Franklin Graham’s "Encountering God" Event Draws Record Crowds in Ethiopia
In a remarkable display of faith and community, Franklin Graham’s two-day evangelistic outreach, titled "Encountering God," took place at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 8-9, 2025. This significant event attracted an astounding 320,000 attendees on its second day, marking a momentous occasion in the Ethiopian Christian community.
Reflecting on the legacy of his father, the late Billy Graham, who first preached in Ethiopia 65 years ago, Franklin Graham emphasized the timeless nature of the Gospel. "The world has changed, politics have changed, but the Gospel does not change. It’s the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow," he stated during a press conference that drew 40 media outlets.
The outreach was organized in partnership with the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches, which represents over 3,000 congregations across the nation. Months of preparation, prayer, and discipleship training preceded the event, highlighting the dedication of local churches to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Seneshat Teka, director of spiritual development at the council, pointed out the challenge of balancing tradition with biblical teachings, urging pastors to remain committed to the core message of Scripture.
Pastor Ashebir Ketema, the council’s International Relations Director and a survivor of Ethiopia’s communist regime, shared his perspective on the importance of religious freedom. Ketema, who faced imprisonment for his beliefs, remarked, "When we see such events, that’s the hand of God … to preach freely in this country; it’s because of the hand of God." His testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of faith in the face of adversity.
During the event, Franklin Graham delivered impactful messages centered on God’s love and the call to a personal relationship with Jesus. He preached from Mark 10:46-52, sharing the story of blind Bartimaeus who, through his faith, received healing. "Outside of Jesus Christ, you’re spiritually blind. It doesn’t matter what you have or who you are, you are spiritually poor without God," Graham explained, encouraging attendees to seek God’s mercy.
On the second day, he illustrated the story of Zacchaeus, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their past, is valued in God’s eyes. The outreach not only inspired attendees but also ignited personal stories of change. Yisak, a 22-year-old who learned about the event through television, expressed his desire to follow Jesus after identifying with Zacchaeus’ journey. Similarly, Darik, a 17-year-old who had strayed from his faith, found renewed purpose through the message of Bartimaeus.
In addition to the spiritual revival, Franklin Graham highlighted the ongoing humanitarian efforts of Samaritan’s Purse in Ethiopia, which has been providing essential services such as medical care, clean water, and nutrition programs for years. This outreach underscores the holistic approach of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in addressing both spiritual and physical needs.
The "Encountering God" event is part of BGEA’s broader mission to share the Good News of Jesus Christ across five continents, partnering with local churches to ensure new believers are connected with Bible-based communities for continued growth in their faith.
As the dust settles on this historic gathering, it’s clear that the impact of "Encountering God" will resonate throughout Ethiopia for years to come, fostering a renewed commitment to faith and community among its people. For more information on Franklin Graham’s mission and upcoming events, visit the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
This article highlights the powerful movement of faith in Ethiopia and serves as an encouragement to Christians around the world. The spirit of unity and the call to share the Gospel remains as relevant today as it was decades ago, proving that the message of Christ continues to inspire change and hope in every generation.