Hope For Spain’s Largest City

Dear Friend,

I was recently in Madrid, Spain, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a crowd of over 18,000 people. We give God all the glory for the hundreds who made decisions for Christ during the two- day Festival.

This capital city is a mix of the ancient and the modern. Glass and steel skyscrapers tower over centuries-old brick and limestone buildings—including many churches. While the cobblestone streets are lined with small cafes and shops, nearly 12,000 international businesses have headquarters or offices there.

Madrid has one of the strongest economies in Europe—but there is a great spiritual need here.

Although the metro area’s 7 million people live in the shadow of two cathedrals and dozens of churches, many have no relationship with God. They’re caught in a culture that pursues riches and pleasure and embraces much of what Scripture calls sin. In fact, Madrid hosts one of the largest Pride festivals in the world every summer.

Yet God has not turned His back on the city. Bible-teaching churches are growing, and I am so grateful that a group of them invited us to host the Festival de la Esperanza on May 30 and 31.

“From the very moment we learned about [the outreach], we decided to actively join in,” said one leader of a small church two hours outside the city. “We believe in evangelism, and we quickly mobilized our church and also pastors throughout our city.”

Please lift up the new believers in prayer as they get plugged into a local church and grow in their faith. Pray also that God will give them boldness and strength to share their faith with others.

LIVES TRANSFORMED BY THE GOSPEL IN JAPAN

My son Will recently returned from Shikoku, Japan. The smallest of Japan’s main islands, Shikoku is known for its stunning mountains and shorelines—and its 88 Buddhist temples. People from across Japan—and the world—flock to this island for Buddhist pilgrimages every year. Only a small portion of the population knows Jesus Christ.

At the two-day Celebration, Christian singer TAYA joined Japanese artists in offering powerful worship, preparing many to hear about “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God” (2 Corinthians 13:14, NKJV). Will shared a message from John’s gospel before inviting those filling the auditorium’s seats to surrender their lives to the Lord in repentance and faith.

Yoshiko* was among those who stood and walked forward. She was invited to the outreach by a friend who has been telling her about Jesus for several years. Yoshiko’s decision was a bold act of faith because her community—and even her husband—are opposed to Christianity. “This is Japan— everything’s based on Buddhism,” she said. “To go outside of that framework is a really difficult thing, especially living in a rural area.” Even though she was afraid of being rejected by her friends and family, she made her way to the front to publicly declare her relationship with the Lord.

Will you pray for Yoshiko and for all those who made decisions for Jesus Christ during the Celebration? Only 2% of people in Shikoku know Him personally. Please ask God to embolden these new believers so they can reach their neighbors with His love.

Thank you for your partnership in the work of the Gospel. God is using you in powerful ways as He draws people to Himself all around the world.

May God bless richly bless you,

GOD CHANGED LIVES FOR ETERNITY IN REGINA

On Friday, June 12, over 3,600 people filed into the Brandt Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, to hear about the hope of Christ from Will Graham.

Many Christians across the region have been asking God for years for a revival in their city. In the months leading up to the Celebration, unity began to blossom. Dozens of pastors met— and continue to meet—for regular prayer, worship, and fellowship, brought together by a shared desire to see lives transformed by the Gospel.

That Friday was an emotional night that answered years of heartfelt prayers.

Following worship led by musical guests Brooke Nicholls, Rend Collective, and The Afters, Will Graham shared from the Bible about when Jesus was nailed to a cross between two criminals (Luke 23:32–43). In Roman times, Will explained, the cross was a symbol of death and a horrible means of executing someone.

“Today, we see the cross as the greatest act of love,” he said.

“Some of you have no hope. You’re at the lowest point in your life,” said Will, relating his message to the repentant criminal with no hope either, and yet who realized his need for a Savior. “I’m here to tell you that God sees you, loves you, and wants to come into your life tonight. Believe in Him!”

SHE NEEDED
TO COME HEAR
THE GOSPEL.

More than 210 people responded to the Gospel by getting up from their seats and coming forward toward the stage. From the ground seats to the upper level, some came down as entire families. One teen named Amelia* ran to the front.

Amelia has struggled with a drug addiction for years, and in her darkest time, she walked away from her faith. She just completed rehab and knew she needed to come and hear the Gospel. At Will’s invitation, Amelia wasted no time coming to the stage, ready to pray with a volunteer and surrender her life to Jesus.

As the event came to a close, another work was just beginning. Now, churches across Regina will follow up with those who made decisions for Christ, encouraging and equipping these new believers to grow in their faith and become bold disciples.

We praise God for His work in so many lives during the Look Up Celebration with Will Graham.

Will you join us in praying for Christians in this region to continue sharing the Gospel for years to come?

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16, ESV).

*Names and photos changed to protect privacy