TAIPEI, Taiwan - A day after world-renown evangelist Franklin Graham arrived to Taiwan, the Taipei Franklin Graham Festival officially kicked off at Liberty Plaza on Oct. 30.
The opening night featured DJ Rosita Chu as the main emcee, songs and testimonies of celebrities, and the sermon by Graham. When Graham did the altar call, many decided to place their faith in Jesus Christ, which set the tone for the event to be held until Nov. 2.
Close to 19,000 people participated on the first night, according to TFGF conference committee. The event began with the aboriginals Sim Presbyter Pakelang Choir performing dance and songs, followed by song performances by Chinese Christian contemporary Music singers Juby Guo, Samuel Tai, and Wayne Lin.
In an interview with Tai, he expressed his excitement to be able to participate in this event, because he isn't only singing for his fans but he is singing for the Lord. The TFGF committee disclosed that all of the celebrities or singers participating in this event did not request for any form of compensation, because they are singing to bring the good news of the gospel to the Taiwanes people.
Ten years ago, Jeanette Wong became famous after the release of her hit single "Taipei's Sky", which won her the popularity. Today, not only did she performed her hit song, but she also sang the praise song "Jesus Loves You", which touched the hearts of the crowd.
While the songs fade out, Graham took the podium and started his sermon. He first emphasized that every one of us has a soul, but many people's souls are lost and does not know where to go. Just as the Bible says that what good is it if you lose your soul but gain the whole world? He led the crowd to studying the biblical classic story on the life of Zacchaeus, who lost his soul but found it back through the Lord.
"Everyone disliked Zacchaeus, because he is a corrupted official and has deceived many people. Inside of us, however, we have something like Zacchaeus, and that is sin. In the history of human kind, only Jesus is willing to die for our sins, because he is the son of God," said Graham.
"Perhaps, you may feel like Zacchaus who cannot stand before God. Yet, I want to tell you that God loves you. To him, you are very important. Just as the Lord called Zacchaeus, he is calling you tonight," he said.
Towards the end, while Graham made the altar call, crowds of people got off from their seats and went before the main stage to receive Jesus Christ as the Lord of their lives.
Reporter Ian Hwang from Taiwan contributed to this report.
