An Amazing Harvest of Young and Old in Colombia

Bogotá Plays Host to Largest Kids Event in Festival History

August 29, 2009 - August 29 — In the morning and in the evening, praises were raised across Bogotá and in the hearts of those supporting this Festival around the world. View photos from the final service.

Today we are celebrating something very important for our whole nation.

by Janet Chismar

On Saturday night, Franklin Graham used the story of the prodigal son to tell the crowd of approximately 30,000 about God's mercy and love. "I want to look at a young man who was restless and who wanted to party," he said. "His story is the same as many of yours."

The boy asked his father for his inheritance early, then left home to spend it on women and drinking and wild living. Eventually he came to his senses and began his journey home.

"How about you tonight?" Franklin asked. "You can come to your father tonight. The father saw the boy from a distance. He was watching the road and when he sees his son, he runs to his son and throws his arms around his son and he kisses him! They celebrate and that can happen tonight if you run to your father!"

More than 1,700 did just that, joining thousands of others from Thursday and Friday in coming home to their heavenly Father.

"I watched as the people came forward to change and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ," said Franklin after the event ended. "I couldn't help but think about what these people have gone through in their country's recent history. Even this week, the horrific traffic and the rain couldn't stop an eternal impact on these people and this city."

Arturo and José Luis Gutierrez — shown in the above video — have been together since 1981, playing professionally throughout the world. A few years later, they came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. From then on their greatest desire was to be used by God and to use the wonderful gift He so graciously gave them to minister to others. In 1996, God opened the door for them to do just that. They have recorded 6 CDs and regularly perform at Franklin Graham Festivals in Latin America.



Bogotá Plays Host to Largest Kids Event in Festival History

It was a sunny Saturday morning in Bogotá and Parque Simón Bolívar was FULL. More than 80,000 attended and approximately 7,200 kids gave their lives to Christ! There were thousands in overflow for the largest kid's event in the history of Franklin Graham Festivals.

"Today we are celebrating something very important for our whole nation," said Baola Hernandez, one of the clowns. "It is important to reach all the families of Colombia through their children."

A sea of faces—bright and eager—lined the bleachers and field as clowns by the dozens mingled with kids waving national flags and singing along to fun, festive music. Colorful balloons waved in accompaniment.

Popular singer Marcos Vidal played Noah, complete with a full assortment of adorable animals. Soon, a number of children took the stage, listening to "God" tell them about creation and warning them to avoid the path of disobedience and rebellion.

All of a sudden, the devil appeared, enticing the kids to sin. "You should grow up faster; here's a gun," the devil jeered. "It is good to deceive people and disobey your parents."

Not too long after, "Jesus" came on stage, saying He will not accuse or punish the kids. He said he was there to rescue them. "I will die for you so you won't be punished."

After a demonstration of the death and resurrection of Jesus, Galo Vasquez, the Director of Latin American Ministries for the BGEA, issued an invitation for the children to put their trust in Jesus.

"You can be rescued," Galo explained. "You can become a child of God. God so loved the world, He died for your sins."

More than 7,200 came forward in response!