Franklin Graham Opens Up Celebration of Hope
An estimated 12,700 people showed up Saturday night to hear evangelist Franklin Graham preach ahead of his father, the Rev. Billy Graham, who is expected to speak tonight.
An estimated 12,700 people showed up Saturday night to hear evangelist Franklin Graham preach ahead of his father, the Rev. Billy Graham, who is expected to speak tonight.
On the opening night of the two-day “Franklin and Billy Graham Celebration of Hope,” the younger Graham addressed the crowd at the New Orleans Arena as his father looked on from a skybox high above the arena floor. In his sermon, Franklin said he didn’t believe that Hurricane Katrina was God’s judgment, but believed “it’s an honest question.”
"I've seen churches destroyed. I've seen homes totally destroyed. People are quick to blame God, but you know there is a devil," he said, according to The New Orleans Times-Picayune. “The Bible says he's the liar. He's the one who wants to destroy each and every one of us.”
Franklin, who heads the evangelical aid agency Samaritan’s Purse, has made numerous visits to the hurricane-devastated Gulf Coast and, after a request by local churches in the area, accepted an invitation to bring his world renowned festival to New Orleans.
“New Orleans has always needed a spiritual rebirth,” Mayor Rayor Nagin (D-New Orleans) told an Associated Press reporter on Saturday. “But if we ever needed one now, now is the time.”
According to The Times-Picayune, the Mar. 11-12 evangelistic festival was funded entirely by the Grahams’ ministries and supported by volunteers from 215 local churches. For years, local pastors have been praying for a revival in New Orleans.
On the first night, Franklin spoke for almost 30 minutes, reminding the crowd of God’s love for them.
“God loves New Orleans. He loves Louisiana. God loves Mississippi. God loves Alabama. God loves Texas,” he exhorted. “And I want you to know, this whole Gulf region, God loves you and God has not abandoned you.”
The evangelist noted that “thousands upon thousands of lives were lost” and “properties by the billions were destroyed.”
“All of this reminds us how quickly our life can come to an end,” Franklin stated. “And my question for you tonight is ‘Are you ready?’ Are you ready to stand before a Holy God? Are your sins forgiven?”
Citing from the book of Romans, Graham reminded the crowd that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.”
The Celebration of Hope continues Sunday beginning at 4 p.m.