Will Graham, Grandson of Evangelist Billy Graham, Preaches a Message of Peace in Kenya

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 15, 2011 – Evangelist Will Graham wrapped up the three-day Will Graham Celebration of Peace in Nakuru, Kenya, on Sunday, July 10. A total audience of 14,500 attended the free celebration at the Mama Scrape Grounds, with 938 responding to the invitation to make a commitment to Jesus. Many in the audience persevered through ongoing rain storms to hear the message in the outdoor venue.

Nakuru was hard hit in the tribal violence that rocked the country of Kenya following political elections in December 2007. Within this context, Will Graham brought a message of peace and healing. “Whether we are looking at Kenya and the trouble here a few years ago, or the issues of hatred and sin around the world, it’s a heart problem,” said Will. “And the only answer to that problem is Jesus Christ.”

After several days touring Kenya, the people of Nakuru welcomed Will with a parade celebration, including a marching band. “It’s a welcome I’ve never had before, and it is incredibly humbling,” said Will from the front seat of his car as he was driven through the streets. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Will was joined on the trip by his wife, Kendra, who spoke to 500 women at a rally on July 8. "God has decided not to forget you," she encouraged them. "Others may forget you. A spouse may forget you. A child may forget you. A church may forget you. But God will never forget you."

On Saturday, July 9, the Grahams attended the final youth soccer match of the two-week Will Graham Peace Tournament. Along with tournament trophies, Will presented the Gospel message to the 400 young Kenyans who took part in the games. He also signed certificates for each participant.

One unique aspect of this Celebration was the saturation of social media involvement. Both Will (www.twitter.com/TellaGraham) and Kendra (www.twitter.com/KGraham74) regularly tweeted updates, prayer requests, photos and videos during their journey. “For those who were praying...many thanks,” tweeted Will at the conclusion of the Celebration. “As the rain fell, so God's grace fell on His people here in Nakuru.” Conversely, thousands of Kenyans flocked to Will’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WillGraham4), posting hundreds of messages of greeting and prayer support.

For more information on Will Graham Celebrations, visit www.willgrahamcelebrations.org.

About Will Graham
Will is the third generation of Grahams to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Will is the grandson of Billy Graham and the oldest son of Franklin Graham. Will has spoken to audiences across North America, Australia, India and other parts of Asia and South America. Will graduated from Liberty University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Religion and in 2001 graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. He currently serves as assistant director of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C. Follow Will on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TellaGraham and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WillGraham4.

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To request audio of an interview with Will Graham and/or video b-roll from this event, please contact Erik Ogren at (704) 577-2109. To download high-resolution photos from the event, please visit www.billygraham.org/smr.