Billy Graham’s grandson preaches peace in Kenya

Will Graham, grandson of Billy Graham, wrapped up a successful evangelistic celebration recently in Nakuru, Kenya where some 14,500 people braved the rains, with over half of them responding to an altar call.

The three-day Will Graham Celebration of Peace was held at the Mama Scrape Grounds, where some 14,500 attended despite sketchy weather reports, and some 938 made a commitment to Jesus.

“What now are you going to do with Jesus? What I’m going to ask you to do is the most important decision you’ll ever make in life,” the oldest son of Franklin Graham told the crowd, according to Charisma News.

Nakuru has, since elections held in Dec. 2007, been affected by tribal violence that has hit Kenya, but Graham chose this context to talk about peace and healing.

Graham told the crowd, “Whether we are looking at Kenya and the trouble here a few years ago, or the issues of hatred and sin around the world, it’s a heart problem,” ASSIST News reported.

Downpour

The three-day celebration took place from July 8-10. The final day, a Sunday, was concluded in a field that was muddy after a 30-minute downpour.

Some people left the stadium, others ran for cover, and the rest remained patiently waiting. Hastily, workers covered loudspeakers. As the rains abated, many returned to the stadium and worship began.

“I’m so grateful to God for the great decisions people have made. I know the bigger job we are left with is the preservation of the harvest,” Rev. Paul Mwakio, who headed the executive committee of the event, told Charisma News.

“We plan that we will get back together with the pastors and try to follow up, because we have the contact information from the people,” Mwakio told Charisma News.

The day before, on Saturday, July 9, the Grahams witnessed the final youth soccer match of the Will Graham Peace Tournament. Some 400 Kenyan youths participated in the games.

Afterwards, Graham signed certificates for the participants and trophies were handed out. In his message to the players he asked, “What is the purpose of a pen? The purpose … is to write. But it can only fulfill its purpose when it’s in its master’s hand,” Charisma News reported.

“The same is true in life. You can only fulfill your purpose when you surrender to God. Because it is God who gives you purpose and meaning in life,” Graham said, according to Charisma News.

Graham went to Kenya with his wife, Kendra, who told Charisma News that it was her first time to visit the country. She addressed some 500 women at a rally that was held on Friday, July 8, at the Life Celebration Center.

She told the crowd, “God has decided not to forget you. Others may forget you. A spouse may forget you. A child may forget you. A church may forget you. But God will never forget you,” ASSIST News reported.

Graham told ASSIST News that he was overwhelmed with the welcoming treatment he received in Kenya. “It’s a welcome I’ve never had before, and it is incredibly humbling. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Mwakio told Charisma News that Graham’s visit helped the Christian community in Nakuru to have a greater sense of unity. “I want to say that I am grateful to the [Billy Graham Evangelistic Association], because there has been more cohesion among the ministers in working together in bringing this meeting. And I trust this will be a new beginning for the working-together of pastors.”