Franklin Graham's bus rolled to the eighth stop on the Decision America California Tour on Friday night in Berkeley, an area known for its hippie vibes and activism. Hoping to bridge a gap larger than the Golden Gate Bridge across the bay from Cesar Chavez Park, Franklin came to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Blankets, lawn chairs and bikes filled the area as people stood in worship of their Savior.
Many came not knowing what to expect or how an area with such liberal views would react to the proclamation of the Gospel. Yet, numerous people stood to make
a decision for Christ.
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the crowd sang out, eagerly anticipating all God will do in the state of California.
Listening intently as the truth rings out. "Your soul ... God values more than the entire world!" Franklin Graham said.
In addition to leading the crowd in prayer for California's government leaders, Franklin lifted up those in law enforcement. In recent months, multiple police officers across the U.S. have been killed in the line of duty. The Rapid Response Team deployed to some of the communities affected, offering comfort and spiritual support to those facing loss.
A beautiful sight as this group worshipped God from the hillside.
Although a lot of people told him not to come to Berkeley, Franklin said this did not deter him. "I want to go to Berkeley and tell them that God loves them," he told the crowd with the view of the University of California, Berkeley behind him.
"We need to become Christlike because this world needs to see Jesus in us," music artist Jeremy Camp challenged the crowd.
Although a few protestors raised their voices before the event, nothing could drown out the strong love for Christ in the audience.
Each person who indicated a decision for Christ was given a red booklet by a prayer volunteer to help them in their walk with the Lord. "There are not many roads to Heaven ... there's only one road and that's through the cross!" Franklin told them.
Several children took full advantage of the park setting, joyfully blowing bubbles and dancing.
Before praying with the crowd, Franklin reminded the city of Berkeley and all those with a political agenda: "God's laws never change."
"Jesus said, 'For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?'" —Mark 8:36
These ladies were all smiles sitting alongside the San Francisco Bay with temperatures in the 60s.
Explaining the value of a soul, Franklin reminded the crowd of about 2,100 that their bodies may turn to dust, but their souls are eternal. "It's either going to be in His presence in Heaven or separated from Him in hell."
When Franklin was asked why the tour is called the "Decision America California Tour," he explained: "Because everyone has to make a decision in life—whether or not they are going to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ." As the tour crosses over a few more bridges to its last stops in Chico and Redding, please pray for all those who made decisions for Christ.
It was so encouraging to be among Christians, outdoors, music, Franklin Graham’s message about our soul being who we are and who we will be in Heaven. Berkeley is so lost, broken and needy. Thank you for coming to remind us we are not strangers and not alone in this hostile culture.
I thank you Mr. Graham for coming to the bay area. The word of Christ is needed so badly here. I thank you and I praise the work that you and your organization do. You are a great man of God and I admire all you do. May God continue to bless you and guide you to guide others to Him. God Bless YOU!
These pictures are soooo encouraging! My husband and I lived in Berkeley for 7 very long years. Nearly every day was a struggle to be there as a believer; sometimes extremely difficult. Thank you for coming to Berkeley and to the other places in California. Amen!
I am really inspired by Graham’s ministry
Franklin gives a simple message just like his dad. What a pleasure to see him in person. Thank you for serving us.
Franklin did a bold thing going to Berkley. He has made me feel braver in God.
It was so encouraging to be among Christians, outdoors, music, Franklin Graham’s message about our soul being who we are and who we will be in Heaven. Berkeley is so lost, broken and needy. Thank you for coming to remind us we are not strangers and not alone in this hostile culture.
I thank you Mr. Graham for coming to the bay area. The word of Christ is needed so badly here. I thank you and I praise the work that you and your organization do. You are a great man of God and I admire all you do. May God continue to bless you and guide you to guide others to Him. God Bless YOU!
Praise the Lord, hallelujah. Amen.
Our Jesus is awesome. It is time to proclaim him to the whole world.
Love this ministry.
So thankful for these prayer vigils in California. Praying the Holy Spirit will pierce the hearts of the people and draw them to Christ Jesus.
These pictures are soooo encouraging! My husband and I lived in Berkeley for 7 very long years. Nearly every day was a struggle to be there as a believer; sometimes extremely difficult. Thank you for coming to Berkeley and to the other places in California. Amen!