More Than 50,000 Attend First Night of Franklin Graham's Christ is the Answer Crusade in Recife, Brazil

Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn
Friday, 28 September 2001

More than 50,000 people came to the Arruda Stadium in Recife, Brazil, yesterday for the opening meeting of the "Christ is the Answer" Crusade with Franklin Graham.

According to Pastor Paulo Ortencio, for the last year 20,000 Christians committed to pray 10 minutes a day for the Crusade and those who will be attending.

After a time of praise and worship, which included music from several local musicians, Franklin Graham opened his message on the soul by reflecting on the recent tragedy in New York: "Two weeks ago, on September 11 in New York City, more than 6,000 people got up in the morning, had their breakfast, drank their coffee, kissed their loved ones good-bye and went to the office to work. Their office was the World Trade Towers. By 10 (a.m.) most of these 6,000 people were dead. Those are 6,000 souls. And you have a soul."

Franklin Graham explained why we should be concerned about our soul -- and how our soul lives forever in heaven or in hell. He proceeded to give a message of the hope that people have available to them through Jesus Christ. After his invitation, more than 800 people walked forward to make decisions for Christ.

The "Christ is the Answer" Crusade with Franklin Graham continues tonight.

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