Jesus Christ, Hope for El Salvador Festival with Franklin Graham Begins

Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn
Friday, 15 March 2002

After the devastating earthquakes of January and February 2001, more than 200,000 people of El Salvador were left homeless. Responding within days to their physical need, Franklin Graham, through Samaritan's Purse, provided more than 4,000 temporary shelters, as well as 8,000 mattresses and 23,000 blankets. Hygiene kits and kitchen kits were also provided. Currently, Samaritan's Purse has provided 600 permanent homes (built or in process) with a goal of constructing a total of 1,248. Medical clinics and livestock programs have also been established since the earthquakes.

However, at a press conference this week in San Salvador, Franklin Graham said that, although in the past year he has concentrated his efforts on the physical needs of El Salvador, "my focus this week is to focus on the spiritual," and he hopes that "all of our work in this country will point to Jesus."

Franklin Graham was referring to the "Jesus Christ, Hope for El Salvador" Festival (March 14-16), which opened Thursday night at the Cuscatlán Stadium in San Salvador. Musical guests included local groups, as well as internationally known artists Jaci Velásquez and Marcos Vidal.

Franklin Graham prefaced his message by saying, "We're not here to talk about politics and we're not here to talk about relief. We're here to talk about the most important subject on earth -- Jesus Christ, God's Son." After explaining how the crucifixion and resurrection were a demonstration of God's great love for us, Franklin Graham asked the people to put their trust in Christ.

Among the more than 700 who walked forward to make commitments to Christ was a 35-year-old woman who was invited to the Festival by a neighbor. She said that she hadn't been able to find peace in her life, but that now "a weight was off of her shoulders."

"Jesus Christ, Hope for El Salvador" continues tonight and Saturday night, with a children's program Saturday morning.

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