Friday Gallery: Festival of Hope in Sapporo, Japan

By   •   May 9, 2014

shamisen player
The Hokkaido Festival of Hope kicked off May 9 in Sapporo, Japan. Japanese artist Masahiro Nitta got the crowd fired up with his shamisen.
Franklin Graham
Franklin Graham preached the Gospel message. "God loves Japan ... and He loves you," he told the crowd at Hokkai Kita-Yell, a sports arena in Sapporo.
counseling
The man on the left was one of many Japanese people who responded to the Gospel by coming forward.
baby
The May 9-11 Festival will feature a children's event Saturday afternoon.
Lena Maria
Swedish singer Lena Maria shared her voice and her unwavering faith in the Lord. She has no arms but says she has joy because of the love of Jesus.
worship
A woman worships God during the Festival.
Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers
The talented, high-energy Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers had people on their feet praising God.
choir
A 500-voice Japanese choir joined the Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers.
Dennis Agajanian
Fast-picking guitarist Dennis Agajanian was a big hit with the crowd as he played his versions of songs like "Hallelujah Chorus."
Tommy Coomes Band
The Tommy Coomes Band came from California to lead worship at the Festival.
girl
A woman counsels a girl who came forward during the invitation to accept Christ.
praying
Two women pray together after Franklin Graham gave an invitation to accept Christ.
woman and boy
A Japanese believer counsels a boy who came forward during the Gospel invitation.
praying
Two women pray together after the younger of the two responded to the powerful Gospel message. The Festival will continue Saturday and Sunday and will be streamed online at 9 p.m. ET each night at http://billygraham.org/Japan.