THOUSANDS ACCEPT CHRIST IN ARGENTINA
Dear Friend,
As I write, I have just returned from our Festival in Buenos Aires, Argentina—literally on the other side of the world. This capital city is one of the largest metro areas in the world. Although millions in Buenos Aires call themselves Christians, for many it’s just a cultural identity. There are also people from nearly every corner of the globe living in this city—including many from Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist backgrounds.
On a Friday night, the temperature plunged and a steady rain fell. Despite the gloomy weather, more than 30,000 people gathered in Buenos Aires’ Vélez Stadium, one of the city’s iconic soccer venues. I preached on the Prodigal Son from Luke 15 and urged all those in attendance “that they should repent, [and] turn to God” (Acts 26:20, NKJV). What a sight to see so many men, women, and children in colorful rain ponchos walk forward at the invitation—including Paula and Ramiro.
The mother and son had been invited to the Festival by Ayelen, a family member—and event volunteer—who spent nearly a year praying for them. Paula and Ramiro were living hard lives in one of Buenos Aires’ poorest neighborhoods, but both felt a burden lifting as they listened to the Good News of Jesus Christ. They stood together to pray in repentance and faith and joyfully surrendered their lives to the Lord.
“I am like the Prodigal Son. That [message] touched me,” Paula said. “I want our lives to change. Very bad things happen in our neighborhood; there are many addictions, and I don’t want my son to continue living in that.”
Ramiro was also visibly moved. “God did call me to repent,” he said, “everything is going to change.”
The Festival continued the following evening, with brighter, clearer weather. I was so thankful to see the stadium filled with more than 42,000 individuals from all walks of life. To God alone belongs the glory for the more than 8,000 people who told us they made life-changing decisions for Jesus Christ during the two-day outreach.
Will you lift these new brothers and sisters up to the Lord? Pray that they will be “strengthened in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20, NKJV) through prayer, the reading of His Word, and fellowship at a local church.
OPEN DOORS IN CAMBODIA
In just a few weeks, I will preach in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The overwhelming majority of Cambodians are Buddhists, and Siem Reap is the gateway to the ruins of the largest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat. Hundreds of thousands of people live in this city—and thousands of tourists pour in throughout the year. So many people in Siem Reap have no idea who Jesus Christ is—or that He alone can give them peace and hope.
I am so grateful that the churches in and around Siem Reap have extended this invitation, along with the support of the Cambodian government. Will you pray for the congregations and individual believers who are working hard to prepare for the Festival?
GOSPEL TV SPOTS
GRATEFUL FOR GOSPEL TV OPPORTUNITIES
I recorded several new Gospel TV spots that aired around Christmas and U.S. Thanksgiving. Whether they were watching morning shows or the evening news, countless people in Canada and the U.S. saw these one-minute messages over the last month, and more than 60,000 called our Billy Graham 24/7 Prayer Line that was shown on the screen.
Ellen was one of them. She immediately told our representative that she wanted to be saved—but she didn’t understand how that was possible. Our associate explained the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ: “The Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame’” (Romans 10:11, NKJV). Ellen cried as she explained she thought it couldn’t be that easy. She joyfully prayed to surrender her life to the Lord in repentance and faith, and we sent her materials to help her grow in her walk with the Lord. Praise God for using these TV commercials for His purposes!
Please pray for Ellen and the many others who called our prayer line—and pray for ads that we’ll air in the coming weeks, that many will be transformed by the Gospel message they hear.
Thank you for your partnership in this Gospel ministry. I am so grateful for you, your prayers, your support, and your heart to boldly proclaim God’s truth.
May the Lord richly bless you,
Franklin Graham
President & CEO
LAW ENFORCEMENT MINISTRY
THE UNSHAKABLE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
When Madison* joined a Saskatchewan police force, she was certain about two things: her calling to serve as an officer and her unwavering faith in God. “I started out with the goal of being the hands and feet of Jesus in my career as a police officer,” shared Madison.
Over time, however, between working irregular shifts, navigating police culture, and responding to tragic scenes, a nagging thought weighed on her. “I struggled to see how you could be a Christian and a police officer at the same time. In trying to fit in, I lost focus on the foundation that I had in my faith.”
Madison started skipping church and isolating herself from friends and family. Alcohol became her way to cope with stress. “I was at the lowest part of my career,” she said. Yet even then, she wasn’t alone: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, ESV).
In a moment of desperation, Madison realized how far she had strayed from God and her calling. “It was a big wake-up call. My priorities had drifted away from honoring God to fitting in and being comfortable. But I need Jesus. There’s a hope that you find in Him that you can’t find in this world.”
While searching online for help, Madison discovered one of our Canadian Law Enforcement Appreciation Retreats, hosted in Jasper, Alberta. These two-day retreats give officers and spouses encouragement, community, and rest from the challenges they face. Christian speakers provide focus on Christ-centered growth in their careers, marriages, and lives. This opportunity to share her experiences with other officers was exactly what Madison needed spiritually and emotionally.
“One of the speakers talked about how we are meant to be countercultural in this world, and while it’s not going to be easy, it’s so worth it in the end. Because the help we need is not just another cup of coffee—we need Jesus,” said Madison. “This weekend has encouraged me to talk about my faith and be a support to other officers so they know they are not alone and that their faith is important.”
Will you pray for those who protect and serve our communities and for the retreats scheduled this year, that many more law enforcement officers and families will find encouragement and renewed faith?
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
GOD WORKS THROUGH PEOPLE LIKE YOU TO CHANGE THE WORLD BY THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL. The Gospel changes lives—now and for eternity. When you designate a gift for “Where Most Needed,” it is available for immediate ministry opportunities and needs, including the personnel, resources, materials, equipment, and support services vital to the work of evangelism around the world.