Bundled up in hats and scarves, more than 2,200 people braved the chilly 50-degree summer weather to hear from Will Graham at Friday's Central Scotland Celebration of Hope in Falkirk.
Sharing the message of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15, Will said, “God’s not sitting here waiting to bash you on the head. He’s waiting for you to come home.” He continued, “God’s not here to scold you; He’s here to embrace you.”
Only a few large raindrops fell from the cloudy sky as a sea of voices filled Falkirk Stadium, home of the Falkirk Football Club known as ’the Bairns.' Nearby rolling green hills, castles and the famous Kelpies, a set of large horsehead sculptures; the stadium lies along the eastern side of the small town.
His praise will "ever be" on the lips of those who love Him.
Music artist Aaron Shust led the diverse crowd of Scots in worship, singing a mix of hymns and newer songs, including “How Great Thou Art” and “Ever Be.”
Hospitable, down-to-earth people and incredible storytellers, the Scots are friendly people. This little boy follows suit with a warm smile and kind waves.
The crowd cheered loudly and clapped after more than 100 people came forward to make decisions for Christ. “Welcome home,” Will said to those standing before him.
“I’m a Yank, but my roots are here,” Will Graham told the audience right after he took the stage. Will, who said his Scottish heritage included horse thieves and drunks, joked his ancestors were so bad they were sent to America, where they eventually found the Lord.
As Will Graham offered an opportunity for anyone to receive Christ, heads were bowed across the stadium.
Invited by over 200 churches to the Land of the Brave, Will Graham prepared for the spiritual battle of fighting for souls through the power of prayer. Before the event began, a group gathered asking God to let the Holy Spirit intervene in the Scots’ hearts while surrounded by stadium locker room walls that read: “Coming together is a beginning."
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" —Psalm 150:6
Although some may have lived fewer years, the Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, needing His forgiveness. Each person who came forward had the chance to talk with a prayer volunteer and was given the Gospel of John.
A woman lifts a baby boy’s arms along to the beat as Aaron Shust sings.
Please pray for Scots to have open hearts as the Celebration continues on Saturday at 7 p.m. BST/2 p.m. ET. Watch live at ScotlandHope.com.
