A RETURN TO SEOUL: 70,000 HEAR GOSPEL MESSAGE
Dear Friend,
Just a few weeks ago, I preached the Gospel at a special event in Seoul, South Korea, one of the most populous cities on Earth. These services marked the 50th anniversary of my father’s massive Crusade there—his largest ever. Billy Kim, who served as the interpreter during that Crusade, helped organise these anniversary services. Seoul has changed a lot in the five decades since my father preached—but the needs of the human heart have not.
Buddhist temples still dot the city just like they did in 1973—but now Seoul is so large it’s considered a megacity. By some estimates, it has the world’s busiest airport. In contrast to its booming prosperity, there is still great spiritual poverty. South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, and many have no idea where to turn for hope.
I’m grateful I had the opportunity to proclaim the Good News that “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, ESV) to over 70,000 people. Over 6,000 responded by surrendering their lives to Him in repentance and faith, including Yun-Jung Shim.
She had attended church as a teenager, but when she got married, her husband’s family discouraged her from having anything to do with Christianity. “They wanted me to believe in Buddhism. Last week my friend invited me to church and then invited me here,” she shared. When I gave the invitation, Yun-Jung surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. “I feel like God has held my hand, and He met me today.”
My son Will also preached at a service for youth on the night before the anniversary event. He told thousands of young people in Seoul’s SaRang Church that the most important message they’ll ever hear is that God loves them and sent His Son to die for them. Hundreds of kids and teens made life-changing decisions for Jesus Christ during the service. Will you ask the Lord to strengthen each new believer? Please also pray that a spiritual revival will sweep across South Korea.
EQUIPPING PASTORS IN AUSTRALIA
After Will left South Korea, he joined more than 160 pastors and church leaders on Australia’s Gold Coast to encourage and equip them in the work of the Gospel. He held Celebrations in Tasmania last year, and he was grateful for the opportunity to return to this part of the world to meet with these men and women who are on fire to share the Gospel with their neighbours. Will you pray for leaders in this part of the world? Ask the Lord to help them boldly share His love and truth in the midst of overwhelming secularism.
As I write, Will is preparing to share the Good News in Chisinau, Moldova. This country has become a refuge for people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The conflict has caused great social division in Moldova, and so many need to hear about the hope of Jesus Christ. Please pray that God will open hearts as Will preaches His Word.
FACING TRAGEDY WITH THE HOPE OF JESUS CHRIST
A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to help lead a training conference for embattled chaplains in
Ukraine. We wanted to come alongside these brave Christians as they share the love of Jesus Christ with their neighbours, who are facing unspeakable adversity on a daily basis as the conflict rages on.
Many of those who attended the You Are Not Alone conference have lost their homes and jobs—and any sense of security. Despite these hardships, hundreds of chaplains from all over the country gathered to learn more about how they can minister in Jesus’ Name to those around them.
Just days after the conference ended, the massive Nova Kakhovka dam on Ukraine’s Dnieper River collapsed. Nine people lost their lives and tens of thousands were left without power or clean water. Chaplains who had just finished the conference days earlier were able to deploy to the region and offer emotional and spiritual support. In addition to praying and offering a listening ear, they handed out Ukrainian-language Bibles to many suffering people.
Will you pray for the countless thousands who are hurting because of this senseless violence—and for these chaplains who are boldly sharing the love of God?
Please also pray for upcoming Gospel ministry in the United Kingdom. Next month, I have the privilege of returning to London to proclaim the Good News that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36, ESV). Will you ask the Lord to draw people from all walks of life to Himself all across southern England?
Thank you for your heart to reach people far from God with the truth of the Gospel. I am grateful for you.
May God richly bless you,
Franklin Graham | President
I AM ANDREW
More than 200 church leaders from across London recently gathered for the I Am Andrew breakfast in preparation for the God Loves You Tour in August.
Following a time of worship, local Pastor Jonathan Olayide took the stage and urged all those in attendance to follow the example of Jesus’ disciple Andrew. After he met Jesus, he “first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’” (John 1:41, ESV).
JUST LIKE THE APOSTLE, WE MUST BE AN AUTHENTIC ANDREW AND BRING PEOPLE TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. —JONATHAN OLAYIDE
It’s an approach that has been bearing fruit for centuries—and one that has worked in Pastor Jonathan’s own church right there in London. He shared a story about a man who invited his brother to a church event. When he heard the Gospel proclaimed, the brother surrendered his life to the Lord. “Do you want to know the name of this man who brought his brother to hear about Christ and was saved?” Jonathan asked. “His name was Andrew. And he’s here today!”
From amongst the crowd, Andrew Juniad stood up with a beaming smile. The room erupted with applause for how God still works through people today to reach others. “Just like the apostle, we must be an authentic Andrew and being people to our Lord Jesus Christ,” Jonathan concluded.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
WHERE MOST NEEDED
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