Rainy weather didn't deter Newfoundlanders on Saturday as thousands made their way to the Mile One Centre for a time of worship and to hear a message of hope from Will Graham. Always a crowd favorite, for KING & COUNTRY took the stage just before Will's message.
The Avalon Celebration of Hope kicked off Friday night with Kidzfest, an interactive event sharing the Gospel with young children. Saturday's event focused on reaching students.
Will preached the familiar story of the Prodigal Son, a man he said wanted to live life to the extreme. "He was looking for the Red Bull of his day," Will joked.
St. John’s is North America’s oldest and easternmost city. The area is full of character with vibrant homes, scenic shores and a rich war history.
Originating from Manitoba, Canada, The Color got the crowd going with upbeat worship and drum beats.
The Mile One Centre is home to the Newfoundland Growlers hockey team. As he preached Saturday night, Will compared the sport to how we live life. "Imagine a hockey game played right here with no rules. ... Rules allow us to enjoy the game better," he explained. "That's what rules also do in life. It helps us to enjoy life to the fullest—yet somehow we think rules hold us back."
“He loves you more than anything else in this world,” Will told the crowd before giving the invitation to accept Christ. “God thinks you’re the most precious thing, that He was willing to pay the debt [of sin] for you.”
These young boys sat on the floor in front of the stage as Will preached, listening intently. When it was time for the invitation to accept Christ, they were at the front of the line.
Will urged people in the audience to stop running the wrong way and come back to God. “Many of you are running from God. ... Your life is falling apart and you know it," he said. "Your only hope in life is to return back to Christ."
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." —Psalm 78:4
Jamming with for KING & COUNTRY.
The Good News unites people from all walks of life. Will you join us in praying for each person who walked forward to make a decision for Christ at the Avalon Celebration?
Prayer volunteers play a key role in gathering information from those who walk forward so they can be connected to a local church and receive other resources for growing their faith.
Teaching the story of the Prodigal Son, Will talked directly to those in the crowd who felt dissatisfied with where they are in life. “Maybe there’s things in your life that you’re not happy with. You say, ‘If I’d just taken that job’ or ‘If I’d just married that person’ or ‘If I’d just done this, I would’ve had that,'" he said. "Christ can change everything in your life."
It was an emotional night for many as attendees came to know the hope they can have in Jesus Christ.
"Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant." —Psalm 119:76
All smiles as the event came to a close.
The final night of the Celebration of Hope will feature music by George Canyon and Jason Crabb, as well as the Gospel message preached by Will Graham. Plan to watch the event live at BillyGraham.org/Live.
