"Hi. I have no idea who I'm writing to. Sorry.
Is there any plan to set up regional branches for Passion in other countries, off the back of the world tour?
I realise that's a pretty broad question. But hey.
Context: The ripples of Passion are going out in Sydney. And we're fumbling our way, trying to make sense of what God wants us to do, and how to do it.
I'm all about grassroots. And I'm not for one minute suggesting that God needs the Passion 'label' to raise up this generation. But it's the UNITED bit that gets me. A few friends and I spent an afternoon pouring over Eph 3-4, and brainstorming and praying, that He'd reveal what He wants us to be doing! And the big thing that stuck out to us was the prominence that unity has in God's plan for His people! And, well, I figure that being connected to the Passion movement in the States would be less about 'mimicking' (I think a lot of Aussies have a complex about that), and more about expanding our vision, and reminding us that God is active everywhere on this earth, that we are a part of something a heck of a lot bigger than just Sydney.
It'd also maybe give a focus to what's happening in Sydney. That's not to say that individual churches can't DIY and go for it independently of any movement... but, I don't know, at the moment it all seems like a hotchpotch of half-attempts from all different angles, which barely any one gets behind because ... well, I don't know why. I think it's mostly cynicism - which cripples possibility and distances from responsibility. i.e. Aussie culture is pervaded by a tendency to step back and criticise and nit-pick from the sidelines, whilst not making any positive contributions in its stread. I feel that having some leadership, from a movement they recognise, would be totally valuable for that very reason - unity.
Definitely be tailored to Australia. With Aussie bands and preachers. But with the direction synchronised with the global movement.
OK, so it's almost 2am. I'm rambling. Sorry - all this is like tangled string in my mind. But I just really want to see this city transformed. And I think Passion is an instrument that God has totally blessed and will use here.
So, don't know what 'your' (still not sure who this'll get to) thoughts on that are. Reply if you have the time and fill me in on your vision in that regard - if not, that's totally fine.
Blessings,
Steph."
Got a reply this morning...
"Hi Steph,
Thanks so much for your email. I hope I can answer your question and help shed some light on what our vision is here at Passion in regards to our global movement.
We, at the moment, do not have plans to set up regional offices in other countries/cities, including Sydney. And here's why: two of our goals ramping up for the World Tour was to 1: foster unity among local leadership and 2: to build up the local church. We, as Passion, never had the intention to go into a foreign city and promote the name of Passion. As I hope you saw from Passion Sydney, we're all about proclaiming and making famous the name of Jesus. Our goal with the World Tour was to enter a city and exhort the local leadership to continue the movement and create unity among the local church.
This definitely doesn't mean that foreign branches will never exist for Passion: who knows where the Lord will lead us in the future. But for now, our goal and vision is to remain in the states and continue to visit foreign soil to promote the name of Jesus.
I hope this helped a little and answered your question. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks again for your email. Our heart here at Passion is definitely with Sydney.
In His Renown,
"
I really appreciated that reply.
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