By Clare BruceThursday 14 Feb 2019FaithReading Time: 3 minutes
Above: Franklin Graham preaching in Perth on Saturday. (All photos: BGEA).
Hundreds of people have made commitments to Jesus already, and thousands have united in their faith, as Franklin Graham’s gospel tour of Australia gets underway this week.
The first event in Perth’s RAC Arena on Saturday night (February 9) drew more than 13,000 people to hear a simple gospel message, with Franklin sharing the story of blind Bartimaeus crying out to Jesus to be healed, and the message of God’s redeeming love.
On Wednesday night (February 14), a crowd of more than 3,000 Northern Territorians gathered in Darwin for the second rally, at the Darwin Convention Centre, including hundreds of indigenous Australians.
Around 300 people stepped forward at the end of the night to receive Jesus.
Music of Country & Gospel Singer Steve Grace
Above: Steve Grace performing at the Darwin event on Wednesday night.
Gospel singer Steve Grace, who has spent 30 years travelling Australia ministering in both cities and country towns, performed and led worship.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association writes that Grace has a long connection with the work of the Graham family.
His own parents were influenced in their faith by attending Billy Graham’s crusade in the 1950s, and Grace has led many people to Christ at his concerts, at times using an old BGEA film Shadow of the Boomerang featuring Aboriginal Gospel singer Jimmy Little.
One of the key leaders involved in building momentum for the Darwin event, was Aboriginal pastor Bunumbirr Marika.
“I believe this is the beginning of a river flowing from the throne of God in the Northern Territory.” ~ Bunumbirr Marika
It was a vision Marika had of a bald eagle (the national emblem of the USA), that first spoke to him about the event, according to the BGEA. Soon after, he learnt about the Graham tour. As a result, he has spent the last three weeks traveling across the Northern Territory, sharing the Gospel and inviting people to come and hear the American evangelist. Many people travelled several hours for the event.
“As Franklin Graham goes around Australia, that’s what God is doing,” Marika told the BGEA. “I believe this is the beginning of a river flowing from the throne of God in the Northern Territory.”
The Gospel Message Never Goes Out of Date
Above: Franklin Graham in prayer with event leaders and ministers in Darwin.
On Saturday morning at the start of the tour, Franklin told event staff and team members that simple gospel events are still powerful for leading people to faith.
“[The enemy] wants pastors and churches to believe preaching the Gospel and giving an invitation are old fashioned,” he said. “But God still uses…the preaching of the Gospel and inviting people to respond.”
Franklin Graham’s tour continues with the following events.
- Melbourne – Hisense Arena – Saturday, February 16
- Brisbane – River Stage – Monday, February 18
- Adelaide – Titanium Security Arena – Wednesday, February 20
- Sydney – International Convention Centre – Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24
https://billygraham.org/story/australias-tough-top-enders-unashamed-to-embrace-christ-in-darwin