Despite Hard Rains 53,100 Gather for Franklin Graham Festival in Southwest Virginia

500 Local Churches Join Together for One of the Largest Events in the Area

ROANOKE, Va., May 5, 2003—It was the largest religious event ever in Southwest Virginia and even a wet weekend couldn’t dampen the spirit of the record-breaking crowd.

53,100 people gathered at Salem Stadium for the three-day Southwest Virginia Festival 2003 with Franklin Graham held May 2-4. The Festival featured nightly challenges from Graham, award-winning musicians, and special guests, all bringing a message of hope.

“This rain is good for the area as it cleans the ground and is necessary for life,” said Graham as he addressed thousands in the rain. “But tonight I want to talk to you about a spiritual cleansing–it’s found in a relationship with Jesus Christ who offers a new life.”

Saturday night’s event was quite unique for a Franklin Graham Festival as more than 15,000 people braved the elements to make for the most energetic and memorable night of the weekend. Hundreds of kids rushed forward to the stage as Michael W.  Smith gave a moving performance and tribute to the military troops waving a U.S. flag, singing Pride (In the Name of Love). “You guys are out of control. I have never seen anything like this,” said Smith, referring to the young fans cheering in the downpour.

During the event, more than 1,314 people responded to Graham’s invitation to commit their lives to Jesus Christ.

In addition to Graham’s messages, the Festival featured a diverse collection of special guests, including: 

• “Uncle” Melvin Graham, the 79-year-old brother of Billy Graham, entertained the Virginia audience with humorous stories, but emphasized the seriousness of choosing to follow God. 

• Mayor of Roanoke Ralph Smith and Mayor of Salem Sonny Tarpley both presented Franklin Graham with keys to the cities for bringing the Festival to the community. Salem Mayor Tarpley also welcomed Graham and the Festival by saying, “Salem is known throughout the common wealth and the nation as ‘the city of champions.’ It is my hope that Salem will now be recognized as the city of redemption where many souls were saved.”

• Award-winning musical guests Michael W.  Smith, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Mary Mary, Rachael Lampa, Joy Williams, Nicole C. Mullen, Dennis Agajanian, and The Tommy Coomes Praise Band all delivered high-energy and inspirational performances. 

• Bibleman – Saturday morning 8,100 people gathered to see the popular superhero Bibleman against a background of pyrotechnics and upbeat music in his energetic display of good vs. evil.  (played by actor Willie Aames of TV’s Eight is Enough and Charles in Charge). 

Over the past year, more than 500 local churches and thousands of volunteers joined together, overcoming racial and denominational barriers to help organize the Festival.

Franklin Graham, 50, will hold his next Festival in Tulsa, Okla. Sept. 19-21. In addition to his leadership role with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Graham is president and CEO of international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse. 

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