Traveling by Samaritan’s Purse private jet, influential evangelist Franklin Graham official arrived in Taiwan on Oct. 29. In a press conference, Graham and the participating Christian celebrities together urged Taiwan’s citizens to grab the opportunity to attend this festival, experiencing the life-changing power of the gospel.
Serving as president of Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Graham, who is 56-years-old and has six grandchildren, still travels around the world, bringing the gospel to the local people. Rev. Shen-Chu Chow, chairman of the Taipei Franklin Graham Festival, said that the one hope that they have after a year’s preparation is that the good news that directly relates to everyone can be brought to Taiwan.
Executive director of TFGF Rev. James Chung-Chien Shia shared that 33-years-ago when Dr. Rev. Billy Graham came to Taiwan for evangelism crusade he was a young minister, serving as a follow-up training lecturer. This time, he felt very privileged to be invited by the churches to coordinate the preparation for this festival. In the next four days, even if it rains and the gathering becomes a sea of umbrella like the time when Billy Graham held his evangelism conference 33 years ago, he said that they will let God’s rain of blessing pour down to Taiwan
Then, several Christian celebrities shared their expectations toward the festival. Amanda Lee, one of the program emcees and also a famous news anchor, said that she usually report only about bad news, just as how people in Taiwan only see bad news when they turn on the T.V., but she is very glad to be able to participate in bringing the good news to everyone.
Responding to Lee’s comment, the host of the program Emi Lee said that as a mother she feels strongly towards the poison of Taiwan’s society.
“In order for a country to change, it must rely not on the efforts of the government or the corporations; the complete renewal of Taiwan’s society begins from the change in each person’s heart,” said Lee.
Because of his background while growing up, Graham has a deep sentiment towards the Chinese. He said that it is his honor to be able to share God’s word here and in the next four days he will proclaim one message to the people in Taiwan: God loves the sinners, and have prepared a pathway of salvation – that is Jesus Christ.
“I know there are many problems in this world, but the most important problem is the sins inside of our hearts. The heart of man can be changed, can have a new beginning, I welcome you to experience the amazing power of the gospel.”
[Editor's note: reporter Ian Hwang from Taiwan contributed to this report.]
