PHOTOS: A fresh start for many at Lisbon Festival

by BGEA   •  
Two days and four sermons later, the Lisbon Festival of Hope with Franklin Graham ended with more than 1,100 people indicating a decision for Christ.
The Campo Pequeno arena was filled to the brim for both services on Saturday. The Festival of Hope wraps up Sunday with two more events.
More than 50 percent of those who walked forward during the invitation to accept Christ were under the age of 25.
“We had high expectations for this event,” one volunteer said. And God exceeded. Many counselors and church leaders had tears in their eyes as people streamed forward to start their new life with Christ.
The Festival of Hope with Franklin Graham kicked off in Lisbon, Portugal, with two energetic events on Saturday. God’s work through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was on full display, marking the first Crusade event since Billy Graham passed away in February.
Churches have been preparing for months, training volunteers of all ages and holding prayer events to lift up their city and country to the Lord.
This group traveled many miles by train to attend the Festival of Hope.
“So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.” —Psalm 63:4
The Festival was a reunion of sorts for many. There were hugs and kisses galore as attendees recognized friends and family from across the stadium.
The Afters are always a crowd favorite with their energetic worship songs.
The 500-member Hope Choir was all smiles while singing “Oh Happy Day”—and what a happy day it was as hundreds walked forward to start their new life with Christ.
“What are the obstacles preventing you from coming to Christ tonight?” Franklin Graham asked the crowd during the evening service. “He loves you. The Bible tells us so. God so loved you.”
The Tommy Coomes Band took the stage before Franklin Graham preached at both events. They sang songs in Portuguese and English.
Tears of joy as this young woman makes a life-changing decision.
Brazilian singer Ana Paula Valadão led the crowd in worship for both services on Sunday. Many lifted their hands and fell to their knees as she sang.
It was an emotional night. Some cried; others laughed and danced. But God’s presence was evident through it all.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” —2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Now that the Festival of Hope is done, new believers will be connected to local churches that will help them better understand the discipleship materials they received and what it means to live for Jesus Christ.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:35 (ESV)
“Standing next to you is your new best friend,” Franklin Graham said with a smile to those who walked forward during the invitation to accept Christ. Festival counselors were there to talk, pray and answer any questions people had about following Christ.
This little one enjoyed the show atop a grownup’s shoulders.
Join in praying for all who came to know the hope of Jesus Christ on the weekend.
Dennis Agajanian wowed the crowd with his fast guitar picking skills, even getting the Portuguese choir involved in singing “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.”
Singing loud and proud for the Lord.
The Festival of Hope with Franklin Graham is finished, but local churches will continue the work through follow up and training. Keep praying for Portugal and all who have been changed forever by this event.