All of Heaven is Rejoicing

By   •   May 31, 2009

8:30 p.m. – “New birth is the union of your soul with Jesus,” Franklin Graham is telling the audience of 8,730 people.

He is teaching from the Gospel of John and telling the story of Nicodemus. “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?”

Nicodemus came to Jesus under cover of the night. Maybe he was ashamed of his sin. Maybe he was afraid of the Pharisees.

Jesus explained that a man must be born again – and that only He can give new birth. First though, people must repent of sins.

Murder and abortion are sins. Adultery and homosexuality are sins. Telling lies is a sin, but Jesus will forgive us if we confess.

“Come to Jesus tonight … you may never have another chance.”

8 p.m. – Oh Michael! Wow – Michael W. Smith is proving to be a huge hit again tonight. He even has the whole choir dancing and jumping!

After an amazing set, Michael told the audience, “Tonight is all about Jesus. There was a time when I was really lost. I was in the gutter, really far from God, but Jesus set me free. Now I just want to dance with my Pappa.”

He came to bring us a hope and a future, says Michael. “We believe revival will start here and move through Estonia. Revival begins tonight!!”

The whole arena shook with applause.

7:45 p.m. – Olympian Tiidrek Nurme is sharing his testimony with fellow Estonians. A middle distance runner, Tiidrek is the current national record holder of the 1500 meter race.

While barely a teen, he went to prison for one year. After his release, and much questioning, Tiidrek eventually found God in 2003.

In spite of winning many Olympic medals, he says his biggest success is finding God. “A person who finds God will find his or her true self. Nothing brings me more joy than God. I have learned that God is love.”

Without God’s love, Tiirdrek says he wouldn’t be here. “Alcohol can kill you, but Jesus can free you. People try drugs and alcohol, but try God instead – you won’t lose anything.”


7:15 p.m. – So, here’s some info about Huntley Brown, from his website: Huntley grew up in a Christian home on the island of Jamaica. His parents, Myrtle and Alpheus Brown, taught him what it means to be a Christian, and at an early age he accepted Christ. Without knowing how to read music, he learned to play the piano by imitating his brothers.

His continual prayer is that the glory of God will shine through the notes, and the Holy Spirit will send the music straight to the heart, drawing people to the abundance of life in Christ.

Cool guy!


6:30 p.m. – As Huntley Brown and the choir take the stage, people are still streaming in and the sense of anticipation is palpable. Huntley’s piano rendition of “How Great Thou Art” is chilling! A new group tonight, Exit Band, also has a really strong sound. So many new faves.


4:30 p.m. – I can’t believe it is Sunday already! Our team is sad to be leaving new friends, but thankful to have visited. What a privilege to take part in God’s great work.

Keep us in your prayers as we travel tomorrow, but tonight – tonight lift up Franklin Graham and the Estonians who don’t know Jesus!

May our God reign!