A powerful two-day evangelistic event called “Encountering God” took place at Meskel Square, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—the country’s largest open-air gathering venue. On March 8, nearly 117,000 people attended, and by March 9, the crowd had swelled to an astounding 320,000. The event, organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in partnership with the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches, led to over 4,000 people making commitments to follow Jesus Christ.
A Legacy of Faith Continues
Sixty-five years after his father, the late Billy Graham, first preached in Ethiopia, Franklin Graham returned to Addis Ababa to share the same message of hope and salvation. Speaking to a crowd of reporters from 40 media outlets, Graham emphasized the unchanging nature of the Gospel.
“My father preached this same message 65 years ago,” he said. “The world has changed, politics have changed, but the Gospel remains the same—yesterday, today, and forever.”
Months of Preparation and Prayer
The evangelistic event was the result of extensive planning, prayer, and discipleship training. The Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches, a network of over 3,000 churches, played a crucial role in organizing the outreach. Seneshat Teka, the council’s Director of Spiritual Development, highlighted the challenge many Ethiopians face—holding onto traditions rather than the biblical message of salvation. She stressed the importance of pastors staying true to the Word of God.
Pastor Ashebir Ketema, the council’s International Relations Director, also reflected on the significance of the event. Having endured imprisonment and persecution during Ethiopia’s communist regime (1974-1991), Ketema saw the ability to preach freely as a testament to God’s grace. He noted that despite past hardships, the Evangelical community in Ethiopia has grown significantly and now comprises nearly one-third of the population.
Messages of Hope and Transformation
Franklin Graham’s messages focused on the love of God and the power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. On Saturday, he preached from Mark 10:46-52, recounting Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus. “Outside of Jesus Christ, you are spiritually blind. No matter your status or wealth, without God, you are spiritually poor,” he said, holding up an Amharic Bible. He then asked the crowd, “Are you willing to say, ‘God, have mercy on me?’”
On Sunday, Graham shared the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy but corrupt tax collector who sought to see Jesus. He reassured the audience that no one is too insignificant in God’s eyes and that transformation is possible for everyone.
Lives Changed Forever
The impact of the event was evident in personal testimonies. Yisak, a 22-year-old who heard about the gathering on TV, walked to Meskel Square and was deeply moved by the message of forgiveness. Holding his new Bible, he shared his commitment to living for Christ. Seventeen-year-old Darik, who had drifted from his faith, was inspired by the story of Bartimaeus and decided to fully trust Jesus. Ayana, 20, overcame her parents’ initial opposition to attend the event. She found peace in surrendering her worries to God and rejoiced in receiving her own Bible.
Beyond the Event: Humanitarian Efforts and Ongoing Discipleship
In addition to the spiritual impact, Franklin Graham highlighted the humanitarian work of Samaritan’s Purse in Ethiopia. The organization has been actively providing medical care, clean water, and nutrition programs to communities in need.
The evangelistic event in Ethiopia is part of BGEA’s broader mission to spread the message of Jesus Christ across five continents. By partnering with thousands of local churches, the organization ensures that new believers are connected with Bible-based congregations for continued discipleship and spiritual growth.
The success of “Encountering God” in Ethiopia demonstrates the enduring power of the Gospel to bring hope, transformation, and lasting faith to individuals and communities worldwide.
