In the summer of 2016, a man from Hamilton, MT with a burden for lost souls contacted the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and made a passionate plea for a “Crusade” to be held in Montana. This cry for help kicked off a series of exploratory trips by the BGEA to determine the receptivity of the churches in Montana to hosting an evangelistic event. By February 2018 a steering committee had been formed in Helena and Great Falls as pastors across denominational lines began to unite on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Over the last year, these cities have prayed fervently and have planned and promoted the Big Sky Celebration with Will Graham, which will include music from Aaron Shust, Jerry Camp, The Color, and The Afters.
Will Graham is the son of Franklin Graham and the grandson of the late Billy Graham. This family of evangelists are known worldwide and they have seen God draw millions to faith in Christ. Will’s calling to Montana follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who have both hosted outreaches in the state. Franklin Graham held multi-day evangelistic rallies in Bozeman and Helena in 1995, and then spoke in Helena as part of his 50-state Decision America Tour in 2016. Billy Graham preached a one-day Crusade in Billings on June 24, 1987.
One of the greatest tools the BGEA provides the local church is the Christian Life and Witness Course (CL&W) which is mobilizing Christ followers in Montana to prepare the soil for a great spiritual harvest. This tool has equipped over 300 to share their faith, to lead someone who is being prompted by God to faith in Christ, and to disciple young new believers. The BGEA recognizes the importance of connecting these new believers to the local church and this partnership in the Gospel strengthens the local church.
MTSBC churches such as Lincoln Baptist Church, Grace Community Church, South Hills Baptist Fellowship, Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church, and Big Sky Fellowship have hosted a CL&W Course or a Prayer Rally. In Great Falls, Big Sky Baptist, Crossroads Memorial Baptist Church, and Set Free have also partnered with the BGEA to equip their people to serve as counselors and ushers in the same way. The Big Sky Celebration with Will Graham is more than just an event. It is a process of communicating, training, praying, and uniting churches in their collective mission. The local church is the driving force in calling out to God for a spiritual awakening in our region. Go to www.bigskycelebration.com to learn more, get involved, and participate.
The Big Sky Celebration will be held in Helena at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds on the evenings of September 6-8 at 7 pm, with a KIDZFEST on Saturday the 7th at 9:30 am. On September 11th, a one-night Celebration will be held in Hamilton, MT at 7 pm in the Hamilton Church of God facility. In Great Falls, the Celebration will be held at the Four Seasons Area from September 13-15 with a KIDZFEST on Saturday the 14th. Who will you invite? How about your ONE from Who’s Your One? Certainly, bring a friend! Will you pray? Will you give? Go to www.bigskycelebration.com to learn how.
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