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Franklin Graham to share message of God's love in New Zealand
Tour will visit Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland
Rev. Franklin Graham will share the Good News of Jesus Christ in New Zealand 53 years after his father’s historic trip to the country. Graham is working with churches across the country to bring the God Loves You Tour to the same cities where his father reached a generation of Kiwis with the Gospel in the 1950s and 60s.
“I’m looking forward to coming to New Zealand to share the same simple message that my father preached here—God loves the people of New Zealand,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “We’re already working with pastors and ministry leaders from more than 150 churches across the country, and we’re just getting started. The involvement of these local Christians is crucial because they will continue to disciple people long after the tour is over.”
This burden to share the Gospel has led Graham to hold more than 275 outreaches in over 50 countries, and it is what is bringing him to New Zealand this year.
“So many of my fellow Kiwis have never heard a clear and compelling presentation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Now is the time,” said Alan Vink, a retired Baptist pastor from Raglan who now works with churches from various denominations. “I can’t wait for this Gospel proclamation event to happen in New Zealand and I am very glad to be involved.”
Many churches across the North and South Islands are now partnering with the God Loves You Tour because they want to see the hope of the Gospel shared in their communities.
“Throughout our nation, people are struggling with loneliness, fear, financial stress, and hopelessness like never before. Our communities and families need to hear a message of hope and love,” said Tak Bhana, pastor of Church Unlimited in Auckland. “The Billy Graham Association is coming back to New Zealand at just the right time. Let’s unite together behind this effort to proclaim the message of the God who made us, loves us and invites everyone to know Him personally.”
The God Loves You Tour will be free, and everyone is welcome to attend. The event will feature live music from The Afters, a chart-topping Christian band that has won three Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association.
DATES AND LOCATIONS
This winter, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will start offering training sessions for Christians who want to learn more about sharing their faith. These classes help equip believers to effectively share the love of Christ with people who respond to the Gospel message. The Christian Life and Witness Course is free, open to everyone, and no registration is required. Sessions will be held in multiple locations on multiple dates to make it accessible to as many people as possible.
For more information about the God Loves You Tour, and to learn when training courses will be available near you, visit GodLovesYouTour.nz.
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Franklin Graham
Founded by Billy Graham in 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) shares the Gospel around the world. Billy Graham preached in Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland in 1959; and in 1969, he returned to New Zealand to share the hope of Christ in Auckland and Dunedin. Franklin Graham, who has been preaching the Gospel since 1989, is continuing the lifelong work of his father through BGEA.
For further information, please contact Mark Barber at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..