to get some rest somewhere over the Pacific. My brother, Todd, is headed that way from Houston, via Detroit.
I met a guy, RICO, in Manila, who is a bulk of a man, who I plan on seeing again in HK. He was the Security contact in Manila and said he lives in Hong Kong and plans on being at the Passion event. He is not a believer, so pray for him and me as well as we talk.
I look forward to seeing the thousands of university students worship and listen to what God has to say to them through Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin and David Crowder.

How have you been doing? What is going on in your life? If you are reading this, somewhere along the line you have had some troubles, trials, pain and suffering. If you allow Him, that is the time you can and will grow closer to Him. The story of the prophet Habakuk I "briefly" blogged about earlier ends with the realization by the prophet that "no matter what" God is God and in control of everything. In spite of all the things going on in the world...God is in control and His plan will be done. He has already been there! Is your heart troubled? Is your life a mess? With that in mind if we can read and live the 4-word prayer that Jesus prayed in John 12:27-28..."Father, glorify thy name..." That is my prayer, that no matter what, "Father, glorify thy name."
I want my life to reflect His. We are so easily "distracted" in our day-to-day lives. We trust Him to Save us, but we don't trust Him to be involved in our day-to-day, hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute details. Things and people get in the way and make us angry and we forget WHO HE is!

WOW! I did not mean to preach or lecture. I do like to teach and read, but this is a blog about "making Him famous." That is what I want to do and why I take weeks of vacation away from home to travel around the world. I don't know how much time we have left, but it is a day shorter than it was yesterday.

I will be in the plane for next 20 hours or so and will arrive in HK sometime Thursday!?
No photos as of yet, so, stay tuned and take care.

"...End of the Rainbow...is Peace & Rest"

2010-05-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a whirlwind of activity the past 48 hours and I know I missed a lot of time in there somewhere with my flight back across time. I know I traveled about 20 hours in the air, yet got home on the same "date" that I left Manila. Pretty strange, but maybe that is where they get the saying..."how time flies."

The end of Passion events and the following days to get home all seem to come so fast with little time to catch your breath and do much of anything, especially blog. So, I apologize for being a few days about getting back here, but I literally had to "run" through the airport...in Atlanta to catch my flight. In fact, I was 1 minute from missing my flight from Atlanta to Austin as there were many things that seem to work against me on the last leg of my journey. But, suffice it to say, I made it and will try and catch a breath before going back out to the last part, until the fall, to Hong Kong in 5 days.

I had a comment in my last blog entry from a just one of the great friends I made in 2008 in Manila and it was great to seem them all again and it was hard to leave as well. But, the impact of Passion will never be known on the wave of what was and is being done in the youth of Manila.

Well, as I drove into Austin I could see what looked like a pretty severe thunderstorm to the West-Southwest of Austin, the direction I was going, and the closer I got to home I saw the storm had just passed. As I turned down my street just off the main road the most beautiful and big rainbow appeared in the sky and the closer I got to home, it looked like it was coming right from my lot. Well, I did not find any "pot of gold" at the end of the rainbow, but I did fine some peace and rest for a little while in knowing that the Creator of that rainbow is still in control of every part of our lives and everything that is going on in the world when it looks like it is going the wrong way. I have full confidence that He who controls the rainbow knows and controls everything that happens and even through pain and suffering He will make it to be "good" whether it feels like it or not.

I did find out another thing In Manila. The people of Manila love shopping malls. They are everywhere and where they are are a lot of people. The one picture on this entry is in the center of one of 5 malls that are attached together. It was a sight to see.

I may make another post here just before I leave for Hong Kong next Wednesday, so keep track and let me know if you want me to continue the journey as I have enjoyed writing a few things down throughout all this to hopefully give you a small glimpse of what is happening. I leave for Hong Kong Wednesday, June 2nd.

"A Thrilla in Manila"

2010-05-25T10:44:00.001-07:00

Some of you may be too young for the Title Line to mean anything, but the Passion Event was at the same venue as the Ali vs Frazier fight back in 1975...it was built in 1961 and has original paint and wood I think, but it is a domed stadium. The biggest in Asia at the time.

Anyway, "What A Night." It was truly spectacular and amazing to watch over 10,000 university students pack and rock the house. They did not stop singing and praising until well after 11pm local time and it is almost 2am as I type this blog. I do not know if that is dedication or stupidity on my part, but I can not go to sleep. It was wild and amazing from the start. They praised, prayed and listened intently and finally gave for the students in Hong Kong where we will be sometime next week...I think. I could not get over how amazing the kids were. They were very polite and all wanted their pictures with me as I stood at the front of the stage...like they thought I was someone important. Boy, were they mistaken. But, they did all say my picture would be all over Facebook in the Philippines. I am not sure what that will mean, but it was fun.

There was a slight hiccup as I was scheduled to get on a plane in a few hours from now to head back home...but, looks like I will be 24 hrs later as I need to stay another day to take care of a couple things from a security standpoint. At least that does mean I will get to sleep in tomor...I mean today...if I ever get to sleep.

The night is over, but I really cannot even express my feelings and emotions right now as their singing is still ringing in my ears and their smiling faces with eyes closed...oh well, look at some photos and try and place yourselves in my place.

Wake-Up Manila!

2010-05-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I was not sure I wanted to post or should post this blog with not much to say, except that we have just arrived in Manila...wide awake, and I am not sure why. It is, as I type, 1:00am here in Manila and we have just arrived to our rooms. A very nice hotel and a city that as we drove in from the airport had at least two huge neon signs at the top of some buildings; "JESUS alone SAVES" and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
I know it is a Muslim country, but there are a lot of Christians as well. The venue is already packed/sold out at 10,000+ university students!!! This is going to be wild and crazy! I can't wait!! 10k students!! Can you believe it?

The only other thing I want to mention...at this late hour...is the driving habits around the world. I know many of you have traveled around and have seen this, but for those who have not, it is wild and crazy in every country. I know and recall what Sao Paulo, Brazil is like from our tour there in 2008. The traffic and drivers, especially the motorcycle drivers are nuts! There are 5 deaths a day, motorcycle accidents, in Sao Paulo, Brazil and you would believe it if you saw it. Here in Manila, our driver from the airport was following our escort, which had red and blue emergency lights and a siren on, but no one paid any attention to us. Our driver kept his foot on the gas pedal and on the brake the entire 30 minute drive from the airport. Most of the time we could NOT read the license plate of the escort vehicle in front of us, going 50 miles per hour, because we were TOO CLOSE to read the license plate! That is the truth, no exaggeration. Anyway, just a slice of life around the world. Many places in the world the driving is the same. So, after careful consideration, U.S. drivers and even Texas drivers are not so bad after all. However, I have to say, it is thanks to GOOD POLICE OFFICERS in the states that I have to give credit too. I know you may not agree...if you have gotten a ticket before...but, thanks to enforcement of traffic laws, we are somewhat safer than most of these places I have been to.

More tomorrow with some photos of Manila. I may include a couple more from Tokyo with this blog so it is not so boring!

Sayanora Tokyo, Hello Manila

2010-05-22T16:40:00.001-07:00

After a good nights rest and some time to ponder all that has happened thus far it is still amazing what God has done and is doing in a country with so few professing Christians. It did not look like it last night to see and hear thousands praising Him and singing and dancing to Him. The venue people were touched and could not believe the respect and behavior of the young people. That always touches me. When people act "different" others see that and want to know what they have. THAT is the Gospel. Other people seeing JESUS in our lives and being so different from the world, they want to know what you have that they don't. How are you so peaceful in such a tough, tough world where there is so much pain and suffering. If you can live your life in such a way and do your job, whatever it is, so well, people want to know how you do it and what you have. There is the opportunity to share your faith. I can't tell you how many times as a police officer in Houston how many people would ask me, why am I so different from other police officers? Why are you always smiling and treat me with respect...even when you are arresting me? Many open doors and many opportunities to share my faith.

I hope this blog has encouraged you and given you a glimpse of the world of university students and the HOPE they have through Christ and their desire to make Him famous...no matter what. I always think of a lesson in Habakuk that I love to teach. Chapter 1 opens with the Prophet questioning God and asking where He is in all the wickedness in the world. God tells him that he is "going to do something that he would not believe it if someone told him." Habakuk does not like the answer he is given until God tells him the end result of the people He is going to use to judge Israel in Chapter 2. Chapter 2 also has that most famous verse we have all read in the NT "...the just shall live by their faith." The final chapter 3 ends with Habakuk receiving that hope and faith and coming to the most beautiful conclusion, "...no matter if the fig tree does not blossom, no matter if I have no food on the table (NO MATTER WHAT), I will serve you!" It is much better and much more powerful if you read it yourself, but what a journey the prophet took of questioning God and wondering where God is when all is wrong in the world and finding that, no matter what, God is still in control and has a plan. It is a beautiful story of hope and faith!
Read it today, it is a short book.

I find it bittersweet...again, as we are coming to the end of this whirlwind world tour in a few days. I know we have Manila, a few days off, Hong Kong and that will be it until the fall.

Talk to you again from Manila!

Passion Tokyo

2010-05-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

It is Saturday morning and we got up early to get to the venue in expectation of a swarm of college university students to arrive this evening. We are excited about them coming and hearing a word from God through worship and Louie Giglio from The Word. There is all the sushi you would want to eat...and sad to say, I don't like to eat! I am ready for some good American food again.

We just had a brief prayer meeting with some local church Leaders and volunteers who will help out with the logistics and serving the Japanese university students when they arrive.
One great thing I love about being a part of Passion is that it is always emphasized that we do not want the students to remember Passion when they leave, we just want them to remember JESUS and His fame and His glory. This was talked about with the local leaders and with all the volunteers before the event. I like the thought of that as it goes so well with scripture. "I must decrease and He must increase."

Just finished Passion...fantastic! The Tokyo kids were great and really excited to worship and hear the Word! I will put some photos and will blog and post some more maybe tomorrow before we leave for Manila. God is Great! He loves you...before you do anything!

A Free Day in Tokyo!

2010-05-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

I went wandering around the streets of Tokyo today and walked quite a ways to the Imperial Palace to take some photos of Japanese history. I thought for sure I would get lost as the street signs and everything is in Japanese. I finally made it, and back, and that is what the pictures are in this blog.
Some things I also noticed of this city and I mentioned it in 2008 when we were here. This is a "clean" city and the streets are free of potholes. The hr. long drive from the airport to downtown Tokyo was on pristine streets that was free of any holes. The city being so clean is even stranger when there are so few trash cans to be found anywhere. In talking to one Japanese person, they said that most Japanese carry their trash with them until they locate a trash dispenser. How unique!
There are young people everywhere! That is one of the requirements of how Passion decides where to go. There must be a large college university presence. They are no different than kids in America. I see them with their phones and they always seem to be texting. I can't wait to see them worship on Saturday night and lift up their voices to the Glorious One!
Chris Tomlin has a great new song out, "If God is for us, who can be against us"? It will be a great night and I look forward to what God will do.
More to come!

Hello TOKYO!

2010-05-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, this may be a shorter blog as we just arrived in Tokyo and I feel like I have missed a day. I plan on staying up so I can get accustomed to the time here and go to sleep at the normal time here in Japan.
But, here we are in Tokyo, considered an "unreached people group" as less than 1% are professing Christians. Yet, there is a wave of University students that want to change that.

We are getting ready to go visit the venue and get some ideas on what we need to prepare for and what we might encounter on Saturday night!

Ok, I have slept the night, worked out at the gym and had a good fruit breakfast and feel refreshed. My study this morning was back in Romans 8:28-39. Just reviewing the passage Louie and Frances Chan both talked with the students about in London.
Some points I have taken away from that passage:

We, as believers, are "predestined"...to be conformed to the image of His Son..."
This point takes more study and meditation as we contemplate how do we get there? Many times and the biggest change is through "suffering and pain". "If they rejected me, they will reject you also" (more study and meditation).

"If God is for us, who is against us" (No one)
"Who can condemn or bring a charge against us?" (No one)
"Christ is interceding for us...at the right hand of God" (right now)
"Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ?" (No one)
"We are more than conquerors"

There is one more awesome point I want to make, but perhaps another time. I have some things to do to prepare for the students Saturday night here in Tokyo. Sunday we travel to Manila for a Tuesday night event. I return home to Austin Wednesday and a week later will be in Hong Kong! We are 14 hours ahead of Austin, TX time so remember to pray for these events.

A picture of the kids in London worshipping; a picture of Louie giving the message and a shot of the city of Tokyo.

Good-Bye London - Here we come Tokyo!

2010-05-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it is the last night in London. Part of the team has gone on ahead and we will follow bright and early tomorrow morning! We fly to Paris and then board a flight to Tokyo...all depending on the volcanic ash. It has been a problem but has not prevented any of our people from getting out thus far.
I can't believe the first part of the tour is half over. We have done three events with one in Kiev and 2 in London! We have Tokyo, Manila...quick trip home for 5 days and a return to Hong Kong. That will do it until September when we go to Sao Paulo, Brazil and then Vancouver in November.

"The fields are white and ready for harvest...send laborers to the fields."

The field does not have to be overseas, more and more the fields are right there in our backyard in America. They are right there in your neighborhood, workplace, even your church!
Your life is but a vapor...and this is not your home!

Are you ready to "give what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose?"
Jim Elliott, Missionary to Quito, Ecuador, 1956

London-Off Day

2010-05-16T02:57:00.000-07:00

Well, we just got most of the crew off that heads back to the US...if the volcanic ash does not delay them. There is a possibility that the next couple of days the airport may be closed down. So, not much for me to do today except to rest up, see some more sights and post this blog. I will add some pictures I had that I did not post earlier. I also will attempt to post a few pictures of some of the artists from someone else' camera. I sit in front of the stage but have always taken pictures of the students and never the artists. So, maybe I can let you see who has played on the tour.

David Crowder Band, Kristian Standfill, Matt Redman and Kristy Nockles all went back to ATL today and only Chris Tomlin's band will go on to Tokyo. Ron Hood, those that know him, left and will head back to Austin today and I know he will be glad to be back home. Todd, will join me in Tokyo and for the remainder of the tour! See you in Tokyo Todd!

I did get to see the new Robin Hood movie here in London. That was a cool thing seeing the Towers of London on the screen and then seeing them the day before in real life and they say they were built in 1078. We think in U.S. that a building from the early 1900's is old. I am not sure we know what old is compared to buildings over here.
Well, if you know me you know I like Pizza. I have found a pizza place across from the hotel that serves great pizza! I think it is time...a little pizza, little shopping, little sight-seeing...then to work out. Then I think I have an appointment with the Her Majesty, The Queen!
Well, maybe not!

Christ says-I don't want some of your time & money, I want you. I've not come to torment your natural self but to kill it! CS Lewis

Passion London Day 2 OVER!

2010-05-15T17:07:00.001-07:00

What a day! It is 1:30am on Sunday morning as I just got back to my room as I decide to blog a bit. It was a fantastic evening. The big FA Football (soccer) Cup was next door and it was uneventful as far as any issues or problems with the 70k people there. I bought and wore the right jersey as Chelsea beat Portsmouth 1-nil for the England FA Cup!
The Worship, led by Waco, Texas' own David Crowder Band was powerful!

The message, I got to hear 95% of this one, led by Frances Chan was very, very powerful. It was challenging and it really moved me and I know it did the university students as well. There is no way I can even try and talk about it. I have to first process it all over again and again myself and maybe I can post some points here and there, but it will do no good. Some life-changing scripture, personal application, personal internal struggle and finally giving it all up...no matter what it takes I want to be Romans 8:29...no matter what!

I will hold off for now and post some more pictures and try again tomorrow. I have a couple days to relax here in London...and maybe longer. At least I do not fly out until Tuesday. The dozen or so flying out tomorrow-today, Sunday, including my friend, Ron Hood, have been told that London's Heathrow airport will shut down at 1PM Sunday afternoon because of the volcano ash...again. Their plane leaves at 1:20pm. They have called and been told their flight may be the last one out for a while. But, that can all change with the wind!

Tokyo-Manila-and home to Texas for a couple days and back to Hong Kong? I hope we do not have to go back through the volcanic ash!

Passion London Day 2

2010-05-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

Well, a late night last night, but we got to sleep in a little today since everything is set up at the arena already. The big football (soccer) match is on today next door to our arena with 70k supposed to be there. That is definitely a concern for traffic issues, but security wise we will be fine.
Well, those of you who don't know, Todd, my brother, was not able to make the first two cities of this journey, Kiev and London, and a friend from back in Austin, Ron Hood, was dragged along to fill-in. Well, he leaves tomorrow-Sunday morning and heads home and Todd will join me in Tokyo. Ron will be missed and I hope he goes back and tells everyone what he has seen, heard and learned. He has done a great job and I could not have done it without him. Maybe now he will be ready for Ft. Worth in April 1-3, 2011. I hope he can share with the Church of the Springs back in Dripping Springs about what he has seen.
Todd, Wahoo! will join me in Tokyo. I know he was sad he could not make it, but will be glad to see him in the Orient. Expecting big things there.

Well, if God is for us...there is no one and nothing who can stand against us...and since Christ is standing on the right hand of God "interceding" for us all the time...WHAT is there to worry or be anxious about? Does not mean we are perfect or will not have hard times. It just means that God can be Glorified through the results all the more. No matter the circumstances, no matter the pain. Sometimes, the "pain" can result in even more glorification for Him. Just look at the Cross!

God chose to be "for us", that is already done, before we chose or will choose to be "for Him."
Believe it! Live iT!

Passion London Day 1

2010-05-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well, the first day at Passion London is behind us and it was awesome! The worship was amazing to watch university students from all across Western Europe, including, Italy, France, Norway and other countries. There truly is a generation of students growing up with a Passion to make the name of Jesus famous! It was the first time in many Passion's that I was able to watch about 30 minutes of Louie's message. There were a lot of security on hand and the kids were great...again, so, no issues or concerns today. Tomorrow, is a big football (soccer) match directly adjacent to our arena where 70,000 "hoolligans" are expected and we just pray it does not spill over to our arena.

Louie's message was bold and directly from scripture...as always. IF God is for us...and He is, who can be against us? Romans 8 leave no escaping that fact! There is more to come but the kids response was amazing and loud. Another day awaits us tomorrow before we must head for our next adventure in Tokyo.

Passion London

2010-05-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

It is late Thursday night and I am trying to get a few hours of shut-eye before we start a long first day of Passion London tomorrow. Lobby call is 7am and the event ends at 11pm. The venue is about 45 minutes to an hours drive from the hotel. I am excited to get the event going and see what God can do. There is great expectation yet a sense of awe in that I know we, especially I, have nothing to give but all of myself. Which, I know is all He wants. I look forward to meeting and actually being able to talk-communicate with the kids and have always looked forward to that part of the events. It is late and I know I need the rest, but I think I will have a hard time getting to sleep. With a long day tomorrow, my post will most likely not be until sometime Saturday morning before the Saturday night event. So, thanks for reading if you are.
May God enrich you and keep you until that day!

More London Photos!

2010-05-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

A busy...for the new PM, but beautiful day here in London, England! There was little to do but rest up and take some photos of this beautiful city on the Thames River. There is a picture on me in front of #10 Downey Street (where British PM lives of course) as well as some photos in front of the Thames river and the British Parliment building. And, actually, if you look very close you can see where some of the movie "Fantastic Four" was filmed, I believe!

London Sights

2010-05-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Passion London event is 2 days away and we look forward to see what God will do with the students who show up. With the event being 2 days away that gave us some time to see some sights we normally do not have time to visit. I will post some pictures, though some of you may have been here or you can see these pictures better in a magazine I know. There is a lot going on with a new Prime Minister and there is a lot of traffic and commotion around the area. I am looking forward to Friday and Saturday nights here in London though I know it will be tiring.

Good-Night London!

2010-05-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I thought I was getting ready for bed! Then I started reading, praying and though this is a blog and I am not sure more than 2 people read it. it is kind of like my diary and I feel comfortable and safe here to write about what is going on in my life and what God has been doing in my life. It has been scary, yet free.
The past couple years, since Passion 2006-2007, God has confirmed and saturated my thoughts with one thing. Glorify Him...no matter what. No matter the circumstances, no matter how I feel. Stop worrying or even thinking about yourself and what you "want" but think of how your life can Glorify God...in every situation. Do not look for thanks, praise, in anything you do. I like that. I am not there yet, but it is getting easier. Not worrying about what you "want" and "truly" think of others first...always!
WOW! I have been reading another book, (I think I have read them all now) of one of my favorite authors, A.W. Tozer. That is always dangerous as he is so deep and direct.
Got to go for now!

Hello London!

2010-05-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

We arrived in London on...what day is it? It is Tuesday, I think, but not sure of the date. That seems to be the way it is every time I travel on the Passion tours. The days run together and I totally forget what day it is. But, we arrived in London and another historical moment followed us upon our arrival. The British Prime Minister resigned and a new one steps in his place. Our hotel is blocks from #10 Downey Street, Big Ben, and several other famous places I have never seen and will post. If I try and name them I will get them wrong and my ignorance might show.

We are scheduled for two Passion events here in London. I am excited to see what God will do, even if the crowd is smaller than planned. All He needs is one. One person to truly accept and give their life to Him to do what He wants to do. DL Moody said if only one person would totally devout their life to Him, they could turn the world upside down.

We have 3 days until the event, which is amazing in itself. I was pretty wiped out after Kiev and will need the time to rest up. Two days of 16 hours on your feet and little food can drain you. Not that it would hurt me. Ok for now, it is late Tuesday night, almost midnight, and I want to post a few more Kiev pictures until tomorrow when I can post some London photos.

Passion KIEV!

2010-05-10T22:59:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Kiev, UK on the 65th anniversary of Russia's victory in WWII over Germany and it was a big celebration of their freedom and victory. We watched the parade of soldiers and thousands lined the main street celebrating their freedom.
So, when Passion time comes, what does Louie talk about! FREEDOM and victory that cannot be taken away, and a Freedom that is FREE! The worship and message were powerful and a few photos never does it justice. In 2008 on the WT to KIEV, there were 4,000 university students. Last night there were 7,000 that filled the Sports Palace in Kiev. A wonderful sight to see!

We leave for London in a few hours and will have two events there, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Passion WT 2010 Kiev, UK

2010-05-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

How many will see this? How long has it been? I forgot my blog-site and password and had to have my "wonderful" niece take time away from her college FINALS to look for and send me my blog-site. Thank you Jennifer!

Passion WT 2010 is here and I am already in Kiev, UK. The event is tomorrow and we have been here for 3 days already! We are excited and expecting great things not because of what we are doing but because of what HE can do.

Louie shared a few moments thoughts with us tonight to prepare us for what God will do here and on the entire world tour the next 4 weeks. He said for God to something...anything, it is not hard for Him. He does not strain, He does not groan, He does not "think" He can do something if He tries hard enough. For God to do something...anything, it is like breathing. It is not hard for God to do "anything." We are not here to "get" anything, Passion is not here to get anything or to be built up. God does not need Passion. We are a tool He can use if we are willing. We just want to lift our sails and let God blow us where He wants.

I will send pictures and more blogs in the next day or tow. Tomorrow-Monday is EVENT day and will probably not have time to post. So, stand-by and I will update with more later.

Home Sweet Home!

2008-10-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is good to be home, but I know I will shortly be missing the excitement, the university students and all that come with traveling to different countries around the world. I need to relax and rest for sure. I got home to Austin/Dripping Springs, TX around 5pm on Wednesday afternoon. That Int'l Date Line still messes me up. I left Sydney, Australia at 2:45pm on Wednesday afternoon...and arrived in LAX at 9:45am Wednesday morning. Then I left LAX at about 12noon and arrived in Austin at 4:45pm Wednesday afternoon.

I will post a few more pictures and then "as requested" will continue the blog as a Jim's Blog and what is going on in my life. How exciting!?
I know I have had many, total of at least 50 that I know around the world following along on the blog, so thanks for your comments and emails. I will post every once in a while, so long for now.

jim

So Long From Down Under

2008-10-21T14:33:00.001-07:00

WOW! It has been a beautiful ride, even though it is a dreary day as I pack up my things and will be heading to the airport in a couple of hours. Todd gets to stay an extra day, but as for me, I am ready to go home, see my family...and go back to work!?
Well, Sydney did not disappoint as the final closing city of this World Tour. They pretty much packed the house and were singing and dancing from the start. There were about 9,000 or so in attendance. They did not want to leave and parts of us did not want them to leave either. They gave a huge offering for the World Tour and prayed "back" to Hong Kong and for their nation as well.
Since Louie said it from the stage, I guess it is no secret any longer. Passion plans on going to 5 more cities, internationally, next spring. So, if you feel led to take a vacation, watch the blog and come volunteer.
I will post some pictures maybe while I am at the airport or in the next 24 hours. Let me know if you want me to keep the blog going or do I end it for now. It has been fun and a great honor to be part of this 17 city world tour. I have met some great people I know I will never see this side of heaven. It is wonderful to know that I will see and know people of every race in heaven.
Time to pack up; thanks for the comments and your following along. I will post another blog from Texas.

Jim

Beautiful Sydney...For His Fame!

2008-10-20T04:28:00.000-07:00

Well, we took a quick venue visit and were then able to see some of the sights in beautiful Sydney. Todd will be here a couple extra days and I am sure will post some beautiful shots of the City and places I will not get to see as I leave Wednesday morning for LA and then home to Austin, TX.

As we prepare for this last Passion City on this 17 City World Tour it is beginning to sink in that we are closing this chapter out of our lives and will never know what God has/will do until we reach heaven. It has been quite extrordinary all we have seen and I am glad to have taken pictures as I forget the specifics about each city until I can look back and see the faces and locations we have been. But, as you read this, please be praying for Sydney and all of the cities and students that have heard the message.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers and I hope we have in a small way kept you informed of what has been going on in some small fashion. Stay tuned for the Sydney report and some final thoughts from USA.

G'Day Mates!

2008-10-19T00:04:00.000-07:00

Hello from Sydney, Australia. The weather is beautiful and this city looks gorgeous as I look out over the Bay here in Sydney. I hope to post a lot of pictures as I have a whole day to see the city before we start the load-in and preparation for this final city on the World Tour.
I am a little tired from the long night-time flight from Hong Kong to Sydney. It was a long day; The first group of us left the hotel in Hong Kong at 3:30pm and the plane took off at 7:30pm and we arrived in Sydney at about 7:30am.
With that in mind I am going to call it an early evening. I went out for a little while and took the pictures you see as I did not want to get messed up with jet lag and will get in bed early to make up for the lack of rest/sleep so I will be in good shape tomorrow.
So, that is it for now and if I see any croc's, tasmanian devils or kangaroos I will be sure to let you know.

Bittersweet Travel to Sydney, Australia

2008-10-17T17:35:00.001-07:00

Yes, as we pack to travel to Sydney, the last stop on this world tour, it is a bittersweet feeling. I have been waiting for this stop for some time as the end of the tour and as a beautiful place to see. The venue holds over 10,000 and they are expecting a full house, so we will see how it all comes together in the end.
Pray for us as we complete this whirlwind world tour and thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this 17 city world tour event all for the fame of one name.

That is it from Hong Kong, China, so long and "shine your light...for the glory of His name."

Hong Kong, China

2008-10-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, it was a long night in Hong Kong. The venue people were great, even though the building is owned by the Chinese government. They were concerned about a few things, but as they got to know Todd & I, (they asked to see our Police badges), they were impressed and gave in to allow us to do what we needed to do. One thing, was just to allow the students to come up to the front of stage without having several of their security there or preventing them from standing there...as they tried to do in Tokyo.
Anyway, it was a very exciting and loud night. They were expecting about 2000, what the venue could hold, and had every bit of that, including several hundred from "mainland" China. If any of you have heard "SAM" Lu's story/DVD, she was there from mainland China. They were loud and ready to dance. It was a great time and another city where God is working in the lives of college students. The church here appears to be strong and the locaql ministries were very excited about what Passion is all about. Passion does not like to come into a city and do some great conference and leave the local church to "re-direct" or change what Passion came in and did. Passion is all about proclaiming the Fame of Jesus and emphasizing "letting your light shine for the Glory of God in your every day life. About making your life count for "something" that is more important than anything else. That "something" is the fame, renown, Glory of Jesus." Isa. 26:8 (268generation.com).
Ok, sorry, most of you know what Passion is about...and it is not about Passion. Louie often says Passion can go by the wayside tomorrow and God's work will continue. Passion is only a small ripple in what God is doing.
Well, the time is running out and this great 2008 World Tour is drawing to a close and as exciting as it has been, there is a growing sense of disappointment as it draws to a close. I am excited about getting home to family, but sad about leaving this part of my life that has changed it forever. I know there are great cities in this world where university students love God and love to pray, read God's Word and worship to the fame of Jesus.
We leave for Sydney, Australia, tomorrow, Saturday and close out the tour on Tuesday night...so when you wake up on Tuesday morning, don't forget to be praying for the event. I think Sydney is about 15 hrs ahead of CST.
Thanks for your following along and I hope to post again before I leave for Sydney.

Isa. 26:8
"...the desire of our hearts is for His renown..."

Jim

Arrival in Hong Kong

2008-10-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I typed this once and it did not show up, so here goes again.
I arrived late last night, actually early Wednesday morning with the production team and some others. Todd and the bands will arrive sometime later this afternoon, Wednesday afternoon. I think we will head to the venue about noon here. We got in so late I did not see where we were. I woke up and see that we are real close to the Bay and can see the water from the top of the hotel. A couple pictures to show for now.
One last thing; Can I ask you all to pray for our house in Sugar Land(Houston), Texas. For those who do not know, we had to move to Austin area in September and our house has not sold yet. We have had only a few visits, due to housing and loan conditions in USA. We now have an offer on our house, but it is lower, of course, than what we are asking. We are making counter offers and want God's leading in this. Please pray for God's will in this, not ours.
Thanks,

Another Tokyo Note!

2008-10-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

I just went to grab a bite to eat before I leave for the airport in a couple hours for Hong Kong and realized I forgot another tidbit about Tokyo, Japan. I have talked about the cleanliness and the politeness of the Japanese.
I have to tell you this one grabbed my attention as we arrived a couple nights ago AND will attatch a couple pictures in the next 24 hours about this. BUT, do you know that even the construction sites are kept very neat and clean. The construction site is lit up by "lighted" cones at night with flower beds around them. Can you believe it? The construction sites in downtown Tokyo have lighted traffic cones with flower beds surrounding them. Amazing.
The people are also very polite and law abiding. You know how in the States at an intersection when people are waiting to cross the street at a light they "may" wait for the "WALK" sign before they cross the street, but mostly just walk whenever they want? Well, here in Tokyo, at least, they all wait for the light to change, even if no one is coming. There are a lot of business men dressed in their suits who ride old bicycles as well to get around town.
Oh well, just wanted to drop these few comments and will post some pictures of the construction sights with flower beds. Pretty Cool.

Sayonara for now from the Land of the Rising Sun!

Jim

Sayonara Tokyo!

2008-10-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Well, good-bye to another Passion City. It is rapidly becoming a "bittersweet" for me as each City goes by...rather quickly I may add. It is exciting as I will be home now in about 8-9 days and then again it is sad as I see it is almost over. There is no way of knowing how Passion has been used and the impact on students around the world. I only know what little I see in the students faces as I watch them intently and hear them talk (in English) about how their lives will change. I pray that God will "continue the work He has begun in their lives" (Phil. 1:6).

Well, back to TOKYO. The City is beautiful, very clean and the people are amazingly friendly. They love to worship. The venue was packed out and we were even told we could not let anymore in by the venue personnel a couple times. For those who know the place, we were at C.C.Lemon arena. It looked like a new venue, but it may be that they keep it in such great shape. As I was walking in the place several times, it was like the maintenance guy was following me around with a vacuum cleaner. There were at least 2 rooms where we had to take our shoes & socks off, so that was cool.
The place could hold 2000 and we had that almost exactly plus about 100 volunteers, so the venue again was not to excited about that, but we kept secretly squeezing them in. They gave quite a bit. I think it was 1,750,000 Yen.
All to be used for Passion Hong Kong.
Well, I am getting ready to pack and am heading out to Hong Kong, a day ahead of the rest of the crew, bands and Todd. He gets to stay another day in Tokyo as I go on ahead. Passion Hong Kong is Thursday night, I think, and then Sydney will be next Tuesday night. So, as it draws to a close I will keep you posted. Let me get a couple pictures up for now, only a few pictures of the venue as my batteries ran out just as I got there.
Talk to you all soon, continue to pray for Jesus to become Famous all around the world and know that Jesus is worshipped around the world by people of all nationalities, races, and background.

Konichiwa TOKYO!

2008-10-12T03:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, I hope for those who know Japanese, I did not butcher the spelling of the greeting. But, PASSION has arrived in Tokyo, Japan and my first reaction is that it is a beautiful and a very clean and safe City. The hotel is great, a 30 minute or so drive from the venue, but it is relaxing and a great view of Tokyo.

It is an early day tomorrow and will be a long one, that seems to happen a lot, but I am looking forward to seeing the faces of Japan in worship of the "Beautiful One."
The venue is sold out and will be packed out. It holds only 2000 and they may have underestimated the enthusiasm of Japanese students. It will be a quick trip as the event begins early at 5pm and has to end by 9pm as they need the venue for another event, so at least we will not be out to past midnight, which is usual.

Well, time to get caught up on some other emails, work and duties, will get back tomorrow night after the event with some photos and comments.
It is Sunday night here and most of you are still sleeping and will be preparing for your own Sunday worship in the states. I hope you pray for us and think of the faces around the world that have worshipped this past week and that there are many who love and want to proclaim the Fame of Jesus around the world. Think about that as you worship this Lord's Day.

Korea, Land of Prayer & Crowder

2008-10-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

Korea, Land of Prayer & Crowder

WOW! WOW! That is all I can say. I have learned two things in the past 36 hrs. The people in this country and particularly the students here like two things. They love to pray and I will talk more about that in a minute. However they sure LOVE David Crowder. They love Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman to be sure, but this is Crowder country, no doubt. Somehow, someway they relate to, or David relates well with the students on this side of the world. It is amazing and they are amazing in their love of the worship music.
Back to their love of prayer. I have not seen anything like it on the world tour and that is saying a lot. In Sao Paulo, Brazil, the students were loud and wild and crazy with their enthusiasm when they started singing a song on their own when Chris stopped. But, here in Seoul, when there is a break or even in the midst of the songs, they are praying and will break out into prayer at any time. At one time in particular, when Chris had finished singing a relatively quiet worship song, the students, and I mean most of them were praying, and praying out loud, with tears running down their faces, they were talking with God. I know Chris hesitated for a good minute before starting his next song. They have done that throughout the event. During their prayer triangles they are very vocal and sincere in their enthusiasm to talk with their Father. They are not ashamed of their Faith and show it in their constant prayerful spirit. There is no way to properly explain what I am trying to say, so I hope you get the picture. They are a “praying” people and it shows in their lives. Even as I write this, just after the late afternoon even and just before the evening event, it brings “condensation” to my eyes to even think about their faces as they openly and joyfully praise and pray to their Savior. What beautiful faces and what a beautiful noise it must be to God to hear so many cry out in praise and exaltation to Him.
So, it is Saturday afternoon here, meaning it is about 3am back in Texas, CST and we will begin this last session soon, but I can not post this blog until we have internet access sometime tonight back at the hotel. But, it will be posted by Saturday morning U.S. time and we will be sleeping before our trip to Tokyo, Japan. Seoul, Korea was a tough one, because it was a 2-day event and the communication problems and some others as well, but God is faithful and He has seen it through. Talk to you soon…probably post some pictures I have taken as well. That makes this leg of the tour half over by the time you read this, 3 down and 3 to go, There is some very real excitement in that and some growing deep sadness as it draws to a close. There are not words to express the thrill I have experienced and the amazing wonders God has shown me.
Thanks for your prayers,

Ok, just finished the evening session and am at Hotel just after midnight local time, will send another blog tomorrow along with some photos.

Jim

Seoul, Korea Arrival

2008-10-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Well, not sure what day it is unless I think about it; I know we left Vancouver Tuesday afternoon at 3:30pm and had an 11 hour flight, but arrived in Seoul, Wednesday afternoon at 4pm!? There is of course the Int'l date line, etc., so once you think about it, it kind of makes sense. But, anyway upon arrival late Wednesday afternoon, unpacking and not eating, I went to bed and woke up at 4am Thursday morning; by 6am I went to gym to work out and then here to business center to get on pc and blog.
So, seems like it has been a couple days, but here we are in Seoul, Korea; they have told us the 4th largest city in the world with over 17 million people. The largest church with over 750,000 in one church; 25% of Korean profess Christ, BUT, that is mostly the middle to older generation. The younger generation has not necessarily followed Christianity and that is Passion's goal to "light a fire" to that generation to "make JESUS Famous."

Anyway, we have an off day today, Thursday, and start a long 2 day Passion event Friday and Saturday. For some reason, SEOUL has been a difficult City to plan and communicate the Passion Event. Please pray for that! There have been many communication issues and we want nothing to get in the way of the message...Isa 26:8.

Well, I am about out of time here and want to get some photos today to post sometime today or early tomorrow. We are almost half way done by the end of this week. I am missing home and family already and have some issue to take care of there and here. The people here so far have been great and I pray for some fire in the students this weekend. I will not go back and re-check my spelling or grammar as time will not permit, so please forgive and m!sp#l#igs

Jim

Vancouver...

2008-10-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

The blog to come tomorrow...photos now.

Vancouver, Canada PreBlog

2008-10-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Well, it is Seattle type weather here in Vancouver; cool, cloudy and rain in the air. We walked the venue this morning. It is a nice arena, where the Vancouver Canucks play hockey. The venue people are very nice and accomodating. That is always a concern as Passion likes to do things a certain way and it is nice when the people are ready to do whatever you want to do. We are expecting a big crowd here as well, I think there are 11,200 that have registered thus far, so expect a big and fired up crowd with DCB & Tomlin's band.

Todd and I walked to the venue this morning from the hotel; got to sleep from about 1:45am to 7:30 this morning and the 4-5 block walk was refreshing.

Have you ever read Kings 18, I am sure you will know the story when you get to it...and saw 2 things?
1) I believe there are a lot of people out there, professing Christians, who are like the prophets of Baal. They worship G/god with all sincerity, dance, sing loud; they are so sincere about their faith they cut themselves and let the blood run down, Yet, no one is listening and no one even hears their cry.
Then Elijah prays a simple prayer, with faith, and God brings down fire from heaven.
2) When Elijah prayed and God did His thing, the people did NOT praise or even recognize Elijah...they went straight to God and praised and worshipped Him, v39. That has been my prayer for last few years. Like it says in Matthew, I want to do my good works, so that when the world sees them, they will "bypass" me and go straight to God and praise Him.
Have you ever done that? Do you know that this life, this world, heaven, church, even the cross, it is NOT all about YOU, but about JESUS!
That is what Passion is proclaiming in Isa. 26:8
The glory of God and the eternal fame of Jesus. I hope you see that in this blog and listen to the passion podcasts...@ 268generation.com would be great to listen to and follow the kids as they proclaim thier Passion to make Jesus famous in their generation.

So long for now, next blog may be from Seoul or at some airport along the way, keep praying and comment if you like.

Looking forward to the event and have to get back to it getting ready for Opening registration at 5pm and doors open at 6pm and event starts at 7pm.

two blogs

2008-10-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ok just to let those following this blog my brother is also continuing his... it is toddh5902.blogspot.com

so you can get two updates on the same world tour

Ok, I published some comments on Todd's blog, so I do hope you go and view both blogs throughout this tour. I said that his "Apple" works better around the world and he seems to have better connectivity and time than I seem to have. Mexico City is over, WHEW! those 2 "dayers" are tough. When you have to get the students out of the arena 4 times it makes it more difficult. Plus the fact there were more students here than we have at some, even though 5-6 thousand never showed up. Well, the kids were ready and loud and sincere. I like to sit right on the floor in front of the stage and I really get to see their faces, expressions, and it is great to see the tears and openly weeping of their hearts breaking during the message and the worship times. There was a time when they did not even come forward to the stage and stayed by their seats standing...and I did not call them up to the stage like I have done before, because they seemed to be "someplace else". Many had their eyes closed with tears coming down their faces and hands raised. It was not a time for anyone or anything to interrupt for any reason. So, I hope to have many more close up photos of the students from every country. It was great to see and be a part of, this is something I will never forget or experience again I am sure. To see the faces of the kids is amazing. Well, don't forget to comment if you want to see something more and I hope to publish some more in Salt Lake City as we arrive in Vancouver, CA Sunday night (Steelers & Jacksonville on TV, I will miss) and the event is Monday night and we fly out Tuesday for Seoul, Korea. That one is supposed to be a wild one, another 2-day event.

Got to run.

Jim

Leg III Begins, Mexico City

2008-10-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I have no idea who is following this blog, but will try and update and let everyone know. I think Todd is resurrecting the other blog as well, so we will attempt to keep everyone informed of what is happening.

A long day today, Thursday, October 2nd, started for me at 5am with a trip to the airport by Donna. A different airport this time, Austin, so that was a change. Amazingly, I had to fly from Austin to Houston, where I met Todd and then on to Mexico City. Big place, lots of people, 24 million for those who may not know, the biggest city in the world. And that make for some traffic all day long.

Well, it has been a long day and time to call it to an end and get ready for day 1 of Mexico City. There are about 18000 registered so far and that will fill the venue to the max.
Chris Tomlin's band, DCB, Kristy Nockles, Frances Chan are all here, along with Kristian Standfill and his band. This is a 2 day event so, a lot of time for God to work in these kids lives.
Well, that is it for now, I hope someone reads this besides me.

Later,

Jim Harris

Homeward Bound!

2008-08-16T03:09:00.000-07:00

Hello from Amsterdam! I have been in this airport in the Netherlands I think 4 or 5 times now, never seen the city, but have sat in this airport a few times. It looks like a great place from the sky. A lot of green and a lot of water.
Well, my trip around the world is almost over. We actually did go around the world this trip with a flight West all the way. From Houston to Detroit...then West to Manila, KL Malaysia, Jakarta, Joburg, S.A. and Cape Town, S.A.
From there to here in Amsterdam and in a couple hours on westward to Houston. I have several more photos to post and some comments about the Cape of Good Hope. We took a final trip down to the bottom of Africa and saw both the Indian & Atlantic Oceans, took pictures of a lot of penguins and some more baboons doing their thing in the midle of the street.
I can't post the photos from here and need to grab a quick bite before my flight out of Amsterdam at 2:40pm for an arrival in Houston at 6:25pm.
Look for a few more posts, including the "move"to Dripping Springs from Sugar Land next week.

Cape Town, South Africa

2008-08-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

As I have said previously, Cape Town, South Africa is a beautiful City. On the bottom tip, SouthWest side of South Africa it is located. The bay is in front of you, some mountains, Signal Hill, Table Mountain & Lion Head are behind you and just on the other side of the mountains is the Indian Ocean. There is a colony of Penguins not far from here. I think some of the team has gone down there. I probably should have gone, but wanted to catch up on some rest and some posting and emails. I head out tomorrow night late, 11:35pm from Cape Town for my trip to Amsterdam and a 4 hr layover for my flight to Houston, Texas.

It has been a long trip, seems like a lot longer, and will be glad to get home, but will not forget some people on the trip and the students across this part of the world.

Cape Town Rocks!

2008-08-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful Country, South Africa. The last event of Leg 2 has ended and it has been a blast. We have completed the last of leg 2, but God can and will continue to work in His way and His time to His glory. We may have finished, but His work will go on.
The kids of South Africa and the wolrd have rocked the "blog" world. We now know where the internet is more popular than in Ameirca that is for sure. I think in the States, the largest number of blog responses was maybe 200; it has increased from 450 in Manila to 1000 in Johannesburg and Cape Town will most likely surpass that number. I hope you have read some of the student blogs; I have not yet, but will when I return. Cape Town was left with the challenge of praying for and keeping their wrist bands on until October when Mexico City becomes the next destination of the World Tour.
The students were challenged to live a life that makes a difference; to live a life that shouts back to the world in everything they say and do for "one" purpose. To live a life that "shines" the light back on the One who made the world. To live a life for one purpose no matter what.

Oh well, I hope to see some more of the City of Cape Town tomorrow, actually it is 1:00am Thursday morning now, so it is time for some rest. I am sure I will make a few more posts before I hibernate until Ocotber for the final Leg 3.
That final leg begins in Mexico City for a 2 day event; then to Vancouver, CA; Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong and finishing up in Sydney, Australia. So, if anyone wants to be a part of the Tour, look up the dates and come and be a volunteer and experience some of the excitement.

I will post some more photos in the next 12 hours.

Cape Town Preparation

2008-08-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, August 12, 2008,

After a good nights rest we visited the venue today. It is a veladrome, a bicycle racing arena where the track is sloped in an oval/circle shape and the "infield" is where the stage and the chairs will be placed and a few sections of chairs in the outer ring. It is a venue that could have been nice if it would have been finished and maintained. Apparently, they were hoping to get the 2012 Olympics and when they did not, they never finished or maintained the building.

But, the city of Cape Town is beautiful and I had time to visit the top of Signal Hill to look out over the Cape and the City. Some beautiful shots that I posted only a few with this posting. I finally quit waiting on help from someone else and figured it out for myself since I had some time on how to add some photos to the blog, which I am sure everyone is very pleased, finally. I hope you enjoy "some" of the more than 400 pictures I have taken thus far. Not as many as last time for sure, but I had a lot of help last tour.

Anyway, the last event of this Leg II of the Tour is tomorrow night and I head home Thursday night at 11:35pm and arrive home Friday evening. I fly from Cape Town to Amsterdam, seems I have been there a few times before as a stopping station to somewhere else quite often. It will definitely be good to get home...so I can help my wife, who has been slaving at home trying to take care of things there, get us all packed and moved to Austin (Dripping Springs, TX).

Another post will be sometime Thursday my time, about the event here in Cape Town, S.A. Let me say now, if there is a place I want to return to of all the places so far, it is South Africa. It is much like Texas with friendly people, good food and a wide variety of animals, even bigger than Texas, sorry Texas people.

Safari to Final Stop, Cape Town, South Africa

2008-08-11T23:54:00.000-07:00

It seems like we have been on the road for weeks or longer, but it has only been two weeks today. A lot has happened and we will never know the impact on students lives across the globe. According to the blog, there is no shortage of enthusiasm and excitement for what the students have experienced so far.
The SAFARI was very relaxing and refreshing, even if we had to get up before dawn for the sunrise trip. The BIG FIVE is always the goal on the safari's, and we did get to see them all. They split us into three trucks of about 8 persons each...and we seemed to have the most sightings of any of the Big Five. The Big Five for those who may not know are; Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Rhinocerous & Leopard. The leopard & lion being the hardest apparently. We also saw many of the other favorites as well, mine the Hyenna. We saw plenty of monkeys, baboons, deer/antelope, crocodiles, giraffe's and others. The rules of the safari are clear. We drive mostly on dirt roads looking for sightings. You can NEVER get out of the vehicle or even have your arms dangling out of the vehicle. Some of the animals have gotten use to vehicles and see them as an inanimate object and do not regard them as anything. However, when they see a person, it is a different story. They become very agitated and aggressive for the most part.

To view what it really like, animals that do not care about vehicles and how they hunt and walk right by the vehicles: Go to You Tube and watch this Video that a tourist made that National Gepgraphic has made into a show: Type in "Kruger Battle" and be amazed!

We saw that in two experiences. We were parked at a clearing with a small stream in front of us and a female lioness across the way and there was a foreign couple of guys next door outside their vehicle changing a tire. The female lion became very agitated as she intently watched them. Our guid said she was becoming very agitated and could be across the stream in a couple seconds.
The second time was at the lone spot where we could get out of the vehicle where there were hugr rocks and a plaque where the park, Kruger National Park, was dedicated. We were taking some photos and had been there about 10 minutes when as we were taking pictures a young female elephant approached and came right for us. The guides got us into the vehicles quickly and the elephant moved right to the spot we were and stood there like she was saying get out of here, this is my place.
Anyway, we saw a severl lions that had made a kill the day before and was tearing the skin from a huge buffalo. The lioness had two cubs and we finally saw the huge male laying down in the background sleeping. He was huge. We saw plenty of elephants, all up close and personal. The rhinos were seen late at night after sunset and right in the road in front of us. The leopards were the toughest and most exciting to see. Our truck got to see them twice up close and personal due to good eyes in the truck. We called the other trucks, but it seemed like they always arrived a little late. As you can tell it was very exciting and relaxing to be able to unwind a little bit to get ready for the last event in Cape Town.
It has been a thrilling ride thus far and knowing that God is working in His own way and time is rewarding enough. Well, we have arrived in Cape Town and have a couple days here to get ready for last event and then 1 day afterwards to recover before I head home via Amsterdam to Houston.

Dubai to Johannesburg, S.A.

2008-08-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a long couple of days, but I finally got to unpack my suitcase here in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was a 36 hr day from Jakarta to Singapore after that 3 hr layover and the 6 hr layover in Dubai and the the 10 hr plane ride to Johannesburg. But, I am recovered and rejuvenated as I sit in the venue for "JoBurg" on Friday night about 9pm local time. We have about finished up and ready for a full day, 3 Sessions tomorrow and are expecting a "sold out" venue for 6500 Students.

To back up a minute to our trip through Dubai. Since it was a 6 hour layover, several of us went through Immigration and took a trip through Dubai. What a city. We had a friend of someone in the tour who is living here take us out for a couple hours around the city. He said 40 years ago everything was nothing but desert. Just desert tents and camels. Today, mostly because of the Oil, the city has more money than it knows how to spend and it is a beautiful and very clean city. Everything was new. There was of course no building over 40 years old and most were 10 years or newer. New roads and beautiful scenery. They are even making small islands to put some additional buildings on. It was well worth the trip into town to see the sights. We went by the hotel where Tiger Woods always stays and hits golf balls off the roof into the Gulf.

The trip to JoBurg was uneventful and I was able to sleep and dream about the Safari they will take us on on Sunday & Monday after the event all day Saturday.

It has been a fantastic experience of new sights, cities, countries, people and food, as well as see God work in amazing ways and the excitement of the students around the world to come and here Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall & Steve Fee. There haven more blogs to the 268generation.com sight than ever before and the kids have been amazing in wanting to see change on their campuses. The "Ashley" story has been dynamic and well received.

Stuck In Singapore! Cool!

2008-08-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I am currently in the Singapore Aiport, with a 3 hr layover, for a trip to Dubai, for a 6 hr layover. All this happened, the first time on the World Tour, because of a Typhoon in Hong Kong where we were heading after the Jakarta Passion Event was completed. Our flight from Jakarta to Hong Kong was cancelled, so we were at the Jakarta airport form several hours trying to re-arrange 25 people's itinerary. I watched the "Hurricane" heading towards Houston but did not see what it did.

Anyway, Thanks Lindsey for the post, at least I know someone is reading them.

Well, JAKARTA PAssion went off without a hitch. It was an "old" venue and kind of a dump. But, you do not need a nice place to have a great time or for God to work. The venue was changed 5 days before we arrived because it was not big enough. There were about 7,000 kids at this one and they were excited to be there. There were cats all over the venue running around under the stage. I was a little worried about this one, from a Security standpoint, being in the middle of Indonesia where so many terrorists come from and a strong Muslim population. So, I had a bomb squad out to do some inspections along with their dogs. As I thought about it, I realized I was having a Muslim bomb squad check out the venue for us. Oh well, that is what faith is all about. Do all we can and leave the rest to God. Actually, I got to know the Captain of the bomb squad so well, giving him a USA Police patch usually does the trick. He was so interested in US Police stuff, by the end of the night he had given me his "Special Forces" Police hat and a medal of his off his chest. Pretty cool. I did get some pictures and they might get posted in S. Africa, sorry, but they will be here, sooner or later.

So, there is more that I will put on this post, but wanted to get this out before this computer runs out on me and I lose what I have typed. Some interesting things I want to share, but I am definitely hitting some Countries I never dreamed of being in, even if it is only at the airports. Things are going well and God has used this to do some things we will never know. Each city posts more blogs than the last one. Go to 268generation.com to see some of them. I have not been able to even do that yet. Well, at least when we finally get to S. Africa I will be able to "unpack" my suitcase. Then the SAFARI! We are all excited about that! But, it is cold in S. Africa, but the heat we have had so far, we are ready for some cold weather.
I told you there was one additional post Louie has shared about the "Ashley" Story. Now, that he has the "original" journal sent by her dad and brother, Jacob for Louie's birthday, he has read post from April 28th...the LAST post in the journal. It says...oops, time running out, sorry, got to go.
Later!

Back to Back to Back (Not Home Runs)

2008-08-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Monday Evening, August 4th, 5:55pm

Looking at my last post...we had just arrived in KL, Malaysia. Well, just 2 days later, we have already left KL and just arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia. So, you get the picture these first 4 days have been a whirlwind of packing, preparing and finishing the event, sleep (if you can, I have not) and packing again. Actually, I have not unpacked my suitcase yet. Just open it and pull 1 thing out and leave it packed.
Anyway, back to Manila for just a second. To leave Manila, we had to pay $750 Pesos to get out of the country. That equals about $20 USD, but everyone leaving has to pay that, so quite the economic stimulus for the Government.
Well, the venue in KL was great and quite the improvement from Manila. The Country Team people had a great group of people and it went well, Secuirty wise. I will get to the Hotel and hopefully have some photos up in the next day or two, but the Venue was at the hotel in a big ballroom type area. The Hotel was attached to a "shopping" mall, with an ice skating rink and a "Water Theme Park" that was to die for. A wave pool, cable line swing or drop into the pool. A "long" walking bridge across the whole area. Of course, I only know this from taking pictures from a "distance". The closest I got was the window from the venue, where I took the pictures from. No time available to shop or enjoy.
Charlie Hall's Band and guys got there a day early and had some time to look around. They are a great bunch of guys that are really great to be around and so down to earth. Two of them are having babies in the fall, so they will not make the 3rd Leg. Too bad.
The night went very well, again 1 big ballroom makes security and offering much easier. I also had a young Ft. Worth PD officer there and I had him help with the offering, which allowed me to breathe a little easier in worrying about that while at the same time I have to get the band guys and Louie back to Hotel, with 4000 kids standing around the mall. So, we had to take an adventure through the basement of the mall in a smelly and stinky loading and garbage dump area and find our way through a maze of doors so as not to have to walk through the mall with all the kids. The price of being a celebrity. Anyway, it worked out pretty well. I found a path where we came out real close to the hotel and only had to make a short dash to the hotel through the last part of the mall. The event itself went great with some rowdy kids from Malaysia. I guess you guys could listen to "some" of the talk on Louie's podcast from each event. Just go to 268generation.com and look for the live podcasts.
Ok, so we got out of KL pretty fast with about 30 of us tromping through the airports and Customs, always a treat, and on to the plane for only a short flight from KL to Jakarta, Indonesia. The largest Muslim population in the world. Christianity is pretty much frowned or disdained upon may be a harsher word. I am getting ready to go see the venue, which is a story in itself. They had to change venues last Sunday...that is a last minute change which is not a good thing. But, the last one had some issues, plus it was not big enough as there was not enough room for all the students that have signed up.
Attendance in these Muslim Countries so far: Manila, not a Muslim country: 8,000;
KL, Malaysia, 4,000; Jakarta, 6,500 registered already.
So, let me sign off for now, get some food and my normal 3-4 hrs sleep and get back with you when we are heading to "Joburg" Johannesburg, SA.
Pictures to be posted very soon, I think.
I hope I am not missing anything you want to know. If so, let me know in the comments section. The reaction from the students has been fantastic. They have posted more responses, which I have not seen yet, than any event before. Manila apparently had more than 300 responses the day after the event.

KL - Malaysia Arrival

2008-08-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well, a long day has ended and we have just arrived in "KL" Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I am dead tired. Some of the crew went out to Tony Romo's to eat as we were all pretty hungry, however, I am dead tired, I think the lack of sleep is catching up with me. Seems I wake up automatically at 6:15am every morning...even when I got to bed at 1:30-2:00am the previous night. Oh well, just arrived and the event is tomorrow. We have to get up early and will be there late tomorrow and then be heading for Jakarta, Indonesia the next day.
These countries are all very strict Muslim. They look down and restrict Christianity at all levels. So, it will be a challenge.
Got to get some rest.

MANILA Students on FIRE!

2008-08-01T09:37:00.001-07:00

WOW! Probably an overused phrase, I am sure, but the kids of Manila were dyn-o-mite! The venue was pretty sad, maybe one of the worst I have ever seen. They had very few, only 2 exit points from the floor. I had them open a couple gates and put stairs in front of them to allow students to get up and out in an emergency. But, when I walked away they took them away and kept locking the gates. So, there were two exits off the floor and there were 2000 people in that area. I know now why you hear of 1000 people dying in a fire in places like this. They also kept locking doors all around the building when everyone got inside. They said it was a "control" issue. I said it was a fire trap. (Could have used another "security" person). However, we got by with no problems and the kids were Brazil-Like. What I mean is they did not want to quit singing and started their own song when the band was through. They were wild and energetic, so full of life, yet very respectful.

There is a semi'additional twist to the "Ashley" Story for thos who know it. For Louie's birthday, 3 weeks ago, The father of Ashley sent him the "original" journal/diary, which had a few more details that we heard. So, the father of Ashley seems to be "softening" or at least not hardening his heart to the message.

Well, it is 0100 hrs here on Saturday morning. We fly out Saturday, today, for Kaula Lampur, Malaysia. So, for now, I sign off. I apologize for no pictures yet, I hope to remedy that, but have had little time to take many pictures. It has rained the entire time since we have been here in Manila.

Venue Arrival

2008-07-31T02:05:00.000-07:00

July 31, 2008,

Here at the venue in Manila. It would be called a firetrap in the United States and they would shut it down. It is old, broken down, dirty, but it will work for the 5 hours it will be used by Passion. They shut the number of tickets sold off at 7600…that is several hundred more than capacity with the stage the way it is set. They had to turn down 750 more very upset students the past couple days…who wanted to register 2 days before the event. That is the culture here in Manila, they like to wait till the last minute and usually show up late. It is a shame we did not have a bigger venue, but you never know.
It is very hot and humid. For load-in there is NO air conditioning on and it is Houston hot and humid after a big downpour.

Apparently this is the place to get jeans “designed” and hand made however you want them. Most everyone is doing that and paying anywhere from $90-$170 US Dollars per pair. But, they are said to be the top of the line, hand designed however you want them. I am just not that person. Now, if Todd were here…

Jim

Manila Arrival

2008-07-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

July 30, 2008, (I think) 5:15pm

Whew! That was a long flight! BUT, I have learned, I am sure most of you know this already, that if you are going to fly LONG International Flights, Business Class is the way to go. You actually CAN sleep and stretch out, relax and really rest. I also figured out why we went to Detroit, MI. I know I am saying the obvious to most, but remember, I am a “virgin” International Traveler. We flew the curvature of the earth and went up into Canada and over Juneau, Alaska before coming down to land in Nagoya, Japan. That was not on our itinerary. It is just a 2 hr. layover, but now I can say I have been to Japan. I know the last leg, in October I will be back to Tokyo, but this was a surprise.

So, Here I am in the Nagoya Airport in Central Japan awaiting to get back on the plane I just got off to finish this first trip to begin Leg 2 of the Passion World Tour. I am so looking forward to this part of the tour and see what God has planned for the students of the East.
I may not be able to post this blog until I arrive in Manila. We will see.

Wednesday Night, 2330 hrs (11:30pm)
Well, A long 2 days but I have finally arrived here in Manila, Phillipines. Where's Todd? Miss you bro; sorry, I will not say that again though, I know it hurts. Ok, so the Hotel is nice, it is dark so we did not see much upon our arrival. Will see and visit the venue and City tomorrow before the Event on Friday.
I want to get this out and to bed as I have not slept yet since I left to make sure I have no Jet Lag. I think it will be great because I did not sleep for more than 2 hours as of yet.

Leg 2 Begins with a Strikeout!

2008-07-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

July 29, 2008,

Well, here it is, Leg 2 of this extraordinary journey around the world in “less than 80 days."
Today is my oldest son’s birthday. He is no longer a “teen-ager”. Yea!
Todd is NOT with me as Houston PD is so shorthanded that he was told he could not go. He is very disappointed and I am not sure how things will go without him.
My family is “in the middle” of moving to Austin. I have to be there within a week of my return and my wife Donna is still getting the house ready to sale. I just heard yesterday that our loan is approved for the “new” house in Dripping Springs. WAHOO!

NOW BACK to this journey. I am sitting in Houston Airport awaiting my flight to Detroit and then on to Manila. Let’s see, it is hot in Manila, Malaysia and Jakarta. Then on to Southern Hemishpere, where it is winter time and COLD in Africa, South Africa, Johannesburg & Cape Town. Apparently, we will have a 1 day SAFARI. Wow, that sounds like fun, we will see.
Anyway, a lot to do and so little time and no one to share it with this time. My wife, Donna is not here and my bro, Todd, is not here for a Passion event, strange!
Sign off for now, no pictures yet and I hope I can do as well as Todd did on the blog for the first leg. I like to write the adventures, just usually, never find the time.

On the plane, Northwest Airlines; going Northeast from Houston...to get Southwest to Manila; strange. Go figure! And gas is at a premium?

I have 2 of the best bosses in the business. (I hope they read this). We are always short-handed and to lose a Regional Supervisor for weeks at a time. I know it makes things a little more difficult for everyone involved. I know I had calls from a State and Local agency that I had to pass on to someone else. Maybe I will have to let my bosses beat me in golf next time out. Speaking of golf, I have to play with some of my brothers again to rid myself of this "pink putter." For those wondering. When any of the (5) brothers play golf together, the highest score of the day has to keep the pink putter in their bag until he beats one of the brothers the next time to get rid of it. This was my first time with the pink putter and hopefully the last.
Well, we are descending into Detroit, MI for about a 2-3 hour layover before my trip across Western US and the Pacific to Manila. I have some work and emails to do before I leave the US and hope I can blog and post this before I leave with perhaps a couple photos.