IHOPers converge to discuss the end of the world

To city officials, the sight of packet-clutching, name-tag-wearing visitors shuffling between downtown hotels and Bartle Hall evokes the sweet sound of cash registers ringing. But to Kansas City residents, the flocks of out-of-towners often raises the question: “Who are you people?”

Despite the plastic sunglasses and hipster fashions, this week’s crowd wasn’t in town for an American Apparel conference but OneThing08, hosted by the International House of Prayer. While countless Christians likely tuned in online, thousands traveled to the hometown of IHOP preacher Mike Bickle for the four-day event. Among them was a young trio from Minneapolis, who said Jesus Christ inspired them to attend this lesson on the end of the world.