When Franklin Graham held a Festival in Moldova in 2005, it was one of the largest evangelistic events in the history of the former Soviet republic.
This weekend, Will Graham is following in his father’s footsteps when he proclaims the Gospel during a Celebration of Hope in the capital city of Chișinău, less than two hours from the Ukrainian border.
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Being so close to the war in Ukraine makes life tense for the Moldovan people, many who feel deeply for their Ukrainian friends.
The war “[makes] everyone cherish the quiet, peaceful sky [here],” said Vasily Gherasimciuc, who’s directing the Celebration of Hope.
The largest minority group in Moldova is Ukrainians, and that population continues to grow as more and more people flee the war-torn country.
Will Graham’s message during the Celebration will be translated into Romanian and Russian, enabling refugees—many of whom speak Russian—to understand.
With fertile soil and an ideal climate, this Eastern European country has a wonderful agricultural heritage, beautiful open countryside, and ancient buildings.
Yet it’s also one of the poorest countries in this area of the world. And it’s now home to many Ukrainians who have fled the violence in their own nation.
Many people in Moldova turn to alcohol and fall prey to human trafficking, with severe poverty driving some women to follow false promises of a better life.
Gherasimciuc shared how excited the local churches are to see this event come together and share the life-giving Gospel with their neighbors. They see it as “a new opportunity to unite together under the banner of evangelism,” he said.
Realizing the reality of spiritual warfare, Christians from 700 churches across Moldova have formed a 24/7 prayer chain for the week leading up to the Celebration, committing to fast, pray, and seek God.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” —Ephesians 6:12, ESV
Gherasimciuc and his team are confident that “our Lord will be glorified in the Chișinău Arena,” and “that [through] this Celebration, many people will receive Christ into their hearts.”
Will you lift up the Moldova Celebration in prayer?
- Pray for those who are learning how to effectively share their faith ahead of the event through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s (BGEA’s) Christian Life and Witness Course.
- Pray for protection—that the conflict in Ukraine will not interfere with the Celebration.
- Pray that the Lord would prepare hearts to hear the Gospel and realize their need for Jesus Christ.
