It's trendy to be part of a cause, but when it comes down to it, not many people believe in something enough for it to impact or change the way they live their lives. It's easy to wear a rubber bracelet or to purchase something you normally would that just happens to benefit a cause. But when a world problem asks more of us, the answer is often no.
That needs to change, and our generation can be the voice that says "no more." No more spiritual emptiness. No more world poverty or pandemic diseases. No more pain. Our generation can also be a voice that says "YES." Yes, we can take part in stopping civil wars and helping place millions of orphans into loving homes. YES, we can live so in-tune with the Gospel and the movement of the Spirit that we see our communities transforming before our eyes. In fact, some of these things are and have been happening!
Some of the most compassionate and mobilized people on this planet are college-age students and young adults. They are not afraid to sacrifice their time or money or energy or resources. They do what it takes to make a difference in the lives that society has ignored and forgotten. This summer,
Crave (Saddleback's college ministry) hosted a three-day festival called "Radicalis," an event of music, messages, art, workshops, and prayer designed to inspire and mobilize a generation to DO SOMETHING about the millions around the world that suffer because of spiritual emptiness, extreme poverty, pandemic diseases, corrupt leadership, and a lack of education.
Hundreds of college students and ministry leaders from San Diego to Santa Barbara attended this event, featuring special guests Rick and Kay Warren, Pete Wilson, Phil Wickham, and Josh Fox. Student and volunteer artists displayed countless works of interactive art, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, performances, and video media. These artists were nothing more than talented students who have been moved by their experiences with serving those who society has deemed the least, the last, and the lost. Their artwork was a response to God's cry to love those the world has forgotten. These students aren't rich or spiritual nutcases or bored. They are just ordinary people--18 to 25-year-olds--responding to God's call to serve and love. And it's not always easy finding the courage or strength to be obedient to that call...
The vision of the Radicalis movement is to host an annual gathering of college students and young adults who believe love and innovation can change the world can come together…can become a mobilized generation of people that does something about the things the world that trouble us the most…can set aside theological and denominational differences to foster change in our communities, workplaces, and schools through the local church…
Radicalis is about the forgotten, neglected, abused and broken finding hope in the love and power of Jesus Christ. Be part of this movement and be part of a group of people who will challenge you about what denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following God really means (Mark 8:34). Radicalis is for radicals only.