More than 6,000 people steadily streamed into Super Bock Arena for the Celebration of Hope—and an additional 6,000 watched online.
Will Graham shared a Bible story from 2 Kings 21:1–6 about a king named Manasseh who sinned against God by worshiping idols. “My friends, we commit idolatry today,” Will Graham explained. “We worship sex, money, greed. We worship drugs, pornography, TV. Anything that comes [before] God is wrong.”
As people around the arena listened, Will Graham shared the Good News that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, ESV). God loved us so much, he said, that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sins and make a way for us to be with Him forever.
An overflow crowd stood outside in the cold rain to watch the event on big screens.
The energetic crowd clapped, jumped, and sang along to worship songs from TAYA and The Afters. “We are called to live in the light,” said TAYA. “If you are ready for your freedom, if you are ready for redemption … come into the light,” she said, urging those listening to open their hearts to Jesus Christ and experience the joy only He offers.
Trained prayer counselors were ready to answer questions and pray with those who wanted to commit their lives to Christ. New believers received a New Testament, along with a couple of Bible study booklets called Living In Christ and Growing in Christ to help them deepen their relationship with Jesus. Pastors from local churches will also follow up with them to help disciple and encourage them in their new faith.
As people streamed forward in response to the Gospel, Will Graham shared with them that their decision impacts eternity. Those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ will be with Him forever.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ... For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28, 30, ESV
“The most important decision I ever made in my life was putting my faith in Jesus,” said Josh Havens of The Afters as he interacted with the crowd. “God is greater than all the brokenness in this world. … Whatever it is, give it to God tonight.”
Most of those who responded to the Gospel were teenagers and young adults.
“Jesus came to save you from eternal separation from God, … but you have to be willing to come and confess your sin before God,” Will Graham said. Over 400 people responded to the Gospel—many who came forward with family and friends to receive Jesus Christ. Please pray for new believers to get involved in a local church where they can grow in their relationship with Christ.
