By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Evangelist Franklin Graham is known for many things.
He’s known as being the son of Billy Graham, considered by many to be one of the greatest evangelists of all time, if not the greatest, as he is estimated to have preached to 215 million people during his time and served as a counselor to several presidents.
He’s known as the founder of Samaritan’s Purse, an organization that since 1970, has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ, according to the organization’s website.
Samaritan’s Purse is also well known for their shoe boxes filled with gifts, that people fill up and are sent around the world to needy children. So far, according to the Samaritan’s Purse website, more than 200 million of the shoeboxes have been shared.
February 29 he will be known for preaching in Del Rio, as he is part of a 10-stop tour along the border where he’s preaching under the auspices of The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s God Loves You Frontera Tour.
The free event is slated for the Del Rio High School parking area at 6:30 p.m.
“We are coming to the southern border because it is one of the neediest areas of our country at this time, and people need to hear a message of hope,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in a press release. “Everyone along the border is overwhelmed—the churches, the law enforcement agencies, the residents, those they’re trying to help, as well as the people coming into our country. There are a lot of hungry hearts and hurting people, so I’m coming to the border to tell everyone about God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and how He can make a difference in our lives if we put our faith and our trust in Him.”
Over 1,000 churches in Texas, Arizona and California are partnering with BGEA for this 10-city tour.
“I have been a pastor for over 20 years now. We are a growing community that, in recent years, has encountered many challenges due to living on the border,” said Martin Seca, pastor of Living Stone Worship Center. “I think the Frontera Tour is an opportunity for everyone in the community to unite and gather together to hear a message of hope that will bring comfort during these uncertain times.”
The tour kicked off in Brownsville Feb. 24, stops in McAllen, Laredo, Eagle Pass, here, Presidio, El Paso, Tucson, Ariz.; Yuma, Ariz,; and Chula Vista, Calif., March 9.
While Graham will handle the preaching, the crusade has several singers in tow, Marcos Witt, Taya and Dennis Agajanian.
Local churches have come together to support the event as well.
The writer can be reached at JoelaLangton@gmail.com .
