Masses Gather As Pastor Preaches Urgent Message
A massive crowd packed ExCeL London on Saturday night for the latest stop of the God Loves You Tour, led by Rev. Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse. The event drew over 17,000 people, surpassing the venue’s expanded 15,000-person capacity and resulting in thousands being turned away at the door, according to organizers.
Rev. Graham, who has spoken in the U.K. on multiple occasions, expressed his joy at returning to London, saying he had eagerly anticipated the night. Worship was led by award-winning artists CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith, alongside Christian band The Afters. Despite not being able to enter, the overflow crowd outside remained in high spirits, singing and clapping along.
This event marked Graham’s third time preaching at ExCeL London and was backed by more than 550 local churches. In preparation, over 2,000 young people attended Pursuit, a BGEA-led initiative focused on encouraging youth in their Christian faith.
In his message, Graham addressed the growing instability in the world, highlighting conflicts in places like Ukraine, Israel, and Sudan, as well as rising tensions between China and Taiwan. He pointed to Jesus Christ as the answer for those feeling uncertain or fearful about the future, quoting John 3:16 and inviting attendees to place their trust in Christ. Hundreds responded, including a 16-year-old who said she sees a spiritual hunger among her peers.
London is one of many international stops for Graham this year, with previous events held in cities such as Glasgow, Krakow, and Naples. In Berlin, he also hosted the European Congress on Evangelism, gathering over 1,000 leaders from 55 nations. In his other role with Samaritan’s Purse, Graham oversees humanitarian aid efforts in more than 100 countries, including major relief work in Ukraine since the start of the war.