Nearly 70,000 people gather in Brazil to hear about God's love

The gospel message was spread to a crowd of 68,000 in Copacabana Beach in Rio De Janeiro on Saturday with a message given by Franklin Graham. 

"The rain didn’t dampen their enthusiasm!" says Graham on Facebook. "Over 4,000 churches have been a part of preparing for this event for many months, and some told us they had been praying for years."

Graham is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and the Samaritan's Purse humanitarian ministry. He's also the son of the late evangelist Billy Graham.

"I told the crowd that if they owned all of the high-end real estate lining Copacabana Beach or all of the gas, oil, and gold in the world, their soul is of more value than all of those things. One day, each of our bodies will die, but our soul lives for eternity—in one of two places, either heaven or hell. And there is only one who can save your soul, and that is Jesus Christ."

Graham's father gave a similar gospel message to people in Brazil, in the Maracanã Stadium in 1974.

"The Bible tells us that Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost.” I am so thankful to God for each person who responded to the Gospel message tonight and surrendered their lives to Christ, coming to Him in repentance and faith there on the beach."

The Connections podcast: real life, real faith

According to some reports, thousands of people gave their lives to Jesus that evening. Local churches are following up with the new believers, connecting them to a home church and community. 

"He loves each and every person, that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to this world to save us from our sins. Jesus Christ did not come to condemn but to save … This is the message I've come to preach."

From here Graham will continue his God Loves You Tour, which will take him to London, England next. CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith will be performing at the event on July 16.