Liberty hosts Awakening 2010 conference

More than 10,000 people are expected to gather at Liberty University and Thomas Road Baptist Church this week to hear motivational messages from leaders of faith-based and policy groups at The Awakening 2010 conference.

The Awakening is sponsored by the Freedom Federation, a group of the nation’s largest multiracial, multiethnic and multigenerational faith-based and policy organizations representing more than 30 million Americans united by core values. The group’s mission is to bring together community leaders committed to mobilizing the Judeo-Christian worldview to preserve freedom and promote justice.

The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Thursday with an address from Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, and is set to conclude Friday night with a Liberty and Justice Rally in Liberty’s Vines Center. Conference speakers include: LU alumnus Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, Ron Luce of Teen Mania, Lou Engle of The Call to Conscience, the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, and Wendy Wright of Concerned Women for America, among many other influential leaders. Inspiring musical artists including Liberty’s resident artist, Charles Billingsley, will bring a variety of entertainment to the event as well.

Many Liberty students have been involved in coordinating the conference, which is free to everyone (although registration is encouraged).

LU Student Government Association president Matt Mihelic addressed the student body at Monday’s convocation.

“It is important to go because the people that are against Christianity in America are saying that young Christian students are naïve and apathetic so it is our job to become informed,” he said. “We are the Christians of tomorrow, and it is our responsibility to stand up for what is right. Go because we have a calling to make a difference in this country.”

Attendees will choose from a number of breakout sessions catered to pastors, non-profit leaders, community organizers, public office seekers and more. The sessions will provide a small-group atmosphere to strategize and work together on social, economic and domestic issues.

On Friday morning, attendees will hear from Israeli Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon and Israeli Member of the Knesset for Likud, Danny Danon. And a Friday midday panel discussion will address the recent health care reform bill, its implications and the pending legal challenges.

The Freedom Federation’s advanced technological platform will debut at the event, allowing independent organizations and individuals to network, blog, create events, find events, and mobilize people who share similar core values.

Mathew Staver, dean of Liberty University School of Law and founder of Liberty Counsel, said the event is part of a new movement in America.

“A spirit of revolution and renewal is awakening people and uniting communities across racial, ethnic and generational lines,” Staver said.

Staver told WorldNetDaily that unless those who care about the traditional God-fearing United States start working now, it will go away.

“If we don’t stand for our core values, we’re going to lose them,” he said. “We’ll have an America we don’t recognize.”

• Admission to The Awakening is free to everyone, but you are encouraged to register online at www.FreedomFederation.org. 
• View a full schedule of events.
• Groups represented at Awakening 2010:
  American Association of Christian Counselors
  American Family Association
  American Values
  Bott Radio Network
  Bound4Life
  Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny
  Catholic Online
  Concerned Women for America
  Eagle Forum
  Exodus International
  Extraordinary Women
  Family Research Council Action
  Generals International
  High Impact Leadership Coalition
  Liberty Alliance Action
  Liberty Counsel
  Liberty University
  Life Education and Resource Network
  Lifenews.com
  Morning Star Ministries
  National Clergy Council
  National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
  Renewing American Leadership
  Strang Communications
  Teen Mania
  Teen Pact
  The Call
  Conservative Action Project
  The Oak Initiative
  Traditional Values Coalition
  Vision America
  WallBuilders