Indeed, many lives were changed last weekend. More than 10,000 youth and young adults filled LSU levee lots July 18 for the first stop of the summer concert tour – a new type of event for the BGEA.
Rock the River brings together musical acts designed to reach youth not acquainted with Christianity. In between sets, Franklin Graham takes the stage to talk from his heart to the lost and hurting.
The Rock the River Tour will continue to flow north. Next up is St. Louis on Aug. 2; Davenport, Iowa on Aug. 8; and the top of the river – Minneapolis/St. Paul – on Aug. 16.
“The Gospel always moves against the current–the current of culture, the current of politics, the current of tolerance, the current of the world,” said Franklin.
Since January, Rock the River staff have been working to mobilize more than 200 Baton Rouge-area churches and more than 1,000 volunteers to make this day a success.
“This is excellent; it’s wonderful,” said Junior Castillo, festival organizer for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Castillo announced late Saturday that a final gate count showed 10,998 attended.
“The partnerships with the churches, the vendors, the mayor, the governor,” Castillo said, “everything has been over the top.”
Kip Holden, the mayor of Baton Rouge, presented Franklin Graham with a key to the city. Later in the afternoon, Gov. Bobby Jindal welcomed the audience from the concert stage by declaring, “Our God is an awesome God, isn’t he?”
When Franklin took the stage a while later, he spoke of God’s love but did not mince words about the centrality of Jesus: “God didn’t send Mohammed or Buddha to save us from our sins.
“He sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins, and He loves you,” Franklin said. “God loves you and will forgive you of your sins if you only pray and ask him to.”
You too can accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Follow the Steps to Peace and make sure your soul will be with God for eternity.
Want to get more behind-the scenes insights and learn about the great performances this weekend? Check out the Baton Rouge blog »
