More than 7,400 people packed into the CONSOL Energy Center Friday for the first night of the Festival of Hope in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jasmine Tate took the stage first, garnering some new fans with her soulful voice.
Franklin Graham said everyone is a sinner, but Jesus Christ paid the price to set us free from those sins.
Elias Dummer of The City Harmonic helped set the tone Friday as he brought energy and passion to the stage.
The City Harmonic, a Canadian group, kicked off the Festival.
Amena Brown was Friday's emcee and later took the stage for a spoken word performance.
Kari Jobe led the crowd in worshiping God.
Caught in the moment, a girl knelt on the floor during one musical performance.
Dennis Agajanian's fast guitar picking was a crowd pleaser.
Young people wasted no time securing a good view of the stage.
Franklin Graham told the audience that there's hope for the hopeless, and it's a hope they could have that night.
Franklin Graham gave an invitation to receive Christ, and hundreds came forward.
A blond girl in front of the stage repeated a prayer to accept Christ. She said it loud and proud, her voice heard above all others.
Tenth Ave North had the crowd jumping, clapping and waving their arms in the air. Lead singer Mike Donehey also talked to the crowd about loving others the way Christ loves them.
Franklin Graham congratulated everyone who came forward to accept Christ and encouraged them to read God's Word, the Bible.
Counselors were excited to meet new believers they could follow up with and encourage in their faith.
Those who came forward were young and old. Franklin Graham said it isn't too late to start a life with Christ.
Many of Friday night's counselors were young, but all received training beforehand and were excited to share their faith with someone.
One young man was emotional after going forward at the invitation.
Tenth Ave North closed the Festival with an energy-filled performance.
