On Saturday, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) launched a busy year of ministry in Jacksonville, Florida—stop one of the Decision America Sunshine State Tour. Held right along the coast at Jacksonville Beach’s Seawalk Pavilion, it was the second visit to the First Coast by Franklin Graham in recent years (coming to Veterans Memorial Arena in 2015). Billy Graham last preached in the city in 2000. "My father loved this town. He would start looking for excuses to come down to the Mayo Clinic. He'd say 'I think my arm is hurting a little bit. Better get down to Jacksonville.'"
Throughout the tour, Franklin Graham and Jeremy Camp are visiting various Florida cities to call the lost to Christ and encourage believers to live boldly for Him.
The packed crowd clapped along to Jeremy Camp's upbeat songs. "How can you not be joyous knowing you’ve been taken out of that pit and given new life?" the singer-songwriter said while sharing about his own faith journey. >>Learn why Jeremy Camp participates in BGEA’s evangelistic events.
Local news crews covered the event and asked Franklin Graham about the purpose of his visit. "I want them to know God loves them," the evangelist responded.
Dennis Agajanian, a longtime friend and ministry partner of Franklin Graham, welcomed the crowd of 7,600 people with his fast strumming and country/folk tunes. He put a fun twist on the hymn "Nothing But the Blood" by singing a verse in Spanish.
Of Florida’s many well-known cities, Jacksonville boasts the state's largest and youngest population. As the event began, both sun-kissed children and well-seasoned citizens showed up to see what all the excitement was about.
Thousands of voices singing praises to God echoed across the Seawalk Pavilion and into the surrounding area. Some restaurant patrons—who maybe did not plan on attending the Gospel-centered event—had a bird's-eye view from balconies overlooking the public venue.
When Franklin Graham came on stage, he started by inviting those gathered into a time of prayer. Many in the crowd held hands while lifting their city, state and nation up to God, praying for the leaders by name.
"God wants to forgive you," the evangelist said. "He wants to heal that broken heart." People across the expansive venue listened intently from their lawn chairs and blankets.
Volunteer prayer counselors talked with each responder, and local churches will connect with them in the coming days as they begin a new journey with their Savior.
"I pray those who stood will find somebody to disciple them and really see growth," said Tammie McClafferty, a local believer who helped promote the event. "I pray this isn't just a one-day event, but a life-altering beginning."
Would you join us in praying for each person who heard the Good News in Jacksonville on Saturday—including those who chose not to respond? We pray this event plants spiritual seeds that continue to grow for years to come.
Stop two of the Decision America Sunshine State Tour is in Plant City, about 200 miles south of Jacksonville. No matter where you live, you can join us in praying for this evangelistic outreach.
