The dream of drawing 500 locations from across the UK into the arena of 'word and action' mission has already been realised.
For over 630 centres have said they want to help transform their villages, towns and cities as part of the nationwide initiative Hope08.
That is the number of communities who have registered so far with what Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has called 'a remarkable vision'.
This interdenominational campaign aims to empower churches, groups and individuals across the British Isles to serve and transform their localities.
They will be using a whole range of ideas – many of which are featured in the recently launched Hope08 manual.
Hope08 is the dream and vision of Soul Survivor chief Mike Pilavachi, Andy Hawthorne of The Message and Youth For Christ leader Roy Crowne.
They all wanted to extend the successful Soul In The City concept of ‘word and action’ mission to as many communities as possible.
So Hope08 was born - not as an organisation - but as a rallying call to encourage Christians to ‘do more, do it together, do it in word and action’ throughout 2008.
General Director of the Evangelical Alliance Rev Joel Edwards is another Christian leader who has voiced his support for this grassroots movement.
'Imagine a year in which hundreds of people come to faith,' he said, 'because the Church becomes known not for a million fingers wagging but actually two million arms outstretched - caring for the poor, giving young people a purpose, and working with the police to reduce crime.'
