Will Graham, grandson of Billy Graham, will headline the events, starting with Rock Thurrock, a suburb about 28 miles east of London, on Sept. 24 and 25.
Several other Rock the UK events will follow in 2012 as the BGEA, in partnership with UK churches, share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
“This is a critical time in the UK,” said Simon Barrington, executive director of the BGEA in the UK. “Time when we must proclaim the Gospel to this next generation. They’re not coming to the church for answers. We must go to them.
Each Rock the UK event will feature high-energy, large-scale music concerts aimed for people under the age of 25, followed by messages from Will Graham, who recently held events in the Philippines and on the Jersey Shore on the east coast of the United States.
“My grandson Will is a deeply spiritual man of God with the gifts of preaching, teaching and especially, a warm personality,” Billy Graham said. “I cannot think of a better envoy to send to you in England, where my wife Ruth and I spent so much time in ministry over many years.
“I have a deep love for Britain, and send my warmest Christian greetings along with my grandson.”
Mr. Graham’s first Crusade in London lasted three months in 1954 and his ministry in England spanned five different decades as he preached at 17 Crusades in 12 different cities.
But the BGEA has not ministered in the UK since the 1991 Scotland Crusades in Aberdeen Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“We are convinced of the power of God’s word to change lives in real tangible ways,” Barrington said. “Not because we have exceptional faith, but because we have the privilege of more than 60 years of well-documented evidence.”
Rock Thurrock, held at Thurrock Civic Hall, will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 24 and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 25. Admission cost is 10 pounds per night.
Musical guest appearing both nights include:
LZ7: The Christian rap and dance group from Manchester formed in 2005 by lead singer Lindz West, but recently changed their lineup and their remix single “This Little Light” landed in the Top 30 on the UK Singles Chart in October 2010.
Empire Nation: One of the hottest new Christian Bands, Empire Nation launched their debut album Airtight in 2009.
Beautiful Remnant: The all-female Christian band is also new to the music scene, forming in 2008 (although they started singing together in their church youth choir in 2005).
“Young people in this country are searching for meaning,” Barrington said. “Now is the time to proclaim the Gospel to them in a way that is meaningful and relevant, to satisfy this hunger.”
Rock Thurrock’s Schedule:
Celebration of Hope: A third night has been added to the event, called “A Celebration of Hope,” an evening of music and a message of hope by Will Graham at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 23, one night before Rock Thurrock. This event is free.
Official Launch: Preceded by months of preparation, the vision was officially cast on March 5 with a launch breakfast bash.
Community Action Projects: Teams of young people served the Thurrock area by digging gardens, decorating and clearing out rubbish during the month of July.
Christian Life and Witness Training: Beginning the week of June 6, classes trained young people on how to share their faith.
FM419: This intense, two-day, high-energy training will be held Sept. 9 and 10. Contact FM419@bgea.co.uk for more details.
For a promotional printable poster, click here.
For more information on Rock Thurrock, go to www.billygraham.org.uk.
