Sometimes, in the middle of so many difficult headlines, a story appears that reminds us that God is still at work in the world. This time, it happened in Lima, Peru.
During a weekend that many are already calling historic, evangelist Franklin Graham preached the message of Jesus Christ to about 90,000 people gathered at the National Stadium of Lima. The event, called “Esperanza Lima” (Hope Lima), filled the stadium completely for two consecutive nights, something rarely seen in the Peruvian capital.
But what stood out even more was not only the crowd inside the stadium. Outside, in the surrounding streets, thousands of people remained waiting, hoping to hear even a portion of the message. Many could not get inside, yet they stayed, listening and seeking to hear the Word of God.
According to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which organized the event, more than 2,400 churches in Lima participated in preparing this large evangelistic outreach. In addition, 600 free buses were provided each night to help people with limited financial resources travel to the stadium and attend the event.
Music also played an important role during the nights of the gathering. Well-known Christian artists such as Charity Gayle, The Afters, Christine D’Clario, and Jahaziel Band participated in leading worship, helping prepare the hearts of thousands before the main message.
When it was time to preach, Franklin Graham delivered a clear and direct Gospel message. His words echoed throughout the stadium:
“I came for one reason: to share the truth. Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ And I want you to know tonight that you can have a new life through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
The evangelist reminded the crowd that the world is marked by sin and that human beings cannot save themselves by their own efforts. He explained that neither religion nor human institutions can provide the salvation the human heart needs.
“The church cannot save you. Religion cannot save you. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can save you,” he declared to the massive audience.
The central message was simple but powerful: Jesus came from heaven, took our sins upon Himself, died on the cross, and shed His blood so we could receive forgiveness and a new life. And that very night, thousands of people decided to place their faith in Him.
Among those who responded were Óscar Núñez and Karina Arcela, a married couple who shared their testimony after the event. Karina explained that for a long time she believed that God had not forgiven her.
But something changed that night.
“I feel that God has heard all my prayers,” she said with emotion.
“I used to think He had not forgiven me, but tonight the message was clear: Jesus is my Savior.”
Stories like theirs were repeated again and again throughout the two nights. People who arrived with doubts, pain, or emptiness in their hearts left with a renewed sense of hope.
Franklin Graham’s ministry has brought this same message to many parts of the world. In recent months he has preached in cities such as Ushuaia and Buenos Aires in Argentina, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Brussels in Belgium, London in England, and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
Since 1989, Graham has preached the Gospel in more than 345 evangelistic campaigns in 55 countries, reaching millions of people with the message of Jesus Christ.
His upcoming evangelistic events are scheduled for Madrid, Spain, and Manchester, England.
In times when many claim that faith is fading, events like this reveal something very different: the spiritual hunger in people’s hearts is still alive.
And perhaps that is the most powerful part of this story.
Thousands of people in one city, in a packed stadium… listening to the same message that has been transforming lives for more than two thousand years.
Before finishing, it is worth reflecting on one simple truth.
God continues calling people in every country, every culture, and every generation. Sometimes He does it quietly, through a personal prayer. Other times, like in Lima, He does it in front of thousands.
But the message remains the same: Jesus offers forgiveness, hope, and a new life to anyone who chooses to trust in Him.
Somos Cristianos, connecting hearts with Christ.
