The 2007 annual Hillsong Conference opened to a rousing cheer from delegates on Monday, as the key theme for this year's conference is on 'justice.'
Over 30,000 Christians, from 68 nations, is attending the 5-days conference with various seminars and workshops, which are designed to 'inspire, equip and empower' participants to make a positive difference in their community.
The conference started off with a 46-piece orchestra playing 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' before moving to Hillsong classics such as, 'Tell The World' and its latest song 'Saviour King,' with the assistance of Darlene Zschech and the Hillsong United band.
Amidst the casual atmosphere, there was a serious message delivered by Brian Houston, the Hillsong senior pastor, to the delegates. He used the conference to call on Christians to take up responsibilities of standing against injustice and speaking up for the disenfranchised.
"God tells us that standing against injustice and speaking up for the disenfranchised is the responsibility of every Christian," said Pastor Houston. "This conference will help highlight the impact we can make if collectively we decide to take this responsibility seriously."
Pastor Gary Skinner, the founder of Watoto Child Care Ministries, then used the opening session to urge church leaders to rise up and take responsibility of God's children and instil the love of Christ in their heart.
"I believe it's not the responsibility of movie stars or pop idols or the government to care for God's children. It's our responsibility," Pastor Gary said. "While the government might be able to put a little food in their belly and a little bit of education in their brains and a roof over their head and some clothes on their back, there's not a government in the world that can put Christ's love inside the heart of a child and give them dignity and value. Only we can do that. So we must hear God's call and respond in loving and practical ways, and we must do it now."
The Watoto Children's Choir also performed a blend of soulful African rhythms and contemporary gospel music. The Christian ministry of Watoto works to rescue AIDS orphans in Africa. Currently, they house more than 1,700 children in purpose-built villages providing homes, schools and clinics.
On the same night, Pastor Skinner was presented with a cheque of $740,000, donated by the people in the Hillsong Church, to fund the building of basic infrastructures in northern Uganda.
The conference continues until Friday night with some of the finest Church leaders and Christian musicians including Grammy Award winner, Steve Curtis-Chapman, best-selling author, John Bevere, and the Reverend T.D. Jakes.