Evangelist Franklin Graham has kicked off his “God Loves You” Tour in La Plata, Maryland.
"We are coming to remind people there is Good News! God loves us, and He sent His Son Jesus Christ to earth to save us from our sins," he told CBN News in a statement.
Graham will make tour stops in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina to speak. There will also be live musical performances by the Newsboys, Marcos Witt, and Dennis Agajanian.
"This coastal area is a beautiful place with such a rich history, but like every area of our country, there are many people who don't know God. So many are searching and struggling. I simply want them to know that God cares for them and has a plan for their lives," said Graham, president, and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
He adds, "The world is changing so quickly—record inflation, bank failures, surges in violent crime, the crisis in Ukraine—the list goes on. So many people are anxious about the future and don't know where to turn."
Some 700 churches partnered with the BGEA for the tour, which specifically targets the Tidewater region.
"People need to hear the Good News of God's love for them. Southern Maryland, a fast-growing region, is no exception. Social and economic issues, cultural and political divides, and existential questions seem to be weighing heavy on hearts at this hour. The God Loves You Tour could not come at a better moment in time," said Fred Caudle, senior pastor of The Church @ St. Charles in Waldorf, Maryland.
"People are searching for life, peace, and truth,” he said. “The message that God loves you and has demonstrated His love for you on the cross of Jesus Christ offers hope and healing to our broken world."
Last fall, Graham finished up the 2022 God Love You Tour in Minnesota. According to his team, more than 50,000 participated across the six-city tour.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Image/Justin Sullivan/Staff
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
