Thousands hear Franklin Graham preach in Birmingham

Over 8,000 people traveled from across the UK to hear Franklin Graham preach in Birmingham on Saturday night.

It was the American evangelist’s first time in the Midlands, his visit coming forty years since his late father Billy Graham preached the gospel in nearby Villa Park.

“Jesus Christ is not dead. He is alive and he is here tonight,” Graham said to cheers and applause inside the Birmingham Resorts World Arena.

Graham returned to the UK to continue his God Loves You tour, with another night in Glasgow to follow on 22 June.

Turning his thoughts momentarily to his father, who has preached many times in Britain, Graham said: “I miss him and every time I come to this country I think of him because he loved this nation, he loved the people of this country.”

Birmingham was one of eight cities Graham had originally planned to visit in 2020, but was delayed due to legal action against seven venues that voided their legally binding contracts. The tour was eventually able to go ahead after the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association successfully took legal action against the venues.

Last night, Graham preached from Luke 19, which tells the story of the salvation of Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector who put his faith in Christ and vowed to repay anyone who robbed him fourfold.

The event was prayerfully supported by 500 churches across the UK, with worship led by Michael W Smith and former Hillsong worship leader Taya.

Graham leaves for Glasgow next weekend and will be in London in 2025 for another stop on his God Loves You tour. More details can be found at https://godlovesyoutour.org.uk/