YOUNGSTOWN — Franklin Graham has never toured the Mahoning Valley and was waiting to bring his “God loves you” message here.
After being postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association tour will take place in Youngstown on September 27th.
The free event begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, 201 S. Phelps St. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. Participants can bring their own beach chairs or blankets.
Steve Rhoads, vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said Youngstown was chosen among the cities to be visited for the tour this fall. Other cities are Allentown, Pennsylvania, on September 24; York, Pennsylvania, September 25; Flint, Michigan, September 29; Waukesha, Wisconsin, October 1; and Rochester, Minnesota, on October 2nd.
The tour to “Heartland America” will give attendees a chance to learn about Jesus and encourage believers in their faith, organizers say.
A “NIGHT OF HOPE”
The evening features music by guest artists, including those who have taken part in the tour in previous years, and a message from Franklin Graham, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham and President and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Rhoads said the message will be a “A Night of Hope” for people who have faced many challenges in recent years with the COVID-19 pandemic which has led to isolation and depression for many people.
“Many families faced challenges” said Rhoads.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association continues the lifelong work of Billy Graham, supporting and expanding Franklin Graham’s evangelistic calling and ministry through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus.
“It’s a free event for families. There will be a special message of hope and live music.” said Rhoads.
“Even when someone is unsure, we let each person know that God loves them. That is the message in the Bible. That is the message of the tour.” he said.
HEARTLAND
Rhoads said Youngstown is a city that is viewed as being in the “Heartland America”.
“We are excited to be able to run the tour after what everyone is facing with COVID.” he said.
Rhoads said one of the last tours before COVID-19 was a six-city Florida tour in 2019.
The tours began in 2016 and included a stop in most of the state capitals in the country over the course of a year, he said.
There was also a tour of cities along Route 66 in parts of the country.
Graham’s plan to tour Pennsylvania and Ohio has been put on hold because of the pandemic.
“Many of the tours target places where there is a need. We’ve never had a tour in Youngstown or in this part of the country.” said Rhoads.
LARGE QUANTITY EXPECTED
Jordan Ryan, executive director of JAC Management, which manages the Covelli Center and Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, said a large crowd is expected for the event. Although he noted that the amphitheater has previously hosted well-attended, large-scale religious concerts and services, this may be the one that draws the largest crowds.
“We are expecting an almost full audience for this. We’ve had many events that have drawn large crowds, but this might be the biggest religious event we’ve ever hosted – which is good.” said Ryan.
Ryan said the amphitheater can hold 4,800 people. He said if there are more than 4,800, the Graham Foundation plans to set up large mobile LED screens for people outside the amphitheater to watch.
The event takes place rain or shine. Ryan said unless there is “dangerous weather” B. a thunderstorm with lightning, which would endanger the safety of people, the event will be continued. If there are severe weather, Ryan said, JAC will be speaking with Graham Foundation officials about rescheduling a new date.
GRAHAM’S MESSAGE
Graham, in a statement, said “Through the upcoming ‘God Loves You’ tour, I want to join churches like yours in sharing this gospel message and sharing with the people of your community the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ. … Together we can reach our communities with the power of the gospel.”
Graham said that “People across America are suffering. Many have financial problems and countless others drift aimlessly in life. Because of the difficulties, many often wonder where God is – and if he really exists and if he ever cares?
He continued, “Jesus Christ is the only one who can heal hearts, transform lives, and bring lasting peace.”
The three musical performances are by the Newsboys and Christian artists Marcos Wit and Dennis Agajanian.
Rhoads said Agajanian has been on the tour before, as have the Newsboys, while Witt is new.
Rhoads said people who have taken tours across the country have noticed “It was a real eye opener” and pleasant.
“A lot of people don’t know what to expect and then attend and are very glad they did. They tell me they were glad they could be there. People feel that life has more to offer after being here. There is a sense of peace and joy for families who truly come to know God.” he said.
He encourages those planning to attend to arrive early.
“There will be a big crowd there. So people should get there as early as possible and not wait too close to the start time.” said Rhoads.
He said the tour brings together people of different ages and generations.
“People are looking for answers and comfort. There is interest from people to be there and hear the message,” Rhoads said.
if you go
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association “God loves you” The tour takes place on September 27 at 7pm at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater. The free event includes music and a message of hope from Franklin Graham. Guidelines for what people are allowed to take into the venue are detailed here: https://theyoungstown
foundationamp.com/policies-accessibility/
Some examples:
• No Bags – Only clear and transparent bags no larger than 12″ by 12″ by 6″ and clutches no larger than 6.5″ by 4.5″ by 1″ are allowed. Exceptions can be made for doctor’s bags or diaper bags.
• Chairs – All chairs will be screened upon entry at security. A standard beach chair is recommended. No plastic, wooden, folding or other chairs are allowed.
• Laser pointers, air horns and noisemakers are prohibited.
• No weapons of any kind or other items deemed dangerous by security.
• No sealed containers.
• No bottles, cans, flasks, thermoses or coolers.
• No outside food or drinks.
• Umbrellas are not allowed. Rain ponchos may be brought into the amphitheater.
SOURCE: Youngstown
Foundation Amphitheater
