A Generational Impact For The Gospel

Dear Friend,

Regina, Saskatchewan, sits in the heart of the Canadian Prairies. It’s a wealthy crossroads for agriculture, mining, transportation, and oil. But many in the city are looking for hope in all the wrong places.

Their pursuit of pleasure and money has left them lost and searching.

Regina is the perfect place, in God’s perfect timing, to step into the darkness with the Good News of Jesus, “the light of the world” (John 8:12, NKJV). To that end, I’m excited to head north soon and proclaim the truth of the Savior at the Regina Look Up Celebration at the Brandt Centre on June 12–13.

More than 1,000 individuals and leaders from across the region joined me last November when we launched the outreach. Rarely have I seen such an outpouring of support, especially so long before the actual event. The excitement in the room—and the joy over the opportunity to see friends and family, co-workers, and neighbors come to know Christ—was evident.

“One of the things we feel in prayer is that God is doing something significant here, and He’s bringing even different ministries together,” Pastor Nico Deschner of Celebration Church in Regina told us that night. “We cannot put our name on it. It needs to be about the Lord, and we have to humble ourselves. It’s the Lord doing it and we’re just somehow participating in this. That’s amazing!”

PREPARING THE PLAINS

While we’re looking forward to what God will do on June 12–13, He’s already moving right now. Prayer efforts have been in full swing for months, building the spiritual foundation for this eternally important outreach as groups large and small have gathered to lift up Regina.

My grandfather Billy Graham always said that the three most important components for any evangelistic outreach were prayer, prayer, and prayer. It is, indeed, that important, and the Christians across the region have wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to pray for this outreach. In addition, more than 1,400 people have gone through our special training called the Christian Life and Witness Course, including a special youth version called Pursuit. Over the decades, this class has been taught in hundreds of cities around the world in preparation for Billy Graham Evangelistic Association events. It solidifies the basics of the Christian faith and prepares the believer to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV).

Christians across the region have wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to pray for this outreach.

In fact, we’re already seeing the impact of these classes. Karen* attended the classes even though she was not a regular churchgoer. After receiving the training, she began attending services weekly. Then Karen brought her daughters and her daughter’s unbelieving boyfriend. Now this family is growing closer to Christ—together!

Long after the Regina Look Up Celebration has concluded, hundreds of Christians will continue to impact the region for Christ using the information they learned through this process.

Will you join me—and Canadians from across the prairies—in lifting up these brothers and sisters as they play a pivotal role in leading people to Christ at the upcoming event?

‘THERE’S POWER IN REACHING OUR NEXT GENERATION’

As we turn the corner and enter the final weeks of preparation, this movement of God is building. We just held a night of prayer and worship at Bunge International Trade Centre on May 1. More than 500 people came out for the special event—called Momentum—where we praised the Lord together and cried out to Him on behalf of the lost. It was a powerful precursor to what we believe God is going to do at the Celebration.

Three generations of Josh* and Rachelle’s* family were in attendance at Momentum. The couple has been eagerly following the preparations for the Celebration through their church and attended our Christian Life and Witness Course classes. They came to Momentum with their children and parents to worship and pray that God will do a powerful work during the outreach event in June. “[We are hoping] more and more people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior,” said Rachelle. Josh added, “I especially pray for the young people, that they will come and follow Jesus Christ and change their life.”

The following day, also at the Bunge International Trade Centre, we held a special event just for children and families called Kidzfest. More than 1,000 took part in this fun-filled time, where they enjoyed bounce houses, games, and music, along with a message about the hope found in Jesus. We thank God for the nearly 300 children and adults who responded to the Gospel and placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

Six-year-old Denver* and 7-year-old Dylan* were there with their mother, and they both went forward to give their lives to Jesus Christ. It was an emotional moment for their mother, Anna,* who proudly went with them. “Sometimes, as their parents, you don’t know when the right time is … I’m glad we have this kind of opportunity,” she said.

“One of the things we feel in prayer is that God is doing something significant here, and He’s bringing even different ministries together,” Pastor Nico Deschner of Celebration Church in Regina told us that night. “We cannot put our name on it. It needs to be about the Lord, and we have to humble ourselves. It’s the Lord doing it and we’re just somehow participating in this. That’s amazing!”

THE MOMENT OF DECISION

My friends, there is no more important message than the Gospel of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and triumphant resurrection. And now is the time to proclaim that true and lasting hope in Regina. We can’t do this without you. Please commit to praying for this event—and for the people of Regina and the surrounding region—in the days and weeks to come. As the people of God call out to Him together for this effort, I believe we will see God do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV) for His glory and the sake of His kingdom.

May God bless richly bless you,

*Names and photos changed to protect privacy