In Midst of Economic Crisis, Some 113,000 Argentines Receive Message of Hope from Franklin Graham

Three-day Franklin Graham Event Included a Kids Festival and Gifts for Street Children

MENDOZA, Argentina, Nov. 18, 2002—As Franklin Graham spoke to people in Argentina last week, many had questions of where to find hope and security in a country devastated by economic crisis. Graham told thousands that in times like these, comfort is found in God.

The three-day evangelistic Festival, Nov.  14-16 at Malvinas Stadium in Mendoza, drew crowds totaling 113,060 with 18,829 responding to Graham’s invitation to put their faith in Jesus. The event was a partnership with more than 260 churches in the greater Mendoza area, which has a population of more than 1.5 million.

“Argentina is experiencing a difficult time right now,” said Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse. “But even after your country’s economic problems pass, other troubles will arise. God is always there to guide you through each difficult situation.”

Each night the crowds heard Graham’s straightforward message, along with energetic and inspiring music by award-winning Latin artists Jaci Velasquez and Marcos Vidal, acoustic guitarist Dennis Agajanian, the California-based Tommy Coomes Praise Band, and a 560-voice choir.

In addition to the nightly programs, 35,400 parents and children filled the stadium Saturday morning for entertaining stage performances designed to teach kids about God’s love. The program was concluded by an invitation to trust Christ, during which 9,378 youth responded.

During the week, teams from Samaritan’s Purse handed out gift-filled shoe boxes to needy children in Argentina. Samaritan's Purse, the international relief organization headed by Graham, delivered a portion of some 6 million gift-filled shoe boxes that will be given this year to underprivileged children in more than 100 countries through its Operation Christmas Child project.

Also while in Mendoza, Graham was invited to meet with the governor and mayor of the area. Both men presented gifts and thanked him for his efforts to encourage the people of Argentina at this difficult time.

Mendoza, Argentina was the final Festival in a three-country schedule for 2002.  Earlier this year, Franklin Graham held events in San Salvador, El Salvador; Gainesville, Fla.; College Station, Texas; and Spokane, Wash. Festivals confirmed for 2003 include Veracruz, Mexico (April 3-5); Roanoke, Va. (May 2-4); and Tulsa, Okla.  (Sept. 19-21). 

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