Suzanne Wisler of the Monroe Evening News just sent me a list of questions re. our Furious Love Event (April 6-9, in Monroe, at Redeemer).
I thought I'd post my response to her questions here.
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Greetings Pastor Piippo,
I'm working on a story about this event for The Monroe Evening News and have some questions:
1. What has response been like so far?
The response has been good and is growing. We are receiving many inquiries, not only from around the U.S. but from around the world.
2. How many do you expect to attend?
I am expecting 500+ people. Many will be coming from all over the U.S. and even the world. It will be a real international event.
3. I noticed the cost is a little high. Will this affect attendance?
I don’t think the cost is high in terms the variety and quality of national and international speakers. We also have a daily price if someone wants to come for just a day. We know of many people who travel hundreds of miles to attend conferences. This one will be unique. And, it’s right here in our Monroe community.
4. Could you send me a schedule? The one on the event's Website isn't working.
It’s on my website – johnpiippo.com.
5. Will Darren be there?
Yes.
6. What is happening? Speakers? Anything else?
We will have worship bands and worship prior to each speaker. There will also be times of ministry in prayer and healing after every speaker. Plus, Darren and his crew will be filming the entire event. There will be a mini-restaurant/cafeteria available. And there will be tables where books, dvds, etc. will be sold from the various speaker-authors.
7. Why should people attend?
All who attend will hear a diversity of excellent speakers and authors talk on the subject of bringing God’s love into the dark places of our world. For example, Greg Boyd is one of our speakers. A few years ago Greg’s book The Myth of a Christian Nation was #1 on the New York Times best-seller list. Greg is a great scholar and a phenomenal, influential speaker. To have Heidi and Rolland Baker from Mozambique with us is a great honor. Heidi has recently been collaborating with University of Indiana professor Candy Gunther Brown re. the issue of divine healing. The entire list of speakers is, from my point of view, fabulous.
8. What do you think about Darren's work?
I am amazed at how God has used Darren’s films. It was not long ago that he was sharing with us his vision for his first film, “Finger of God.” Our church became his home church prayer support team. We were all amazed at how that film exploded around the world. “Furious Love” is having the same impact. Darren is extremely talented and creative. And, he is a real followed of Jesus. To me he is a good example of how God usually targets unlikely people to accomplish great things through them.
9. How has his work affected you and people at your church?
We have had a number of people come to check out what God is doing at Redeemer. We feel we are part of the same stream and movement that Darren is in. Our people are deeply grateful for Darren. Many of them have known him since he was just a little kid. They’ve taught him in Sunday School and Youth Group and prayed for him over the years. To see what’s now happening in Darren’s life is just a blessing, which has returned upon us as a people.
10. Do you have anything to add?
The purpose of FL is to bring the speakers in the movie to a common place and then to film them speaking and teaching on this subject (bringing God’s love into the dark places of the world). Darren has already secured Destiny Image as publishers of this dvd which will supplement the movie. And, there will also be a book.
FYI – We’ll be showing Furious Love at Redeemer on Sunday evening, March 27, 6 PM. Admission is free. For information contact: 734-242-5277.
Thank you,
Suzanne Wisler
The Monroe Evening News
