1,000-Plus Volunteers Ready to Share Their Faith at Fort Wayne Celebration

By   •   October 3, 2017

This weekend, trained counselors like this woman will get an opportunity to share the hope of Christ at the Greater Fort Wayne Celebration.

Located at the meeting point of three rivers and almost equal distances from Chicago, Cincinnati and Detroit—Fort Wayne, Indiana, is considered a crossroads of sorts.

That’s why churches in the city are hoping this weekend’s Greater Fort Wayne Celebration will bring together people from all walks of life to hear the Gospel preached by Will Graham.

The free event, set to run Friday through Sunday, features performances by Aaron Shust, Phil Wickham, The Afters, Jimi Cravity and more. For those not nearby, the event will stream live each day on BillyGraham.org.

In preparation, area churches have been equipping their members to pray for and invite those who don’t know Christ.

“There is a faithful remnant of the church committed to this work of evangelism and discipleship—those with a keen heart for reaching family and friends who don’t yet know the Lord,” said Celebration Director Sam Hardy.

“The involved churches have sharpened their focus in these last several weeks on those relationships,” he continued. “If they don’t bring someone to hear the Gospel, who will?”

With some 150 participating churches representing 26 denomination, both excitement and expectations are high for the Celebration. Between those churches alone, more than 1,000 people have been trained to share their faith with attendees and help new believers understand what it means to follow Christ.

Well-Rounded, Gospel-Centered

The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum where the Celebration will be held is a popular spot for various events from sports to trade shows and conferences. Hardy explained a “neutral” location like this means a broader appeal and greater opportunity to reach nonbelievers who may stray away from a more traditional church setting.

“There is something for just about everyone over the course of the Celebration weekend,” he said, noting that Saturday’s Celebration will include a morning event for elementary-aged children called KidzFest.

Saturday night will be aimed at reaching middle and high school students while Friday and Sunday’s events have a broader audience.

“All programs will feature live music from some of today’s most well-known artists, as well as a message of hope from Will Graham,” Hardy added.

With the Celebration just around the corner, churches are focused on prayer and are asking all who can to join them.

“Distractions are the primary tool of the enemy to keep people from hearing the truth of the Gospel,” Hardy said. “Praying that nothing will interfere with the Holy Spirit’s drawing power is essential in these final days leading up to, over and beyond the Celebration.”

Make plans to attend the Greater Fort Wayne Celebration with Will Graham.

Watch the Celebration live online, starting Friday at 7 p.m. ET.