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By Shara Lee
DESPITE rain and mud, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) hosted
some 7,970 people August 7 in Cloverdale, for the first Canadian Rock the River
concert.
Musicians included Tedashii, downhere, The Almost, Starfield and Skillet;
evangelist Franklin Graham spoke briefly between performances.
Tedashii’s hope for those who attended was that God’s word would become active in their hearts. “I tell people when they come for concerts: ‘You’re coming for music; but I came to minister, and you just happen to get music
along the way,’” the rapper said. “I see myself as an urban missionary.”
The members of downhere were glad to participate, despite the rain. “We’ve had a great experience working with the Graham Association . . . It’s been really professional – but also very focused on the gospel,” said singer Jason Germaine.
Speaking to BCCN during the festivities, Graham said he was pleased with how the day was going.
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“Rain hasn’t held the kids back [from giving] their lives to Christ. We’re always worried: Is the rain going to mess with the electronics? But I don’t think it has. Is the rain going to mess with the crowd? I don’t think it has,” said Graham.
He added: “A lot of people prayed for this, a lot of people invested their life, their time
– and this isn’t by mistake. We couldn’t do it without prayer.”
According to the BGEA, 466 people made decisions for Christ at the event. A
follow-up celebration was held for the new believers, to offer guidance and
fellowship.
Rock the River was held in Calgary August 21 and Edmonton August 28. The music
also rocked the airwaves. Crossroads Christian Communications partnered with
the BGEA to produce a two-hour Rock the River special – aimed at reaching youth who normally do not attend church.
The special was broadcast on the Crossroads Television System (CTS) station in
Calgary August 22, and on the Edmonton station August 29. The special will be
rebroadcast by CTS in Ontario later in the fall. grahamfestival.org
September 2010
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