Thousands of people responded to a call of faith during the opening night of the “Esperanza Buenos Aires” festival on Friday (Nov. 7), filling the Vélez Stadium despite heavy rain, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
Franklin Graham, president of the BGEA, preached a message focused on hope and salvation, recalling his previous visit to Argentina with his father, Billy Graham, in 1991.
“If you remember nothing else from tonight, remember this: God loves you,” Graham told the crowd, many of whom were wearing rain ponchos. “He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, from heaven to earth not to condemn us, but to save us.”
After his sermon, Graham invited attendees to repent of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ. Thousands came forward to make a public decision for Christ.
The large-scale evangelistic event was supported by about 2,500 local evangelical churches, which will assist with follow-up and discipleship for the new believers.
Alejandro Nüesch, BGEA’s church coordinator, called the response a “miracle from heaven.”
“It’s incredible to see how many lives were changed in an instant here in this stadium,” Nüesch said. “We thank God for each person whose life was transformed today by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.”
Among those who responded was Adriana, 30, who said the experience renewed her faith after years away from church. “I’m leaving very blessed and encouraged to follow Christ,” she said.
The “Esperanza Buenos Aires” festival continues the legacy of Billy Graham, who preached at the Estadio Monumental in 1991 in an event that had a lasting impact on the church in Argentina.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
