KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 17, 2020 – The Knoxville Celebration with Will Graham, which was scheduled to be held May 1 at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum, has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 (the coronavirus) outbreak.
Randy Overbey, who has been providing local leadership to the Celebration process, said, “My sense, and that of our local team, is that we should postpone the Knoxville Celebration. Tennessee is under a state of emergency and the city of Knoxville is strongly advising that groups of 50 or more either cancel or postpone. None of us want to miss the things we love, and this was a difficult decision to reach, but it is necessary.”
Will Graham agreed with the decision and asked the churches of Knoxville to share the love of Jesus during this unprecedented time.
“I’m saddened that I will not be able to proclaim the hope of the Gospel in Knoxville this May. The city has been an integral part of my family and our ministry, dating back to my grandfather’s historic 1970 Crusade and my father’s 2008 Festival,” said Will Graham. “With that said, the churches in Knoxville are strong and passionate, and I pray that they will pick up the mantle. Particularly in this time of despair, mistrust and fear, I ask the churches and believers in Knoxville to shine the light of Jesus in dark days.”
John Cass, executive director of Will Graham Celebrations, added, “While we did not anticipate the widespread impact of COVID-19 just weeks ago when we gathered to launch this effort, it has since become clear that now is not the right time for the Celebration. I ask for continued prayers for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the churches of Knoxville, and all of those being impacted by this virus.”
The Knoxville Celebration is the second Will Graham outreach to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Over the weekend, the decision was also made to postpone the Tiftarea Celebration with Will Graham, scheduled for this Friday-Sunday, March 20-22, 2020, in Tifton, Georgia.
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA):
From its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get BGEA news updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BGEANews.
– 30 –