Franklin Graham: Thousands gather to ‘pray for the sins’ of America
Facebook – Franklin Graham speaks to 4000 people in Salem, Oregon on his 30th stop of the Decision America Tour
Franklin Graham’s Decision America Tour reached Oregon yesterday, where thousands gathered to hear the son of Billy Graham encourage Christians to vote prayerfully.
“Our nation is in trouble, and like many people, we are fed up,” he said, standing on the steps of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.
There were around 4,000 people gathered to listen to Graham at the 30th stop of his 50-state tour, according to Oregon State Police.
Graham is hoping to encourage Christians to live out their faith “at home, in public and in the ballot box”.
Related
- Franklin Graham Decision America picketed by LGBT activists
- Franklin Graham’s ‘Decision America’ rally to face protests
- Donald Trump to meet with senior evangelical leaders
- Lifeway director Ed Stetzer to head Billy Graham Center for Evangelism
Graham has not officially supported either Republican or Democrat candidates for president and has said his desire is to get Christians to pray about their vote, not to persuade a particular political allegiance.
“I didn’t hear anyone say they were Republican or Democrat. But we should at least vote,” said Amy Howell, a local to Salem who was at the rally.
Graham led the crowd in prayer, including for the sins of their country:
“When we think of the sins of our country the list goes on and on,” Graham said. “When we think about things like abortion, the murder of children in a mother’s womb, same sex marriage today, which is legal and it’s being flaunted and celebrated.”
Franklin wrote in a Facebook post about the event: “We’re in a battle for the soul of our country. What a blessing to hear thousands of people confessing the sins of our nation and asking God to heal our land!
“More great news – 216 people shared with us that they accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior today at the rally!”
Unwanted “street-preachers” were at the event, bearing banners that declared judgement for “baby killing women, porno freaks, so-called Christians, rebellious women, Jesus mockers, drunks, homosexuals and Mormons”.
Graham’s media spokesperson Jeremy Blume said they were nothing to do with the official rally:
“That certainly would not be how we would be advancing those viewpoints,” he said.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon and Basic Rights Oregon condemned Graham’s visit, calling his campaign hateful.