June 27, 1998
'IT'S THE MOST UPLIFTING FEELING'
By CHINTA PUXLEY -- Ottawa Sun
Billy Graham's religious rally looked and sounded more like a sporting event last night as 18,000 people screamed, applauded and joined in stadium-wide waves.
And their enthusiasm was catching, brushing off on performer Susan Aglukark.
Before her performance last night, the Canadian singer said she felt like she was setting her feet back on solid foundation.
Aglukark was just one of many enthusiastic people who flocked to the Corel Centre last night to bask in the glory of the second night of the Billy Graham mission.
"My faith and relationship with God kept me grounded," she said. "It's the most uplifting feeling to even be associated with these names. It's an honor to be here."
Like others in the audience, Aglukark said she felt a special thrill at being a witness to the mission.
"It makes a big difference," she said. "It really reminds me of where my strength lies. It's nice to come back to this and it's nice to be re-energized."
That was how Pearl Dow, a 66-year-old Ottawa resident, described how she felt the first time she became a disciple. At the end of every mission service, audience members are invited to sign up to be Christian disciples, whether they are new Christians or just reaffirming their commitment.
"Much as I said nothing was going to happen to me, I was passed out for half-an-hour," Dow said. "You're not even aware of what is going on around you."
Dow sat outside the centre in one of the 15,000 seats catching the overflow of people. Braving the rain, she came with her daughter to renew her commitment to her Christian faith.
"It's just to strengthen the spirit," she said.
Jocelyne Haley, 44, from Kanata, came to become a disciple for the first time.
"I've experienced a lot of sickness," she said. "I haven't gone up there yet but I'm sure I'm going to feel really high."
Yesterday night was North Gore resident Scott Carson's second night here.
When the 2,000 member choir began, he joined in.
"I come here because the Lord calls me to come here," he said.