Saturday, the God Loves You Tour kicked off in Christchurch, on the South Island of New Zealand, where Franklin Graham preached the Gospel, and The Afters and Jeremy Camp led worship. The tour will continue on the North Island in Wellington (Nov. 16) and Auckland (Nov. 19).
The world's southernmost capital city, Wellington hosts an array of Parliament buildings, including the Beehive.
Christchurch sits along the Pacific Ocean and Avon and Heathcote rivers.
The Wellington Harbor is an inlet of Cook Strait—and is considered to be one of the globe's finest natural harbors.
The largest city on the nation's South Island, Christchurch was established on July 31, 1856—and is the oldest city in New Zealand.
"I want the people of Wellington to know that God loves them and has a plan for their lives," Franklin Graham tweeted.
Nicknamed "Garden City of the Plains," Christchurch has many parks and public gardens. In 2010 and 2011, the city was shaken by large earthquakes that killed at least 180 people and turned much of the city to rubble. Today, many of those areas have been rebuilt.
The iconic Wellington Cable Car has operated since 1902, and is the nation's only funicular railway. The cable car transports passengers to an overlook and beautiful botanical gardens.
Situated in a busy area, the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch is a memorial for those who served in the two world wars and following conflicts in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, and Vietnam.
Located at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island, "Windy Wellington" is known for being the world's windiest city.
Much of Christchurch's economy involves tourism. Here, tourists enjoy a punt ride along the picturesque Avon River.
Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me" (John 10:14, ESV).
Sixty-three years ago, Billy Graham preached in the same three cities across New Zealand. See footage from his Crusades. Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains also responded in Christchurch after two mosque shootings in 2019.
Christchurch is a common departure point for Antarctic exploration. The region boasts a number of national parks in the nearby Southern Alps.
Reports say six out of 10 New Zealanders don't believe in God. Will you pray for the Lord to open their hearts during the tour?
