While many people travel to the Montana's Bitterroot region to hike, bike and camp in the fresh mountain air, Will Graham has been traversing the state with the purpose of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Hamilton is a quaint city located between two cloud-skimming mountain ranges in the Bitterroot Valley. The valley is named after an herb Meriwether Lewis encountered during his famous expedition across the western United States.
Will Graham first visited Montana after graduating high school in 1993. He returned to the state in 1998 on his honeymoon. “This is a special place for us, and we’ve got a lot of wonderful memories here,” he said.
People of all ages lined up even before the doors opened on Wednesday for an evening of truth, hope and joy.
The Afters kicked off the fourth of seven Big Sky Celebration events by encouraging those gathered at Hamilton's Assembly of God Church to stand and praise the Creator of their beautiful home.
More than 1,200 people lifted their voices to God in a city with a population of only about 4,800. Two overflow rooms were needed to accommodate all those in attendance.
Also helping to prepare hearts for the Gospel message was Aaron Shust. “When I think of what the abundant life means, it’s a life full of the [Holy] Spirit,” the musician said, referring to John 10:10. “The Spirit is defined as full of love and joy and peace and the fruits, the evidences of the Spirit.”
The time of worship was just as sweet for those who couldn’t stand to their feet.
Among those in the audience was Ms. Dorothy, who has been a longtime ministry partner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. On Wednesday, the 93-year-old and her disabled daughter prayed with Edward Graham and heard Will Graham preach the same Gospel message his grandfather shared for more than 60 years.
When it came time for his message, Will Graham didn’t back away from the reality of the Gospel. “People here in Montana are some of the nicest people I know. But at our core, we are rotten,” he said. “We’ve all broken God’s laws.”
Walking forward takes courage and a genuine desire to surrender everything to the Savior.
While the Big Sky Celebration only stopped in Hamilton one night, local believers—who have surrounded their community in heartfelt prayer—will disciple those who are embarking on a lifelong journey with Christ.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." —Romans 15:13
To God be the glory for each soul that has found eternal rest in Him. Please join us in prayer as the Big Sky Celebration continues Friday in Great Falls, Montana. You can watch the remaining events live at BillyGraham.org/live.
