Local Churches and Hundreds of Volunteers are Preparing for the Franklin Graham Celebration of Hope at the Odyssey Arena April 4-6
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.
Celebration of Hope Events Are Open to the Public and Free of Charge
- 8 p.m. Fri., April 4-musical guests Robin Mark and Tree 63
- 10:30 a.m. Sat., April 5-KidzFest with Duggie Dug Dug
- 8 p.m. Sat., April 5-Youth night with musical guests 29th Chapter, Tree63 and Ian Hannah Band
- 7 p.m. Sun., April 6-musical guests Robin Mark, Keith and Kristyn Getty and players with the New Irish Orchestra
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, Tennesse (April 25-27); Villahermosa, Mexico (June 6-8); Timisoara, Romania (July 4-6); Charleston, South Carolina (Sept. 19-21); and Taipei, Taiwan (Oct. 30-Nov. 2).