HISTORIC GOSPEL OUTREACH IN EASTERN EUROPE

Dear Friend,

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of preaching the Gospel in Minsk, Belarus. It was the first time in modern history that anything like this had been held in this Eastern European nation—and only God could have made it happen.
Local pastors told me that churches across Belarus had been asking God for years to open the door for an evangelistic outreach in their country. They were overjoyed to see Him answer in their lifetime.
It was an honour to meet with President Aleksandr Lukashenko in his office at the Palace of Independence on the day before the event. During our two-hour visit, we talked about the history of the Protestant church in his country, and I shared with him that I was bringing a message from the Bible for all Belarusians. He graciously thanked me for making the trip.

Belarus shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. Throughout its history, it has been shaped and reshaped by the Russian Revolution, two World Wars, and the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. Today, the rolling hills and rich farmland that surround Minsk and the Svislach River that winds through it create a serene landscape, and the city is so clean and beautiful. But like people everywhere, many of
its residents are searching for a deeper sense of peace, hope, and purpose that only comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

ABOVE: Both nights of the Festival of Hope in Minsk broke attendance records at the arena, and thousands filled an overflow space to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In the days leading up to the Festival of Hope, evangelical Christians across Belarus prayed around the clock that their neighbours would respond to the Gospel and “let the peace of Christ rule in [their] hearts” (Colossians 3:15, ESV). Additionally, nearly 8,200 people participated in our Christian Life and Witness Course. Many believers in Minsk told us they simply could not believe the two night Festival was becoming reality.

Each evening, the auditorium was filled with the beautiful sound of a symphony orchestra and a 1,300-person choir whose members came from 43 villages and cities all across Belarus. I was in awe of the opportunity God provided. Over the two nights, I preached the Good News of Jesus Christ to 30,700 people—in the main arena and in an overflow section. Many of those in attendance had never heard that God loves them and that He “sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9, NKJV). When I gave the invitation to respond to the Gospel, people of all ages and backgrounds walked forward. Elderly men and women, young adults, teens, and children gathered at the front of the auditorium to profess faith in Jesus Christ.

On the second night, Sviatoslav was listening carefully as I shared the story of the prodigal son. The 37-year-old was struggling with overwhelming feelings of emptiness. He had tried different religions, but nothing could fill the void in his heart. But now the Holy Spirit was working in him. At the end of the service, he stood and walked to the front. Sviatoslav was ready to receive new life in Jesus Christ!
“I was trying to find some place where my heart and my soul could feel in the correct place,” he said after praying. “All plans, all ambitions, everything was meaningless.” Sviatoslav received a new Russian language Bible, as did each person who professed faith in the Lord during the Festival. Will you pray for him and all these new believers in Belarus?

‘I WAS AN ATHEIST … AND HE SOUGHT ME OUT.’

Sunny Madrid, in the heart of Spain, is thousands of miles and a world away from Minsk—but the needs of the human heart are the same. There is a deep spiritual hunger in this vibrant capital city that’s filled with the sounds of sidewalk cafes, cathedral bells, and motor scooters.
During the Festival de la Esperanza in Madrid just a couple of weeks ago, we had the privilege of partnering with nearly 900 evangelical churches across the region to point hungry hearts to Jesus Christ, who “satisfies the longing soul” (Psalm 107:9, NKJV).
Because of the unseasonably hot weather on the first day, people huddled in the shade or under umbrellas as they waited in lines that snaked around several blocks. Once they filed into the arena, I told the crowd of over 10,000 about our spiritual poverty—that we stand before God with nothing to offer, no matter how much wealth we may have. I also explained that our souls are so valuable to the Lord that He sent His only Son to save us.

Marcos got up from his seat when I gave the invitation on the second night. When he looked over, he saw that his girlfriend had decided to respond too. The couple walked hand-in-hand to the front of the Palacio Vistalegre, where they were met by prayer counsellors. “I was an atheist, and I see that despite that, He has sought me out. That’s what impacts me the most,” he told one of the trained volunteers. Both Marcos and his girlfriend prayed to receive Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. We praise God for these two and the hundreds of other new believers in Madrid! Ask the Lord to empower them to “continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast” (Colossians 1:23, NKJV).

Thank you for your commitment to sharing God’s love with people across the globe—and here at home. Your generosity and prayers make it possible to tell others about the salvation found only in His Son.

God Bless You,

 Franklin Graham

President & CEO

MANCHESTER CHRISTIANS EQUIPPED TO SHARE THEIR FAITH

This October, Franklin Graham will be sharing the Gospel in Manchester during the God Loves You Tour. Ahead of the outreach, our Christian Life and Witness Course (CLWC) is being held across north-west England. These free, three-hour sessions equip believers with Biblical principles for living a life that points others to the Lord, practical tips for sharing their faith, and guidance on how to help new believers grow spiritually by studying God’s Word.
Wanting to know the best way possible to tell others about Jesus Christ, Tam attended the CLWC at Precious People Parish in Manchester and found his courage renewed. “You shouldn’t be worried about winning the soul,” he said. “It’s basically planting a seed—God is the one who does the rest.” The course also stirred fresh ideas about how he could reach young adults online. “Will it be videos? Pictures? Short-form content? It has sparked my thinking.”
Fellow attendee Godsgift signed up to volunteer as a counsellor during the tour. “It’s an honour,” she said. “I’m excited to see people’s lives transformed when they say yes to Christ.”

Pray for the CLWC classes still taking place in and around Manchester in the coming months and that those who attend will bring many friends and family members to the tour this October. To find a course near you, visit GodLovesYouTour.org.uk