Free event will feature live music on Copacabana Beach
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is returning to Rio de Janeiro for a historic event on Copacabana Beach, 48 years after Billy Graham’s remarkable visit to Maracanã Stadium in 1974. Mr. Graham’s son, Franklin is continuing the lifelong work of his father, and he’s partnering with more than 4,000 churches across the city to bring Esperança Rio to the Cidade Maravilhosa on June 11.
“I have visited this beautiful country many times, as did my father Billy Graham, who always looked forward to spending time with the people of Rio de Janeiro,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “I want the people of this great city to know that God loves them and has a purpose for their lives.”
The festive, family-friendly event is free and everyone is invited to attend. The live musical performances will begin at 4 p.m. on a stage near Posto 2 on Copacabana Beach. Thousands of Christians across Rio de Janeiro are participating in this outreach because they believe the Good News of the Bible needs to be shared with their city.
“This festival is the answer to years of prayers that God would unite and shake up the Church of Rio de Janeiro for the purpose of celebrating the hope of Jesus Christ,” said pastor Marcos Bandeira, president of the Executive Committee of Esperança Rio.
Pastor Nilton Antônio, general director of Rio de Janeiro’s Baptist Convention said, “This outreach on June 11 will bring the light of the Gospel to the people of our city. Rio de Janeiro will never be the same again! Thousands of churches across the city are all united around the same thing—proclaiming the hope of Jesus Christ that has the power to save, free, transform, and heal us in this life and for all eternity.” The event will feature live music from KB, an award-winning Christian rapper and hip hop artist from the United States. Christian singers Theo Rubia, Dunamis Music, Aline Barros, and Fernandinho are also joining Esperança Rio.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
- Franklin Graham will be available for media interviews on Thursday, June 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana.
- To learn more details about the event and request an interview, contact press officer Paloma Furtado at imprensa@esperancario.com or 021-99716-3247.
- To download high quality photos, visit: https://EsperancaRio.com/imprensa/.
Throughout the past year, volunteers with Esperança Rio have been working across Rio de Janeiro to show God’s love in practical ways. Our teams have served hundreds of people, offering free medical, dental and legal assistance, haircuts, and pastoral counseling. Esperança Rio has also donated thousands of basic food baskets, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and other necessities to families in Complexo do Alemão, Pechincha, Bangu, Inhaúma, Cordovil, Manguinhos, and Grumari.
About The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Founded by Billy Graham in 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) shares the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world. Billy Graham had a profound love and appreciation for the United Kingdom, and he established BGEA’s UK office in London in 1954. Mr. Graham went on to preach in the UK more than any other place outside of the United States.
About Franklin Graham
Franklin Graham is continuing the lifelong work of his father. Since his first evangelistic event with BGEA in 1989, he has held more than 275 outreaches in over 50 countries, including three events in the United Kingdom. Franklin Graham shared the hope of the Gospel in Perth, Scotland in 1999; Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2008; and Blackpool, England in 2018. In addition to serving as president and CEO of BGEA, Franklin Graham also leads Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and development organisation, which has had an office in the UK since 1990.