April Prayer Update

At the two-day Love Hanoi Festival with Franklin Graham in 2017, more than 4,500 people made life-changing decisions for Christ.

DEAR FRIEND,

FESTIVALS: HO CHI MINH CITY

As I write, I’ve just returned from an incredibly fruitful trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where God opened the door for me to preach the Gospel during the Spring Love Festival. This marked the first time that an evangelistic event was held in Vietnam outside of a religious holiday like Christmas or Easter—and we praise God that tens of thousands heard about His love during both nights of the Festival.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai welcomes Franklin Graham to Vietnam.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai welcomes Franklin Graham to Vietnam.

The deputy prime minister and I discussed the many religious backgrounds in Vietnam as well as the government’s support of religious freedom. He told us how much they noticed and appreciated the churches helping in their communities during the pandemic. During the Festival a few days later, we prayed for these men and women—and for all those in leadership in their country—as the Bible instructs.

The day before the Festival began, the deputy chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee hosted a special luncheon for us, members of the U.S. Consulate, and many of the Vietnamese pastors and church leaders who made this Gospel outreach possible. The local team presented me with a painting of a Vietnamese father wrapping his arms around his son to welcome him home—a beautiful illustration of the story of the prodigal son recorded in Luke 15.

During the Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, Michael W. Smith led the crowds in worship on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
During the Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, Michael W. Smith led the crowds in worship on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

God provided beautiful weather on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, and Michael W. Smith was with us to lead worship at these historic events. I offered a clear presentation of the Good News “that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14, ESV). What a blessing it was to watch thousands come forward at the invitation to repent of their sins and receive Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives—people like Sang.*

Although her Aunt Ha* had talked to her about Jesus Christ before, she had never made the decision to follow Him. When Ha invited Sang to the Festival, she decided to attend—and she brought her 12-year-old son with her.

With Ha by her side, she listened closely to the message of salvation. At the end of the service, both Sang and her son walked forward to receive Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Ha couldn’t stop smiling as she watched her niece and grandnephew embrace the “promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:1, ESV).

Will you pray for Sang, her son, and for the many men, women, and children who made life-changing decisions for Jesus Christ during the Festival? Please ask the Lord to draw them close to Him and help them become bold witnesses for Him.

We gave copies of the gospel of John to all who attended, and each person who made a decision for Jesus Christ received a New Testament, along with our discipleship booklet Living in Christ. God’s Word will not return void, and this is an eternal investment in the lives of thousands of people. I pray that this seed will bear lasting fruit in Ho Chi Minh City and all across Vietnam.

GOSPEL TV SPOTS: PRAYER LINE

THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD

Since the beginning of the pandemic three years ago, I have been recording 60-second spots that clearly present the Gospel and air on TV nationwide. We share the number for our 24-hour prayer line, and we have had a tremendous response. In the latest spot, I also offered a Bible to those who make a decision for Jesus Christ or Christians who don’t have their own copy of God’s Word.

The Bible is essential for spiritual growth, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to share His truth with men and women all over the U.S. Thousands have called in to pray with a team member and ask for a Bible.

Shelley* has called the prayer line before, but when she called again recently, she had exciting news. After months of deliberation, she saw another Gospel TV spot and was now ready to surrender her life to the Lord.

Although she had grown up in a religious family, she never knew what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Now that she understood, she was excited to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4, ESV). Our team member listened compassionately as Shelley prayed to receive Jesus Christ. As they talked, Shelley shared how much she was looking forward to receiving her new Bible, and she asked for help finding a local Bible-teaching church.

Will you pray for Shelley and for each person who has received a Bible recently? God promises that His Word “always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it” (Isaiah 55:11, NLT).

GOD LOVES YOU TOUR: TIDEWATER

A MESSAGE OF HOPE

In just a few short weeks, I will travel across Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina for the God Loves You Tidewater Tour. Baltimore is one of the last cities where my father and I had the privilege of preaching together, and I’m looking forward to spending time in this region.

Recently, hundreds of believers in each of the six regions on the tour gathered for a Night of Prayer and Worship to prepare for this Gospel outreach. I’m thankful for every leader, church, and individual Christian who came out to lift up the Tidewater Tour to the Lord in prayer and for the work they’re doing now to get ready for the tour.

TV SPECIAL: EASTER GOSPEL MESSAGE

THE NEW BIRTH—EASTER FROM ROME

I recently recorded a special Gospel message from Rome on the new birth that Jesus Christ alone offers. This TV program—which will also feature a powerful musical performance from Michael W. Smith with a choir and orchestra—will air on Fox News at noon (ET) on Easter Sunday, and you can also see it on local channels in select U.S. markets or online all around the world. Will you invite your family, friends, and neighbors to tune in—especially those who may not know the Lord? You can find out more—including air times—or watch a trailer at BillyGraham.ca.

There is so much ministry underway right now—and none of it would be possible without your prayerful support. Thank you for your commitment to tell people about Jesus Christ, “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15, ESV).

May the Lord richly bless you,

Franklin Graham
President & CEO

*Names changed to protect privacy