|
by Shara Lee
What is Rock the River?
It is a series of rock concerts coming this summer. According to some estimates,
they could be some of the largest gatherings of youth and young adults ever
assembled in western Canada.
A better question might be: Why is an organization like the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association (BGEA) promoting a series of rock concerts?
The BGEA, famous in the last century for organizing highly successful preaching
events, is now led by Billy Graham’s son. Franklin Graham may be preaching his father’s message – but he’s not using his father’s methods.
There will be three Rock the River concerts: in the Fraser Valley of British
Columbia August 7; in Calgary August 21; and in Edmonton August 28.
A $10 admission will grant access to six performances over seven hours. Each
concert will feature high profile bands, including Skillet, Thousand Foot
Krutch, Starfield and Flyleaf.
The hope is that young Christians will bring non-believing friends for a day of
entertainment – and an opportunity to accept Christ.
In between the performances, testimonies will be shared, videos will be
projected, and Franklin Graham will give invitations for young people to come
to Christ.
Continue article >>
|
“I think we can see an army of kids for Jesus Christ – kids who will live their lives unashamedly for God,” said Graham. A lot of preparation work has been done through prayer sessions,
youth rallies and workshops in local churches.
Several BGEA staff are living and working in Langley, B.C., including Jay and
Steph Anderson. They have worked tirelessly to make sure youth are aware of the
tour.
Social media have played a major part in this. With every event she goes to,
Steph makes sure lots of pictures are taken and later put online.
The reason, she said, is simple and strategic. “Kids love seeing pictures of themselves” on Facebook. “The photos create more traffic.”
The Andersons have also created a series of video challenges for the Facebook
group’s members.
Although publicity has been very web-based, a lot of face-to-face work has also
been done – in Christian schools, chapels and youth groups.
One event which was heavily attended was FM 4:19, a training seminar teaching
youth how to minister to their non-believing friends, and how to grow in their
own faith.
The BGEA and the many churches that are supporting Rock the River want to reach
out to youth through a medium they understand: music. “The message does not change,” Steph said, “but the method does.”
For more information, check out: billygraham.ca/Ministries/Rocktheriver
Options - Spring 2010
|
