Some 37,500 people attended the first night of the Festival of Hope with Franklin Graham in Fortaleza, Brazil.
Of the hundreds of trained volunteer counselors, many were young people.
The Festival scene was reminiscent of the soccer games that typically take place at Arena Castelão: an energetic crowd roaring, and waving flags and scarves.
“Jesus is not dead. He’s not still hanging on a cross. He’s alive. He’s in this stadium tonight.” —Franklin Graham
A young man was one of hundreds gathered in front of the stage Friday night to express his need for Jesus Christ.
Getting a glimpse of the stage from up high.
Dozens worked the field during a flash mob routine.
Franklin Graham takes a moment for a selfie with some of the Festival of Hope leaders. Follow @Franklin_Graham on Instagram.
Young people came in large groups to enjoy the event with friends.
About 7,000 trained counselors are available both nights of the Festival to explain the Gospel to people and connect them with local churches.
PG, a local group, had the crowd singing and dancing.
Making the message of Christ personal.
The Tommy Coomes Band took the stage just before Franklin Graham, singing "Everlasting God" and other songs of hope.
After people prayed to accept Christ, Franklin Graham assured them, “You are a child of the King. You have been forgiven.”
“There is only one path to God and that is through the cross." —Franklin Graham
Churches will now begin the follow-up process with the 1,400-plus people who walked forward on Friday.
Counselors sing along with Michael W. Smith. The crowd belted out lyrics in both English and Portuguese.
The Arena Castelão seats more than 60,000. This the first evangelistic event to take place at the venue.
Of those who walked forward Friday night, more than half of them were under age 18.
People arrive in groups to Friday night's Festival.
