Some 5,100 people from Bend, Oregon, and beyond gathered to pray with Franklin Graham during the second stop of the Decision America Pacific Northwest Tour.
“I’m fired up!” Jeremy Camp told the crowd, highlighting what a privilege it is for thousands of Christians to gather together and seek God on behalf of their city, state and nation.
Dennis Agajanian has taken the stage for almost every Decision America event to lead the crowd in spirited worship, singing songs like "How Great Thou Art" and "God Bless America." This time around, he's also had the opportunity to perform with his twin brother, Danny.
"Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" —1 John 5:5
Franklin Graham urged those listening to challenge themselves and get involved in politics, especially at the local and state level. “We need God in government, not out of government."
“Bend has changed,” Franklin said with a chuckle, reminiscing on when he first visited the city several years ago. “But you know, our whole country has changed, hasn’t it? And I don’t think our country has been more divided than it is today."
In a show of unity, people then reached high and low to grab their neighbor’s hand and pray out loud. “Father, we thank you that you hear our prayers,” Franklin said.
Crisis-trained Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are onsite at each stop of the Pacific Northwest Tour to pray with those in need or simply give a listening ear and comforting smile.
Franklin preached from Daniel 5—the story of King Belshazzar calling on Daniel to interpret writings no one else could decipher. “Daniel was a young man who purposed in his heart not to defile himself in that pagan, godless country. And we need young people today that will purpose in their heart to be morally pure."
Cash and his wife, Christine, made first-time decisions for Christ at the event on Friday night. They drove more than two hours to attend after someone at the church they'd been going to offered to pay their way. “It gives me hope to never give up," Cash said with tears flowing from his eyes. "I’ve been a drug addict most of my life, and this is the first time I’m actually clean. It feels really good." Will you join us in praying that this newly-married couple will stay on the path God has charted for them?
Reminiscent of Billy Graham's Crusades, the Tommy Coomes Band sang "Just As I Am" while people stood in response to the invitation to accept Christ.
“When you come to God through faith in His son Jesus Christ … God, at that moment, erases. He deletes that file. He can’t even recall it.” Many in the crowd stood to indicate making a decision to follow Christ as Franklin Graham explained salvation in a practical way. Prayer volunteers were standing nearby to talk with each person about the choice they'd just made.
These friends shouted with joy as people stood to make a decision for Christ. Cassandra (right) remembers the exact date she came to Jesus. “I’m so happy for them! It’s like welcoming another member of your family,” she said. “We get to spend forever with these people. It’s awesome!”
Those who decide to follow Christ at a Pacific Northwest Tour event get a copy of the New Testament from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Local volunteers will also stay in touch to get people connected to a Bible-teaching church.
The Decision America Pacific Northwest Tour moves on to Portland, Sunday, with a rally at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds and Event Center. Watch live at 7 p.m. PT, 10 p.m. ET.
