13-City Tour — a New Approach

Will Graham’s Canadian tour began on Sept. 5 at Maranatha Church in Belleville,Ontario. The event marked Maranatha’s first major concert at their new church facility – a building dedicated to the mission of Christ in their community and the world. It was the first time that the Irish band, Johnny Parks, had played in Canada. Most important, it was the first time that many of the youth gathered for the event stood up, walked to the front at Will’s invitation, and said “Yes” to God.

Since 2004, Graham has been speaking to Canadian youth about their need for God. “I’ve been to all the Canadian provinces now and preached in each one except Quebec. I’ve really enjoyed doing this tour – it’s a new approach. I don’t think anyone in my family has done this kind of one-night per city tour, not even my Granddaddy,” reflected Graham near the end of the challenging tour. “The toughest thing is catching your breath, being spiritually prepared while constantly on the move. I can’t study as much as I like to and there are always challenges on the way but I’m focusing on the Gospel.”

In 12 cities from Belleville, Ontario, to Fort McMurry,Alberta, Graham took the stage to talk about purpose and hope, offering his own variations of a message that has been repeated somewhere in the world throughout the history of the church: Jesus Christ is the way, the Truth and the Life. Turn to him now and find true peace with God. “I want to talk to you tonight about something you your purpose.”

Moments like that, where the clarity of a choice for God is presented without equivocation, were underwritten across all the cities by committed church volunteers and youth group leaders. “The local churches have been over-the-top in helping with the tour. They have provided counsellors and prayer support for the event. These ministry moments really depend on the local church. Even with our promotions and great names like Starfield and Will Graham, the local church involving people and bringing friends really makes a difference,” reflected BGEAC Youth Ministries Manager, Dion Collins.

One of the youth who attended the Belleville event was Amanda. She had taken the counselor training as a way of helping out and was excited by what happened. Amanda had a friend who had an epiphany about getting to know God but then didn’t know where to turn or what to do about it. When Amanda learned about this prompting from God, she invited her friend to come to the concert. “She’s been to our youth group, mainly for the social things, but now, tonight, she made the decision. I got to pray with her.”

Rick Hancock, a pastor from Barrie, Ontario, attended the concert as a counselor and had a chance to pray with a mother who drove a group of youths to the event: “She ended up being here tonight because she was bringing her kids to the event. But then, when the call from Will Graham came, she knew she needed to recommit her life to Christ. The event was intended for her kids but she ended up facing an important choice. That’s exciting.” And Hancock had another unique privilege. His own kids had volunteered as counselors and were able to pray with those who came forward: “My boys have never done this but both are here as counselors leading youth to Christ.” While waiting for the event to start, Pastor Hancock’s son Jesse had said, “I’m a little nervous about [being a counselor] but the good part is leading someone to the Lord.”

Starfield, one of Canada’s most popular Christian bands, followed Johnny Parks each night and challenged the gathered youths to offer to God their heart-felt worship. “The Bible says Jesus is the image of the invisible God. This song is inspired by our need for Him. And all you need can be found in Him,” explained lead singer, Tim Neufeld, as they launched into Son of God on the first night of the tour.

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