Over 175 people gathered in Newport last week, including more than 100 young people who were encouraged to walk boldly in their faith.
A dozen Pursuit of Worship events are taking place throughout the United Kingdom this month in preparation for Franklin Graham’s God Loves You Tour in London on June 21. Through prayer, worship, and teaching, Pursuit spurs on the younger generation in their relationship with Christ and equips them with practical ways to share the Gospel with their friends.
Evangelist Virginnia Logan delivered a challenging message on the spiritual battles facing today’s youth, including what she described as “Goliaths of our generation”—rising suicide rates and gender identity issues.
“I believe God is raising up Davids in this room—young people who won’t be tamed or silenced, but who will stand in the truth of who God has called them to be,” she said, referencing David in the Bible who toppled the great giant Goliath.
Logan urged the crowd to avoid conforming to the culture around them.
“The Lord is saying, ‘Raise the standard in your life and bring others up to it,’” she said.
Her words struck a chord with Angelica Estacio, 21, a medical student from Newport.
“In high school, people made fun of Jesus,” she said. “I was scared to talk about being a Christian because I felt judged before I even said anything.
“But tonight gave me a boldness I’ve never felt before. It reminded me that I can stand for Him—not just quietly in my heart, but openly,” Estacio said. “I want to go out into the real world and say, ‘Yes, I’m a believer in Christ—and I’m proud to share it.’”
She described the emotional impact of seeing younger members of her youth group worship freely.
“I’ve seen them grow up, and tonight for the first time, I saw their hands raised in worship. I just kept saying, ‘Thank You, God.’ It moved me to tears.”
Melvin Ortiz, an elder at Estacio’s church, One in Christ Church in Cardiff, brought 12 young people to the Pursuit event—including his twin sons.
“I brought them here tonight because I want young people to experience the gift of life and the joy found in Christ,” he said. “They need to open their eyes. This generation is facing challenges, and they need to be equipped to respond.”
During Franklin Graham’s 2022 God Loves You Tour in Newport, Melvin witnessed first hand how God is drawing the younger generation back to Christ. Many young people were among the hundreds who responded to the Gospel.
“That’s why we’ve already [committed] to bring people to the London event in June,” he added, passionate about seeing more embrace Christ.
Please pray for believers across the U.K. to be emboldened in sharing their faith. Also pray for all who will attend the God Loves You Tour with Franklin Graham at ExCeL London on June 21—that their hearts are tender toward the Gospel.