In a historic return to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, renowned evangelist Franklin Graham attracted a crowd of hundreds of thousands with over 4,000 individuals committing to follow Jesus Christ during a two-day event. The "Encountering God" conference was held on March 8-9 and continued the legacy of evangelical outreach initiated by his father, Billy Graham, 65 years ago in the same city.

According to the Christian Post, Franklin Graham's recent visit to Ethiopia marks a significant continuation of his family's long-standing evangelical mission, highlighting the enduring relevance of the Christian Gospel.

This was Graham's 11th visit to Ethiopia, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to spreading religious teachings across the nation. The event received vast support indicated by the substantial turnout, confirming the region's strong inclination towards evangelical faith.

Organized by the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches, which encompasses over 3,000 member churches, the event was meticulously planned. Months before the gathering, preparations involved extensive prayer and discipleship training aimed at empowering local congregations to continue the move of faith beyond the event dates.

Historic gospel echoes through generations

Franklin's visit coincided with the 65th anniversary of Billy Graham's first sermon in Addis Ababa, serving as a poignant reminder of the unchanging message of the Gospel. "My father preached the same Gospel message 65 years ago. The world has changed, politics have changed, but the Gospel does not change. It’s the same yesterday, today and tomorrow," Franklin Graham stated during a press conference covered by 40 media outlets.

Spiritual narratives were central to Graham's sermons during the event. He focused particularly on the New Testament stories of blind Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus, which emphasize transformation and redemption, themes that resonate deeply with his evangelical philosophy.

The event also provided a platform for attendees to share personal transformation stories. Yisak, a 22-year-old participant; Darik, 17; and Ayana, 20, provided testimony that underscored the powerful impact of the evangelical message on the youth of Ethiopia.

Remarkable freedom and faith in modern Ethiopia

Pastor Ashebir Ketema of the Ethiopian Council commented on the significance of being able to preach freely in Ethiopia, a right that was severely restricted under the communist regime he survived. "When we see such events, that’s the hand of God … to preach freely in this country; it’s because of the hand of God," Pastor Ashebir explained, illustrating the contrast between past and present conditions for religious expression in Ethiopia.

The outreach efforts were not solely spiritual. Franklin Graham also highlighted the work of Samaritan’s Purse, the humanitarian organization he represents, which has been actively involved in providing essential services like medical care, clean water, and nutrition programs across Ethiopia.

This multifaceted outreach falls under the global initiative led by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, aimed at spreading Christianity by collaborating with local churches worldwide. The strategy involves not only projecting a spiritual message but also addressing practical needs within the communities it reaches.

The path forward for Ethiopian evangelicalism

Seneshat Teka, director of spiritual development at the council, emphasized the critical role of steadfast preaching and teaching. "The importance for Evangelical pastors to remain focused on the preaching and teaching of the Word of God," he said during the event, pointing out the essential elements of pastoral duties that should remain at the core of their ministry.

The event illustrates both a celebration of legacy and a continuation of mission in Ethiopia, with Franklin Graham reemphasizing the timeless nature of the Christian message. "Outside of Jesus Christ, you’re spiritually blind. It doesn’t matter what you have or who you are, you are spiritually poor without God," he explained.

Among the thousands of attendees, many left the event reconsidering their life’s priorities, with Franklin Graham offering a closing challenge: "Are you willing to say, ‘God, have mercy on me?’" His question not only ended the conference but also encouraged attendees to reflect on their spiritual journey, potentially marking the beginning of new faith commitments in their personal lives.