The opening night of Hillsong Conference 2008 set the tone for a week themed with justice, community action and a call to unity within the Church.

Guests and delegates were treated to a spectacular opening, including a moving rendition of U2's hit song ONE. Against the backdrop of a giant red heart, the powerful praise and worship, accompanied by confronting images, stirred people towards a more intimate relationship with God and closer community with one another.

Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston introduced Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision Australia, who welcomed delegates to the 22nd annual conference and challenged them to act on their faith by reaching out to the community and the broken world around them.

“Making poverty history is the great mission of the Church,” he said. Every Australian had won first prize in life's lottery by having access to clean water, health care and universal education, he said, in stark contrast to many impoverished nations across the world.

During the opening session, Pastor Robert Barriger, a missionary in Peru for 25 years, called the Church to action. Urging delegates to step up to the next level, he said: “If you just go, ordinary people can do something extra-ordinary.”

Pastor Robert and his rapidly-growing Lima church, Camino de Vida are involved in a range of social justice projects across the nation, including child health initiatives and the distribution of more than 40,000 wheelchairs to the physically challenged.

Speaking at Hillsong Conference for the first time, Judah Smith, pastor of Seattle's Generations Church, brought a dynamic word to the stage, as his quick humour and captivating story telling unfolded the parable of the prodigal son.

Hillsong Conference runs from 7-11 July at Acer Arena, and this year welcomes many sought-after Christian speakers, including Joyce Meyer and Joseph Prince.

This year 24,000 delegates from 21 denominations and 70 countries will attend the main conference, the Jam United youth conference and the Kidsong World children's conference.

For more information about the conference, visit www.hillsongconference.com.