10,000 Christians to Gather for Launch of New Mission Project

The national launch of Hope 2008 will take place 21 October 2006, as more than 10,000 Christians from all over the UK and beyond are expected to gather at the NEC in Birmingham for the occasion.

Hope 2008 is a UK-wide, year-long initiative that will rely on locally organised projects but will benefit from nationally coordinated resources.

Throughout 2008, churches and Christian charities will develop new ways to work together. All denominations, movements, streams and conferences are invited to deliver their ideas under one vision to create a lasting legacy of both physical and spiritual change in both communities and individuals by communicating the gospel through words and actions over a one-year period.

Hope will look different in every community, as it will be a reflection of the churches and organisations that operate in those communities. The focus will be on getting all ages involved, especially youth-based organisations and young people.

By working in partnership with the police, government, local authorities and primary care trusts, local churches could help provide services to address issues such as debt dependency, hunger, homelessness and drug and alcohol addictions.

The Message Trust is the partner of Hope 2008 for Greater Manchester, building significantly on The Big Deal initiatives of the last two years.

Andy Hawthorne, CEO of The Message Trust, one of the founders of Hope, and a keynote speaker on the day of the launch, said:

"I honestly believe Hope 2008 is an opportunity, perhaps like we've never had before, for every denomination, stream, conference and movement to play to their strengths and together make a huge impact on this nation".

Mike Pilavachi of Soul Survivor, also one of the founders of Hope, said: "Hope in 2008 provides an amazing opportunity for all Christians to work together and make a huge impact on this nation. My hope and prayer is that through representing Jesus in words and in deeds we can see lives transformed and bring lasting change".

For more information about Hope 2008 please visit www.hope08.com.