New York may be nestled in a corner of the United States, but as the cultural hub of the nation, it’s one of the most popular spots in the country. It’s where big things happen, and Thursday was no exception.
Karen Wagar stood in a black leather vest, an American flag in one hand, a yellow motorcycle helmet in another. She faced the State Capitol—a stunning piece of architecture dating back to 1899—waiting for Franklin Graham’s 38th Decision America prayer rally to begin.
Her left arm was covered in a tattoo detailing the bone and muscle underneath.
“It’s the new me breaking out of the old me,” she explained.
Wagar grew up in New York where she says family struggles made life “really rough.” But nine months ago, she started attending Fruitful Vine Christian Church and committed her life to Jesus Christ.
“God was calling me,” she said. “I just feel more joy in my life with God. … I love Him with all my heart.”
Wagar will be baptized Sept. 11. Like many in New York, that date brings up painful memories, but this year, Wagar is also hopeful. She sees her baptism date as a mark of spiritual rebirth. And just as she’s had big changes in her life, she’s hoping the same will happen for her state.
Throughout the prayer rally in downtown Albany, several employees in the area stopped by the event on their lunch breaks, still wearing work badges. A mother stayed to listen in for a few minutes with her backpack-wearing kids in tow.
An estimated 2,800 people attended the rally as Franklin Graham shared the impact prayer can have on a nation and tried to embolden believers to stick up for their faith in God, despite pushback. A quiet group of protestors stood at the very back of the crowd with flags and signs.
“It’s not about being intolerant,” Franklin Graham told thousands before him about not being politically correct. “It’s about upholding God’s standards.”
Among those listening was Arif David, a former teacher in Pakistan who was persecuted for his faith. He moved to New York five months ago and continually prays for his wife and four children to be able to join him.
“I consider America my homeland because it saved me from persecution,” he said. He sees Americans as his fellow countrymen now and prays for their salvation.
“It is my desire that 100 percent of people should turn to God,” he said, including national leaders. “The government should be run by the people of God who fear Jesus Christ,” he added.
Franklin Graham prayed Thursday for protection and guidance for New York’s leaders and civil servants and led the crowd in a prayer of repentance.
“We come to you, acknowledging that we’re a sinful nation,” he prayed.
Hundreds of voices rose into the air, praying in unison as they held hands with those beside them. But will the togetherness continue after the tour? Will those heartfelt prayers have any kind of lasting impact?
“I know that this is affecting eternity,” Lisa Sweeney said from under her cowboy hat. “God hears when we pray.”
Sweeney was raised in New York and used to work at the Capitol, but now lives in California. She flew across the country this week, planning her vacation around the rally.
“Even though there’s so much evil, there’s still all these believers,” she said, waving one arm across the crowd.
Sweeney’s church in California has been praying for the Decision America Tour, she said, and so has her former church in Albany, Victory Christian Church.
Members from Victory prayed at the Capitol Sunday through Wednesday leading up to the rally.
“This can have a great impact as long as the churches embrace it,” said Colin Mbango, a rally volunteer and elder at City Harvest Family Church.
Mbango moved from Zambia to New York 16 years ago, and all four of his children were born here.
“It’s very difficult to spread the Gospel in this region,” he said. He appreciates that Franklin Graham is “trying to reach across every sphere of influence, every race” to bring people together in prayer.
Mbango has attended the National Day of Prayer at the New York State Capitol the past 14 years and said he’s never seen as big a crowd as he saw at Thursday’s rally.
“This could be the beginning of something great,” he said.
