What does it feel like to stand in a place where millions of hearts have been captivated by the power of Christ?
Will Graham, grandson of Dr. Billy Graham, recently concluded an “evangelistic celebration” with over 100,000 participants in Manila, Philippines.
Every unique soul saved during the event is enough to cause heaven to roar with cheers.
But this city, this very location, is also unique for being the only place in the world to have now experienced the evangelical gift of three generations of Grahams.
God continues a mighty move amongst the Filipinos under the headship Dr. Billy Graham began in 1957.
That year, Billy Graham took to the stage at the Quirino Grandstand preaching the Good News and leading thousands to the Lord.
Just 20 years later, his son Franklin Graham spoke at that same site and just earlier this year, his grandson Will Graham did as well.
84-year-old Filipino woman Luz Alvarez attended both the first and most recent events, “I can still remember it was raining hard because there was a storm that night in 1957. But many people still came, as many as the people who are here tonight. I am so happy that now I am listening to his grandson. They are a big blessing to the Philippines.”
The Quirino Grandstand, a sort of stadium type building of bleachers, is significant to the Filipino people for many reasons.
Originally known as Independence Grandstand, this historic site located in the heart of Manila is not only the location of the city’s annual Independence Day celebration but has also been host to the inauguration of Filipino presidents for years.
But this historic site hasn’t always been associated with good memories. In fact, it was the site of the very bloody hostage situation of 2010.
According to VisitPinas.com, “In the morning of 23 August 2010, a Monday, Rolando Mendoza boarded a tourist bus and held hostage more than 20 tourists in front of the Quirino Grandstand. Many hostages were released, while many died during the ensuing assault on the bus. It’s tempting to sweep this ugly incident under the carpet, but we promised to always remember.”
The significance this location has held for generations is undeniable. The contrast of God’s bright Light shining in place where such an evil act was carried out cannot be ignored.
The fact that God moved Dr. Billy Graham to start such a movement of God, Light, Hope, Truth in this very place is an amazing thing, especially seeing what tragedies his crusade preceded.
When Franklin Graham (Billy’s son) followed the pattern, he held the Truth up no less powerfully. As with the first crusade celebration, hundreds of thousands came, many turning in faith to Christ.
Now as Will Graham has just concluded their third trip back, the number of salvations added that began in this stadium is astounding.
Make no mistake, the message Dr. Billy began with is the same pure and glorious Truth that Will is continuing to preach.
Pray for these most recent souls, that their hearts will ring the message they’ve received. While the “evangelistic celebrations” are a powerful way to proclaim the Gospel, each individual life can make a significant impact on their own.
This will require strength, perseverance, and courage as these new salvations work out “with fear and trembling” in their hearts.
We should pray for an army of Kingdom Kids, toward these things for our new brothers and sisters. May God bless them with the eyes to see opportunities, the ears to hear His Truth, and the words to speak boldly and clearly into the lives around them.
May we also pray for the courage in our own lives to be inspired by such a mighty move of God and speak to our own circles.
There are souls in everybody we pass. The same God that saved the thousands in Manila will save each one of these also. May God grant us the eyes to see every opportunity, ears to hear His Words, and the boldness to go where we are sent — near or far.
