Forty media outlets filled a conference room Friday morning in the heart of Ethiopia. Facing rows of TV cameras and reporters, Franklin Graham talked about his prior trips to the country and why he has returned to the capital of Addis Ababa.
“We’ve been invited by the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches,” he said. “And the message that I preach is the Gospel, that God loves Ethiopia and that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, for Ethiopia.”
Billy Graham held a Crusade in Addis Ababa in 1960.
“My father, 65 years ago, preached the same Gospel message,” Franklin Graham said. “The world has changed, politics have changed, but the Gospel does not change. It’s the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”
Franklin Graham first visited Ethiopia in 1985 during a difficult time for the nation facing civil war and famine.
“One of the things I was able to see was the … beauty of the Ethiopian people,” he told reporters. “I never dreamed that I would have the privilege to come and preach the Gospel.
“It is an honor to be in this city today. … We love this nation.”
Following months of preparation, prayer, and discipleship training, the free Encountering God event will take place in Meskel Square Saturday and Sunday.
“I’m looking forward to preaching here tomorrow and I encourage you all to come,” Franklin Graham told news outlets. “I believe that God has called us here to Addis. … I hope that this week we will see many thousands of Ethiopians put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.”
Along with serving as president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Franklin Graham also oversees humanitarian aid organization Samaritan’s Purse. Over the years, Samaritan’s Purse has worked in Ethiopia to provide medical care, clean water, and nutrition programs.
Watch Encountering God with Franklin Graham, live from Addis Ababa Saturday and Sunday starting at 7 a.m. Eastern (3 p.m. East Africa Time).
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