Attention Turns to 2013 Franklin Graham Event in London

Contact: Erik Ogren, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 704-577-2109, eogren@bgea.org

THURROCK, Essex, Sept. 27, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Evangelist Will Graham completed an 18-day visit to the United Kingdom on Monday, culminating with the long anticipated Rock Thurrock event at the Thurrock Civic Centre, Sept. 23-25. The event, which featured a "Celebration of Hope" for all ages on Friday night and two events for young people on Saturday and Sunday, had a total attendance of 1,950, with 299 coming forward when invited to make a decision to follow Jesus. Approximately 75 percent of those who came forward were between the ages of 10 and 18.

In addition to his messages, Will brought greetings from his father, Franklin Graham, and grandfather, Billy Graham, who has a long history of ministry in the United Kingdom. Throughout his time in the country Will was warmly welcomed by many people who recalled seeing the elder Graham preach in one or more of his many U.K. events, beginning with his Greater London Crusade at Harringay Arena in 1954 and ending with Mission England in 1989.

Prior to the opening night of Rock Thurrock, Will spent two weeks touring the United Kingdom and speaking to several different groups from Cardiff to Exeter. "I've spoken with Christians and church leaders across the country, and they're all telling me the same thing," said Graham. "They all say that it feels like God is getting ready to do something big in the U.K. They've seen things they haven't seen in 30 years, such as the level of prayer and unity in the churches."

Earlier in the week, a wide range of church leaders from the London area gathered to hear the news that Will's father, Franklin Graham, would be part of a large-scale evangelistic outreach in the U.K. It is anticipated that the event will take place in London in 2013.

Will Graham's next multi-day Celebrations will be announced in October. For more information on Will Graham, visit www.willgrahamcelebrations.com.

About Will Graham: Will is the third generation of Grahams to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Will is the grandson of Billy Graham and the oldest son of Franklin Graham. Since beginning his evangelistic ministry with youth-oriented, one-day events in Canada, Will has spoken to audiences across North America, Australia, India and other parts of Asia and South America. Follow Will Graham at www.Facebook.com/WillGraham4 and www.Twitter.com/TellaGraham.

To view this release online and download high-resolution images from the event, please visit www.billygraham.org/smr.