The Big Sky Celebration kicks off this Friday at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena, followed by stops in Hamilton and Great Falls. The free events will feature concerts by award-winning Christian artists and inspirational messages of hope from evangelist Will Graham. He explained what these events are all about.

“A lot of people remember my grandfather Billy Graham and his crusade,” Graham said. “This is really basically the same type of event that we are doing. It is an evangelistic outreach in these communities. We will have some great artists and great music, but then I will get up every night and I will give a clear presentation of the gospel. I will be talking from the bible. Then I will ask people to make a decision to follow Jesus and allow Jesus to come into their lives and forgive them of their sins.”

Billy Graham is considered one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century.

“He grew up during the depression years,” Graham said. “He gave his life to Christ when he was a young man and god had a special plan for him. Billy Graham would end up preaching to more people than anyone else in human history. This was right after World War II. He became famous in 1994 until the day he died, which was a few years ago at the age of 99.”

Will explains why he chose to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.

“It is not something I do because of my last name,” Graham said. “It is because it is what God has called me to do in life. This is what God called me to do. A number of years ago, back in 2004, I preached the good news of Jesus Christ everywhere I went. I have been doing this since 2004 and it has taken me all around the world. Now it takes me to Montana.”

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association hopes to continue the lifelong work of Billy Graham by hosting these types of events right here in Montana. The Big Sky Celebration will take place on September 6-8 at Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena, on September 11 at Hamilton Assembly of God in Hamilton, and on September 13-15 at Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls. The events are free and family friendly. No tickets are required and seats are first come, first served.

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