Ukraine is one of the 55 countries and territories represented at the European Congress on Evangelism, and today, Dr. David Karcha, an evangelist and pastor from the war-torn country, told the 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders gathered in Berlin: “In a time of peace, the Gospel is powerful, but in a time of war it is unstoppable.”
Dr. Karcha said in 2023 alone, thousands of Ukrainians “publicly professed their faith through baptism. Numbers we hadn’t seen in more than 15 years in our country.” He continued, “God is igniting a desperate search for hope. No politician, no amount of money can offer what Christ can give.”
DOWNLOAD PHOTOS AND VIDEOS: Media.BillyGraham.org/European-Congress-on-Evangelism
The third day of the European Congress on Evangelism featured 12 speakers and contributors from six countries, including Rev. Will Graham—grandson of Dr. Billy Graham and son of Rev. Franklin Graham. He encouraged delegates to always extend a Gospel invitation.
“Time and time again Jesus beckoned people, ‘Come to Me.’ That’s the simple invitation—come to Jesus,” said Will Graham.
After he spoke, dozens of Christians in attendance approached the stage to pray together and recommit their lives to the calling of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Congress there has been a continued focus on the persecuted church. Dr. Päivi Räsänen, a member of Finnish Parliament since 1995, is facing the Supreme Court of Finland for expressing her biblical beliefs online.
“There have been some dark moments, but what has given me a lot of joy is this resistance has opened up much opportunity to tell about the Gospel.” She said, “The biggest threat to freedom of speech is if we start to censor ourselves.”
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
- Dr. Michael Reeves, author, pastor, lecturer, and President of Union School of Theology in Bridgend, Wales: “The message you are giving is not a Western message. It is not a Middle Eastern message. It is not the product of the European Reformation. It is not our truth. It is Good News from Him, the only message that can transcend human nature. And it is the power of God for salvation.”
- Rev. Greg Laurie, U.S. evangelist, pastor, author, and founder of Harvest Crusades; senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship; board member of BGEA: “We’re going to evangelize or we’re going to fossilize.” He continued saying, “Preach more on the cross and the blood of Christ because that’s where the power is.”
Additional soundbites, quotes, video, and photos are available for download in the Press Kit: Media.BillyGraham.org/European-Congress-on-Evangelism.