Evangelist Ralph Bell Preaches and Announces Retirement

''I am so glad that I am having my last Celebration in my home state of Colorado. God has so blessed me over the years.''

The Western Slope Celebration was held on Oct. 8-10 on the campus of Western State College, Colorado. The keynote speaker of the celebration was evangelist Ralph Bell, who ignited a new passion and spirit for a crowd of some 5,700 people during the three-day celebration.

Dona Goss, executive chair for the Western Slope Celebration Executive Committee, emphasized how remarkable the event was. “I was so excited by the number of people that came forward in response to Dr. Bell’s invitation.” It was estimated that more than 340 made spiritual commitments during the celebration.

The Celebration was opened on Friday night with high-quality music including performances from Ralph Bell’s praise band Ekklesia and vocalist Mark Christian.

Saturday morning was filled with various carnival games, face painting and music. Messages regarding faith in Christ were delivered during the day while more than 130 children and adults made personal commitments of faith in Jesus Christ.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Ralph Bell announced to the crowd of his retirement and said farewell to the public, “I am so glad that I am having my last Celebration in my home state of Colorado. God has so blessed me over the years.”

Dr. Bell is officially retiring from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association at the end of 2004.

In 1965, Billy Graham chose Dr. Bell to serve as an associate evangelist. Over the past 39 years, Ralph Bell has led more than 300 Celebrations throughout North America and other parts of the world.