Wales is covered in sprawling green fields dotted with an estimated 10 million sheep and 600 castles, including Cardiff Castle pictured here. The nation's sheep outnumber people 3:1.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Franklin Graham. “It is good to be in Wales. This place is full of wonderful people.”
The event—which took place just outside the capital of Cardiff—brought Franklin Graham to Wales for the first time. While his father, Billy Graham, visited the country during his Youth for Christ days, he never hosted a Crusade there.
Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team were available to talk and pray about whatever was on the hearts and minds of those in attendance.
In addition to the packed crowd at the International Convention Centre Wales, thousands more from 41 countries watched the music and messages live online. >>Watch the replay.
From the moment the doors opened, the energy was palpable. Happy chatter turned to unabashed praise when the musicians—starting with guitarist Dennis Agajanian—took the stage.
“The beauty of the human race is found in the diversity. We are God’s bouquet,” said lead vocalist of the Newsboys, Michael Tait. He asked the Welsh crowd to “grab someone who doesn’t look like you and give them a hug”—and the audience didn’t hesitate.
“I'm gonna stand in a world that's breaking, stand for a truth unchanging. I’m not ashamed. I've considered the cost. I’ll stand right here at the foot of the cross,” the crowd sang along with the Newsboys.
A group of kids quickly formed at the front of the stage to dance along with the music.
For his first-ever message in Wales, Franklin Graham related the story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) to the hopelessness many have felt since the pandemic. “The only hope for any of us here is God,” he said.
It takes courage to publicly walk forward to surrender to Christ. But the Holy Spirit prompted hundreds to respond to the Gospel.
One-third of those who made decisions for Christ were 18 or younger.
The Bible assures us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Thank you for praying for the God Loves You Tour and all who made decisions for Christ. Please ask God to strengthen their faith through reading His Word, prayer, getting connected to a Bible-based church and being discipled.
