Franklin Graham Brings The ‘Unchanging Gospel’ To Ethiopia
Franklin Graham returned to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 65 years after his father, Billy Graham, first preached in the city. During a two-day evangelistic event called “Encountering God” on March 8-9, Franklin Graham shared the Gospel message with hundreds of thousands of attendees, resulting in over 4,000 commitments to follow Christ. Despite changes in the world and politics, Graham emphasized that the message of the Gospel remains unchanging, reflecting the same message his father preached decades earlier.
The event was organized by the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches, which represents more than 3,000 churches in Ethiopia. Extensive preparations, including prayer and discipleship training, preceded the outreach. Council leaders emphasized the need for Evangelical pastors to stay focused on biblical teaching, as tradition and non-biblical doctrines often influence religious beliefs in Ethiopia. Pastor Ashebir Ketema, a survivor of the communist regime’s persecution, highlighted the importance of the freedom to preach in Ethiopia, calling it a blessing from God.
Throughout the outreach, Franklin Graham shared messages from the Bible, including the stories of Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus, to convey themes of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and love. His messages resonated with many attendees, who experienced personal transformations and recommitments to their faith. For example, a young man named Yisak identified with the message of forgiveness, and another attendee, Darik, resolved to fully trust in Christ after hearing the story of Bartimaeus.
The event also had a significant humanitarian focus, with Graham recognizing the ongoing efforts of Samaritan’s Purse in Ethiopia. The organization has provided medical care, clean water, and nutrition programs to the country over the years. The outreach in Ethiopia is part of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s broader mission to share the Gospel across five continents by partnering with local churches to provide new believers with continued spiritual support and discipleship.
Overall, the event not only spread the message of the Gospel but also underscored the importance of both spiritual and humanitarian efforts in Ethiopia, leaving a lasting impact on those who participated.