Hacked!
Cape Town 2010 is the most representative gathering of leaders in the history of the church! It has been a forum for inspiration, challenge, networking, dialog, debate, collaboration in mission, renewing of friendships, and strategizing. It has been a wonderful gathering of God’s glorious mosaic. We have heard from leaders and servants from across the planet. It has been like drinking at a fire hydrant and there is more to come!
We were reminded yesterday in John Piper’s exposition from Ephesians 3, The Great Cosmic Purpose of God is to make known the glory of his wisdom to the demonic powers of the universe - through his church. The Scripture tells us, “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph 3:10-11). It shouldn’t surprise us that this gathering of leaders would face opposition and resistance. I already reported that the Chinese government had prevented 200 delegates from attending. Next manoeuvre was to shut down Cape Town 2010’s feed across the planet to 700 “Global Link” locations.
The Lausanne network was subject to millions...yup millions (!!) of malicious hits and a virus brought into the convention center on a cell phone. And here is a newsflash: 95% of the multi-million hits came from...China! It certainly gives the Congress a bit of a conspiracy- espionage thriller vibe! Viruses carried on cell phones to induce system failure make it sound as though Jack Bauer or Jason Bourne might be in the house.
It seems that the Chinese government is getting uptight and insecure. They were most displeased that imprisoned dissident Liu Xiaobao, was awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize. They were sharp and shrill in their condemnation of the award, labelling it an insult. The Chinese government prevented its nation’s delegates from getting to Cape Town 2010. Now, for good measure, they put the hurt on the Lausanne global internet system- frying two servers in the process!
A couple of cousins from Bangalore got us back up and running! They had come simply to serve where needed as part of the tech support team. The Congress is being served by a glorious band of volunteers and two of those servants came to the rescue! I want to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who are serving us so well, but a special mention and props goes to Vijay Kumar and Pastor Daniel Singh. Vijay and Daniel, uber-geeks and virus-nullifiers, please take a bow!
