Forgiveness, Hope and Purpose at the Trinity Valley Will Graham Celebration

TERRELL, Texas, March 26, 2012 – Approximately 4,475 heard inspiring messages of forgiveness, hope and purpose from evangelist Will Graham this weekend as the Trinity Valley Will Graham Celebration took place at the Performing Arts Center in Terrell, Texas. A total of 210 came forward at the invitation to make a decision for Jesus.

“We live in a world that says it’s all about you. But that’s not what the Bible says,” said Graham. “The Bible says that if you want to be satisfied, you need to make God a priority in your life and make it less about you. The only way you can fulfill your purpose is to surrender your life into God’s hand.”

More than 80 area churches representing 14 denominations helped to organize the event, and approximately 600 area volunteers helped to make it a success. Local civic leader Dena Risinger served as the chair of the executive committee. “When we began this process many months ago, we assumed that this weekend would be a destination,” said Risinger. “Now I realize that this is just the beginning, and God has even more in store for our area.”
 
Graham was joined on-stage throughout the weekend by a variety of musical acts. Singer-songwriter Brenton Brown and Northern Ireland-based band Rend Collective Experiment performed each evening. Grammy Award-nominated rock band Fireflight and hip-hop artist Tedashii highlighted Saturday’s teen-focused student night.

On Saturday morning a special event for children entertained kids with bounce houses, balloon animals, games, and a program tailored just for them featuring music by God Struck and a presentation by children's performer Tommy Toombs.

"From the very beginning it has been very evident to me that there was something unique about this area and that God was at work here and it’s been a thrill to be a part of it,” said Celebration Director Terry Wilken. "It has really been a privilege for me to work alongside such wonderful and committed people here in Terrell and the surrounding communities.”

The Trinity Valley Will Graham Celebration was the second of two consecutive events in the Lone Star state. The previous weekend, March 16-18, 5,000 attended the Red River Will Graham Celebration in Gainesville, Texas. Visit www.WillGrahamCelebrations.org for more information, and follow Will Graham on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/WillGraham4 and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TellaGraham.

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. He is the grandson of Billy Graham and the oldest son of Franklin Graham. Will has spoken to audiences on six continents since beginning his evangelistic ministry in 2006.

Media Contact:
Erik Ogren
704-577-2109
eogren@bgea.org