Andrew Palau and 800 Churches Draw 35,000 in 'Remarkable' Response to Gospel in Burkina Faso
Andrew Palau, the son of famous evangelist Luis Palau, worked with 800 Christian churches to reach over 35,000 people in a series of major events in December in Burkina Faso, with a mission to bring hope to the troubled African nation.
Palau said that the response to the evangelistic message was "remarkable."
"We had people coming up to us asking how to accept Christ and wanting to do so throughout the week, Zacchaeus-like moments," he said.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"This really is a great victory and one that will remain a special legacy," added Luis Palau Association Director of Festivals Tim Innes. "For Burkina Faso, the best days are ahead. It's been an honor for us to serve with the leaders in this season."
Most of the events took place in the capital city of Ouagadougou between December 15-21, and were organized as part of the Love Burkina Faso mission. Tens of thousands of people reportedly attended the major two-day festival in the heart of the city, which also included appearances from professional BMX and FMX athletes Vic Murphy and John Andrus, and performances from local West African artists.
Palau's organization said in a press release that the evangelists' messages each night were met by thousands of hands in the crowds rising up 'indicating decisions for Christ.' Those who wanted to make such a decision were helped by close to 1,500 trained counselors to help them understand their choice.
The organization claims that 14,522 people decided to follow Christ as a result of the festival, with almost half of them being made during the two-day festival itself. Those who made such a choice were given free copies of the Gospel of John.
Pastor Jules Campore, who served as Palau's interpreter throughout the week, added: "Thank you for allowing this festival to take place ... it was amazing and we hope the Palau team will consider Burkina Faso again in the future."
Burkina Faso has faced months of civil unrest following the removal of former President Blaise Compaore in October, with a transitional government and an interim president in charge.
Protesters in October torched government buildings in their uprisal against Compaore 's 27-year reign, forcing the nation to declare a state of emergency.
Tensions rose to a boiling point after Campaore initially announced he would seek another term in office, but his subsequent decision to reverse such a bill was not enough to save his position.
Palau has led major festivals in other African nations as well, such as the 2010 Love Kampala gathering, which drew 82,000 people to hear his message.
