A crowd of 22,500 gathered at the Corel Centre, with a reported 3500 of them seated outdoors in front of a Jumbotron screen and under severe weather conditions. The crowd gathered early, and amused themselves with by making a "Wave" circle the arena time after time.  The worship exploded to life with the singing of the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir. If you have never seen this group, you need only know that the "Jubilation" in their name is no accident. Joy burst from the stage and ignited a receptive congregation.

    Jane Evans opened in prayer, and Cliff Barrows led the hymn "Crown him Lord of All."

Shortly thereafter Susan Aglurkark was introduced by Cliff Barrows, who remembered what a joy it had been to share the stage with her at Mission Toronto in 1995. "Find something to believe in" was her first song, and she segued into the second number by commenting on her belief in Jesus, and the importance of believing in love for everyone, regardless of race, skin colour, or ethnic background. She then sung a song about being one family, and went on to celebrate life, life in Christ, with a song in her native tongue (the title of which is beyond my courage to attempt to spell). It was her final song, after her band left the stage that must have touched every heart, an acapella rendition, in Innuktituk of Amazing Grace.

    After the offering and the choral anthem, George Beverly Shea sang "I'd rather have Jesus" and Franklin Graham was introduced.

    Franklin gave a short testimony about his own waywardness and repentance. He reminded all the assembly that the same grace which had given him a new start could give a new start to any one who came to Jesus and repented of their sins. He went on to introduce his dad with the words, "Mom and Dad always lived what they preached, the Billy Graham you know from the platform is the same man we knew in our home, and it is my pleasure to introduce my dad, whom I deeply love."

   Dr Graham was in much better form tonight than Thursday. He talked about his career, faith and health with humour and warmth, and went on to preach on "the battle for the mind" from 2 Cor 10:5, describing the characteristics of the mind controlled by the Devil, vs the mind controlled by Christ. "Which kind of mind do you have? he asked. It was a very good exposition of the gospel and its consequences for our way to thinking. Having our conscience touched and setting our will on God will have more effect on our mind than endless debate or study. The evangelist is not simply appealing to the intellect as a philosopher, he is appealing to the conscience and the will as well. We must decide to love God with "all our mind," commit our minds to Jesus' if we want to have a pure mind.  Jesus died on that cross to save you, so that you could have a changed mind, a cleansed mind and new life. Come to Jesus, surrender your life to him, repent of your sins, and take up a new life.

   Pretty simple message, quite well delivered, and once again God moved in individuals hearts. It's still amazing to see people respond to the Gospel. to hear them, gathered all around me on the floor of the Corel Centre repeat after Billy, " Oh God, I am a sinner. I am sorry. I ask you to forgive my sins. I give you my life. I want you to live in my heart. I promise to follow you. Amen.

   Thursday's responses did total above 1,440 I have as yet no idea how many went forward tonight. The counselling team, organized by Gary Cobb, (a very fine teacher, organizer and person)  learned from the few miscues of thursday night,so that the inquirers were really well cared for.

 

   Saturday morning the Kidz Gig starts at 11:00, although a computer character has been grounded in Chicago by weather. (Pray!) Saturday evening the "Concert for the Next Generation" will be held. I'll be at the Corel Centre all day and I will report when and if I get a chance.

 

    P.S. I was checking into how much of the Mission my own son Robbie (8) understood earlier this week and was delighted to have him confirm that he has already begun to place his faith in Jesus. I've always found it akward to talk to my own kids about such things, but it is certainly reassuring to know that he has picked up, from various sources, a trust in the love of God in Jesus, and an active relationship with Him.