Franklin Graham: Every Christian Needs to Do This

Dear Friend,

God has blessed our country more than any nation on earth. But it seems today as though we are completely adrift—politically, morally and spiritually. I have heard from people all over America who agree, and many of them say, “I wish there was something we could do.” Well, there is.

In 2016, I plan to hold prayer rallies in all 50 states. I believe God has called us to this. We’re naming it the Decision America Tour. I want to challenge Christians across our land to boldly live out their faith and to pray fervently and faithfully for our nation and all its leaders. I want to encourage Christians to get out and vote in the coming election year. We will not be endorsing any political candidates, but I will urge people to vote for those on the ballot who uphold biblical principles, and I will be sharing the life-changing truth of God’s gospel in every state.

Can you imagine what a difference it could make if in the next election Christians went to the polls in unprecedented numbers? And if Christians ran for every elected office available at all levels—local, state and national? School board members, city council members, judges, mayors—all of these are such critical positions. Just think of what would happen if the school board in your own community was made up of Christians. I’ll bet things would begin to change for the better in those schools.

Jesus said we are to be the salt and the light in this world. Salt preserves and can bring healing. We are to speak the truth of God’s Word to a society that is racing in the opposite direction, in moral decline, at warp speed. Jesus said that as lights, we are to shine brightly—up on a lampstand so everyone can see and not hidden under a basket.

Jesus instructs us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

Friends, America is in trouble. At age 62, I’ve lived long enough to learn that no political party or politician is the answer. The only hope for this country is Almighty God and His Son. We can’t sit idly by any longer. LGBT activists, abortion rights advocates, aggressive atheist groups and others who ignore God’s Word are trying to shove their agenda down our throats. We need to take every opportunity to speak up for biblical standards and let our lights shine. We need to work to preserve our religious freedoms so that we can continue to proclaim the gospel freely. If we as Christians stand together and let our voice be heard, I believe God can use us to make a difference. I hope you will start praying with us now.

I recently returned from Barcelona, Spain, where thousands heard the gospel at our Festival of Hope. It was BGEA’s first-ever evangelistic event in Spain, a once deeply religious country that today is swept up in secularism. Pray for those who responded to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, asking God to deepen their new faith and strengthen them in their walk with Him.

We have an evangelistic Festival in Jacksonville, Florida, May 29–31. There are so many people in that city, as in every city, who desperately need the gospel. Pray for them, and for me as I preach.

My oldest son, Will, has returned from the Philippines, where he preached at Crusade events in two cities on different weekends, attended by more than 74,000 people. We praise God that thousands began a new relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for them, and pray for all who responded at Will’s three-day evangelistic Celebration last month in Owensboro, Kentucky.

In June, Will leads a major Crusade event in Tanzania, and I will lead one in Ukraine. Then later in the summer I will preach at Crusades in Birmingham, Alabama, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

At BGEA, our goal is to reach lost and hurting people—across America and around the world—with the life-changing hope found only in Jesus Christ. Would you consider helping us for the Decision America Tour? To take on 50 states in one year is a huge undertaking. We will have much opposition. The forces of evil will be aligned against us. We need your prayers and your financial help.

May God richly bless you,

Franklin Graham

Franklin Graham, son of iconic evangelist Billy Graham, is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse.

This article originally appeared on billygraham.org.