Dear Friend,
Unseasonably cold temperatures and pouring rain at several stops didn’t prevent thousands of people from hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ during the God Loves You Tidewater Tour last month. Friends like you prayed that men, women, and children in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina would surrender their lives to the Lord during the tour—and we praise God that hundreds of them did just that.
Over and over again, we heard stories of how the Lord worked at each event in La Plata, Timonium, Elkton, and Salisbury, Maryland; Portsmouth, Virginia; and Edenton, North Carolina. Minnie* volunteered as a prayer team member during the second stop in Timonium. She prayed with two women in their 60s who were surrendering their lives to the Lord. “They were so happy,” she said, “filled with joy and all about Jesus.” She gave both women discipleship materials so they can deepen their new relationship with Him.
In Elkton, Maryland, I shared the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15—and urged the crowd to come home to the loving arms of our Father. When I gave the invitation, 6-year-old Paisley* and her mom both prayed to receive Jesus Christ. One of our volunteers gave them discipleship resources and showed them how to get involved at a local church.
During our time in Elkton, I had the chance to meet two men who are standing boldly for Jesus Christ as they serve in local government positions. Both shared that they decided to get involved in leadership in their communities because of messages they heard through our ministry. I was so grateful that they served as volunteers during the tour—and deeply touched to hear about the impact they’re having in Jesus’ Name.
“One of the first things that I did when I came into office was to bring prayer back,” one of them told us. “We ended up starting with prayer at all of our town events. So if you don’t think you can, do it! Get out there and get involved in your community.”
In Salisbury, Maryland, when I invited the crowd to respond to the Good News in repentance and faith, Cathie* boldly stood. Right away, she connected with one of our prayer volunteers, Ethel, who turned out to be a friend of a friend. As the two women talked, she shared that she had never surrendered her life to Jesus Christ, but she was ready to make that commitment now. After Cathie said a heartfelt prayer, Ethel gave her a brand-new Bible and discipleship resources. “Happy birthday,” Ethel said. “You now have a spiritual birthday!”
In Virginia, we enjoyed warmer weather and thousands heard the Gospel at the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion in Portsmouth. Many stood as soon as I gave the invitation—but 16-year-old Maddie* was hesitant. She stayed in her seat as she prayed to receive Jesus Christ, but then she locked eyes with one of our prayer team volunteers. “I accepted Christ,” Maddie said as the two walked toward each other. Our volunteer prayed for her and talked to her mom—already a believer—who was crying tears of joy.
The God Loves You Tidewater Tour ended in Edenton, North Carolina, a town with a population under 5,000—but we praise God that more than 7,500 people from across the region heard the Good News! I was grateful for the opportunity to watch hundreds make decisions for Jesus Christ in my home state, including Shauna,* who walked to the event. She was desperate for hope—and she found it in the Gospel. She talked to one of our prayer volunteers about how difficult her life had been. Abuse and suicidal thoughts had burdened her for years. Now, she was eager to embrace salvation in Jesus Christ and “the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance” (Ephesians 1:18, NLT).
Will you pray for each of these new believers—and for the many men and women who will continue ministering to them? Please ask God to give these Christians wisdom as they disciple and guide these brothers and sisters in the Lord.
In the coming months, my son Will and I have a full schedule of preaching the Gospel in cities across the globe. He is holding evangelistic Celebrations in Moldova and Brazil this summer, while I’m preparing to hold a Crusade in London this August before sharing the Good News in Germany and Rome this fall. Will you pray that many people will put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ at each of these events?
Thank you for your heart for evangelism. Together, we “are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27, NASB). May the Lord richly bless you.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
President & CEO
*Names changed to protect privacy
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