After three years of preparation, Will Graham’s Celebration of Love in Phuket, Thailand, started Friday at Prince of Songkla University.
Phuket is located approximately 500 miles south of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, and is the country’s largest island—with a population of about 600,000 people. The majority of the population practices Buddhism, along with a significant number of Muslims.
The Christian band W501 encouraged the crowd of nearly 3,000 to stand to their feet while worshipping God in their native language.
While the people of Thailand have more religious freedom than most Asian countries, the decision to follow Jesus Christ can lead to rejection from friends and family members.
“Jesus is what you’ve been looking for in life. Jesus has the ability to change lives, and I’m here to tell you that Jesus can change your life tonight.” Will Graham said while sharing a straightforward Gospel message out of the book of Matthew.
Thai people from many generations attended the Celebration and heard about the Good News of Jesus Christ, perhaps for the first time.
In the years and months ahead of the three-day evangelistic event, believers across southern Thailand were encouraged through Operation Andrew to invite their friends to the Celebration. Christmas trees bearing Operation Andrew ornaments sat just outside the stadium where the event was held. Each card has the names of people participants felt led to pray for.
More than 250 churches worked together to prepare for the Celebration of Love in southern Thailand. Pastor Yotsunan Kornkumpanat, who invited the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to Phuket, said the unity among believers is unprecedented in Thai culture.
Mark Christian led those gathered in Phuket in a worshipful set of music before Will Graham took the stage. The two have become great friends through the years doing ministry together.
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” —Philippians 2:10-11
Pu Anchalee—one of the most popular singers in Thailand—shared her testimony in between energetic songs, giving glory to God.
Phuket's picturesque beaches, tropical weather and night markets draw people from all over the world to the island in southern Thailand. All those who attended the Celebration Friday night joined together in praise to the one true God.
“When you make no decision for Christ, you’re actually making a decision about Him. When you don’t receive Christ, you refuse Christ,” Will Graham said. Thousands of people in southern Thailand had to make a decision about Christ Friday night.
When Will gave the invitation, many people came forward to make the decision to follow Jesus. We praise God for all who gave their life to Christ Friday night, despite the cost.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” —Ephesians 2:4-5
As the three-day Celebration of Love continues tomorrow, please join us in prayer for the Holy Spirit to continue working in the hearts of the people of Thailand who are desperate for the Good News of Jesus Christ.
