Dear Friend,
It was an honor to be able to read from God’s Holy Word at the inauguration in Washington. Six different people prayed or presented Scripture during this historic ceremony, and it was encouraging to see the Name of Jesus Christ lifted up as the world watched. Whether we voted for President Donald Trump or not, as Christians we need to pray for him, for Vice President Mike Pence, and for this new administration.
When I went to the capital cities of all 50 states last year, I reminded people that the most important issue in the election was about the Supreme Court, and I thank God that now a justice has been nominated who has a conservative judicial philosophy and a track record of decisions that uphold religious freedom. It was uplifting to learn that the president and vice president gathered in a circle with the judge and his family for a time of prayer immediately after the nomination was announced.
I have recently returned from preaching at an evangelistic Crusade in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Believers from more than 1,300 churches partnered with us to prepare, train, and pray for a mighty work of God—and God responded in a wonderful way. We give Him all the glory. Nearly 33,000 came to hear the Gospel in person, 14,000 more watched via live online streaming from 49 different countries, and 1,270 people turned to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. We praise God for each one.
A 30-year-old Puerto Rican attended because his wife, a believer, pressed him to come. He was envious of his wife’s faith but had struggled for a long time with questions about a God he could not see, feel, or hear. About a week before the Crusade, a friend contacted him out of the blue with a Facebook message that read simply, “Believe, have faith.” He hadn’t been able to get those three words out of his head. Then at the Crusade, he heard me quote from Scripture: “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NKJV). The Holy Spirit used that verse to open the young man’s heart. When I gave the invitation, he almost ran as he came forward to say he was ready to give his life to Jesus Christ. He talked with a counselor about the guilt he felt over sin, the counselor made sure he clearly understood what Jesus did for him on the cross, and then he prayed. Afterward he described that moment: “I felt, like, dizzy happiness.” Pray for him and for all the others who began a new life in Christ.
By the time you get this letter, I’ll be heading to Vancouver, British Columbia, to preach the Gospel. Pray for me and the others who serve on our Crusade teams.
>> Watch the Greater Vancouver Festival of Hope live online March 3-5
We have a very busy schedule this year, and we will also be doing a test of something new—going to multiple cities in a state for one night only. We’ll hold a prayer rally at each stop, praying for our nation and calling people to repent and turn in faith to Jesus Christ. I believe that by going to a series of cities for one night each, we will be able to have a much deeper impact than going to a big stadium in one larger city for multiple nights. I want to saturate the state with the Good News of Jesus Christ. At each place, we are asking believers to bring their unsaved friends and loved ones to hear the Gospel. As God leads, we will do the same across other states and regions next year. We would be grateful for your prayers and your support as we move forward.
My father is doing well, considering that he is 98. He is quiet a lot of the time, his eyesight is poor, and his hearing is limited, but his appetite is good. I see him almost every week. Thank you for continuing to pray for him.
At the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, we have a single overriding goal—reaching lost and hurting people across America and around the world with the life-changing hope found only in Jesus Christ. We count on your prayers and your financial help to do this work. It’s an investment that lasts into eternity, and we are very grateful.
May God richly bless you,
Franklin Graham
