Greater Cabarrus Celebration Galvanizes Area

Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn
Monday, 17 September 2001

14,300 Attend Local Billy Graham Event Despite National Tragedy

KANNAPOLIS, N.C., September 17, 2001 –- At a time when the entire nation is still reeling from the horrendous events of last week, thousands took time to seek answers by attending the much-anticipated Celebration event with Ralph Bell. The four-day event, which came to a close Sunday night with some 4,015 in attendance at Fieldcrest-Cannon Stadium, brought together thousands of people and more than 60 churches of different denominations, all for one purpose -- to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the community.

Long-time Billy Graham Evangelistic Association evangelist, Ralph Bell, who was scheduled to be the speaker each night of the Celebration, was not able to participate due to air travel restrictions. Instead, other members of his team were able to stand in. Crusade Director, Rev. Bob Kendig, brought the Dedication Night challenge to the churches on Wednesday evening. Youth evangelist, Steve Russo, of Southern California, spoke to the open-air audience on Thursday and Friday nights, as well as for the Youth Service on Saturday evening.

Local business owner, Raiford Troutman, who served as Executive Chair for the Celebration said, "This Celebration has given me a greater appreciation for and a closer relationship with the many people who carried out the work of this outreach effort. There was a sweet spirit of cooperation and a determination to follow God's guidance at all times. Many lives have been changed forever!"

Some thought was given to postponing, or even canceling the event because of the tragic developments in New York and Washington, D.C. Local organizers opted to move forward with the Celebration, believing it would provide a much-needed outlet for people to come together for prayer and to seek God's guidance for the nation, as well as for their communities. More than 14,300 did choose to attend one or more of the Celebration services.

There was something for everyone during the four-day outreach event. Thursday night's program featured Dove Award winner, Nicole C. Mullen, singing her chart-topping hit, "Redeemer" as well as a crowd-pleasing set of new music. The five-brother band, The Katinas, displayed their close harmony and fancy footwork at the stadium on Friday night. The Grammy and Dove award nominated group from American Samoa, brought the crowd to their feet on several occasions through their music about God's love for all.

Some 1,217 elementary age children attended a special Kids Fest program on Saturday morning at the stadium. Nationally acclaimed ventriloquist and puppeteer, Lesha Campbell, entertained the little ones. There were 77 commitments registered at the close of the children's program.

Saturday afternoon and evening featured activities for thousands of junior and senior high students, beginning with Xtreme Games at 4:00 pm. on the stadium grounds. The award-winning contemporary Christian band, Sonicflood, kicked off the Youth Night festivities with a rousing set, followed by a message from Steve Russo, who spoke to the 3,652 young people gathered inside the Stadium. His subject to them was, "Where Do You Find Love?" More than 170 youth responded to the Gospel appeal at the close.

Sunday afternoon's closing service included some very special guests. Two of Billy Graham's original team members, who are still a vital part of every major crusade, provided both the special music and the message. Long-time Billy Graham Music and Program Director, Cliff Barrows, joined with America's most beloved Gospel singer, George Beverly Shea, to stir the hearts of those gathered for the closing Celebration service. Another special guest, Mr. John Innes, who is the featured organist for all of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Crusades, worldwide, accompanied them. Cliff Barrows brought a message on the true meaning of the cross.

A series of special services were held throughout the week in area prisons and other institutions. Real-life cowboy Brent Smith shared his testimony of what God did with a "no-good cowboy" after he turned his life over to Jesus Christ. In Smith's words, "If God can save me, He can save anybody! No one is too far gone for God to reach." Former rock musician Jimmy Mamou of Alameda, Calif., also shared his testimony at each facility. Scores of first-time commitments were recorded in the prison meetings.

The total attendance for the four nights was 14,307, with 357 individuals registering decisions of some kind. These numbers are in addition to the Christian Life and Witness Class and Pre-Celebration Youth Rally decisions.

Ralph Bell will have two other Celebrations this year. They are: Conyers, Georgia -- September 27-30; and the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois -- October 18-21.

For more information, or to contact Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn, see their website at: www.billygraham.org