Event Brings Inspiring Music and Message of Hope to Villahermosa

Local Churches and Hundreds of Volunteers Are Preparing for the Festival of Hope with Franklin Graham at Parque Tabasco June 6-8

VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico, May 7, 2008—Joined by high-energy musical artists, and supported by hundreds of local churches and volunteers, Franklin Graham returns to Mexico in June to bring a message of hope and encouragement to the people of Tabasco June 6-8 at Parque Tabasco in Villahermosa.

Graham, who is president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and also travels the world as head of the international Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse, has been deeply involved in flood relief efforts that left at least a million people homeless in Villahermosa and the surrounding region.  Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association have helped provide food, water and shelter to flood victims-as well as to provide assistance to local churches and pastors in the area. 

 "People here have lost so much to the floods and they desperately need a message of hope and encouragement," said Graham, who is coming to Villahermosa at the invitation of local pastors and church leaders. "Our prayer is that anyone who is struggling with questions about life or would like a new beginning will come to this Festival of Hope."

The Festival of Hope is a three-day event featuring nightly messages from Graham, coupled with energetic and inspirational music from popular Christian artists including Lily Goodman, Marcos Vidal, Maria del Sol, Jaime Muriel, musical performers from the Tabasco area, and a 1,500-voice choir made up of volunteers from churches across the region.

All Festival programs will be open to the public and free of charge. 

Since 1989, Franklin Graham has held an average of seven Festivals each year as an evangelist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

In 2008 Graham has held events in Belfast, Northern Ireland (April 4-6) and Knoxville, Tenn. (April 25-27).  Along with Villahermosa, Mexico (June 6-8) additional Franklin Graham Festivals will be held in Timisoara, Romania (July 4-6); Charleston, S.C. (Sept. 19-21); and Taipei, Taiwan (Oct. 30-Nov. 2).