The three-day Festival de Esperanza (Festival of Hope) with Franklin Graham drew nearly 33,000 people to Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Many baseball games have been won in the stadium, but over the weekend, locals were celebrating something even greater: lives being won for Christ.
Franklin Graham's trip to San Juan marked his first Festival of the year. Galo Vasquez, director of Latin American Festivals for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, interpreted his message into Spanish.
"We wouldn't be here tonight if it weren't for the churches," Franklin Graham said, thanking those who put so much hard work into the Festival. Over 1,300 churches came together to help organize, promote and put on the event, a huge undertaking for the small island of Puerto Rico.
The Miel San Marcos band brought incredible energy to the last night of the Festival. Dozens of people crowded around the stage, fist pumping the air and jumping in place to the worship music.
A large choir to the left of the stage led Sunday's crowd of over 8,600 in worship.
Franklin Graham focused the audience's attention on the Bible's account of Bartimaeus, a blind man who received his sight from Jesus Christ. Over 14,000 people representing 49 countries watched the Festival online between Friday and Sunday.
A sweet moment after one man came forward at Franklin Graham's invitation. His little girl also got a booklet to learn more about Jesus.
Adlan Cruz (on the piano) and an orchestra brought cheers from the audience each night of the Festival of Hope.
A tearful moment after Franklin Graham's message from the Bible.
The Festival of Hope definitely didn't lack color. A group of animated clowns grabbed children's attention all three nights.
The game of dominoes is popular in Puerto Rico, and now those who came forward can have a domino effect on others around them as they share what Jesus has done for them.
"Regardless of our earthly possessions, we are all poor without God," Franklin Graham said.
Miel San Marcos ended the night with a celebration for everyone in the crowd. "The Lord's joy is our strength," said lead vocalist Josh Morales.
Intrigued by a children's booklet about Jesus.
A happy crowd.
Some who served as counselors at the Festival said they were encouraged to see so many believers coming together to worship and share the Gospel, something they hope to keep up now that the Festival is over.
Seeing individuals and families respond to God's call never gets old.
Over 1,300 people made a decision for Jesus Christ over the three-day Festival—with more than 300 of those indicating that decision online during the live web stream.
The Festival was almost over when this man dropped to his knees in worship. The event may have ended, but there's still so much to celebrate as local churches come alongside new believers and guide them in their faith. We truly serve a great God who allowed the Festival to happen and who loves Puerto Rico beyond words.
