The second day of the Tri-Cities Will Graham Celebration in Johnson City, Tennessee, focused on reaching youth with the Gospel. The day included two events: KidzFest and student night.
Beginning with KidzFest, children witnessed the love of Christ through skits, songs and a word from Will Graham.
A few hours later, many waited outside in anticipation of what was to come during the Celebration's designated student night.
“Have you been running from God? It's time to come home,” Will Graham told the crowd after sharing about the prodigal son in the Bible. "Only when we come back to God and under His rules, do we start to experience life to the fullest."
Children, youth groups, college students, parents and more came to Saturday night's event, totaling over 4,000 attendees. The audience erupted in laughter soon after Will Graham took the stage and shared a childhood story of how he and his siblings would rather watch The Dukes of Hazzard than his grandfather, Billy Graham, on TV.
A group of children enthusiastically sang and danced as part of the KidzFest choir.
Local artist April Taylor Barnes kicked off Saturday evening in worship.
David Crowder was excited to work with Will Graham for the first time at Saturday night's event. A supporter of the Graham family, Crowder toured with Franklin Graham during Decision Texas last fall. It was Crowder's dream to meet Will Graham's grandfather, Billy Graham, who passed away in February, but he never had the chance. Because of their shared hope in eternal life with Christ, though, Crowder said he will one day get to see Billy Graham.
The day geared toward youth reflects the Graham family's heart for people of all ages. In the mid-1940s, Billy Graham served as a full-time evangelist with Youth for Christ, an organization founded to serve young people during WWII. In addition, his first published book was entitled, Calling Youth to Christ.
Children enjoyed a petting zoo, face painting and bounce houses at KidzFest.
The presence of the Lord seemed to fall upon the room as the David Crowder Band played "Come As You Are," a message Will Graham later discussed.
People of all ages lifted their hands in worship while singing praises to the Lord with the David Crowder Band.
Please continue to pray for the last day of the Tri-Cities Celebration, along with all those who heard the Gospel this weekend. As Will Graham shared, "Life is found in God, not apart from God." Specifically pray that people will fully surrender their hearts to the Lord. Watch the close of the Tri-Cities Celebration at BillyGraham.org/Live on Sunday at 3:30 ET.
