Event Brings Inspiring Music and Message of Hope to Belfast

Local Churches and Hundreds of Volunteers Are Preparing for the Franklin Graham Celebration of Hope at the Odyssey Arena April 4-6

BELFAST, Northern Ireland, Feb. 19, 2008—Joined by high-energy musical artists, and supported by hundreds of local churches and volunteers, Franklin Graham will bring a message of hope and encouragement to the people of Northern Ireland April 4-6 at Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

Graham, the son of America's most famous evangelist Billy Graham, describes the event as a "festival for the soul." This is the first time Franklin Graham has held an event in Ireland; however his father, Billy Graham, held an evangelistic crusade in Belfast in 1961.

"Everyone is welcome,""said Graham, who is coming to Belfast at the invitation of local pastors and church leaders. "I hope that anyone in Ireland who is struggling with questions about life or would like a new beginning will come to this Celebration of Hope."

During the three-day event at the Odyssey, Franklin Graham will present an encouraging nightly message. The Celebration of Hope will also feature popular musical performers and includes a special Saturday morning KidzFest event for children and a youth event on Saturday evening.
 

Since 1989, Franklin Graham has held an average of seven Festivals each year as an evangelist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Graham is president and CEO of the organization and continues to travel the world as president of the international Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse.

Belfast will be Graham's first event in 2008.  Additional Franklin Graham Festivals will be held in Knoxville, Tenn. (April 25-27); Villahermosa, Mexico (June 6-8); Timisoara, Romania (July 4-6); Charleston, S.C. (Sept. 19-21); and Taipei, Taiwan (Oct. 30-Nov. 2).

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