The European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin, Germany, hosted by the esteemed Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), was a rare privilege and experience that cannot be forgotten in a lifetime. Along with a host of students, our distinguished President Gunnar Magi and staff member, Jason Klumpenhower, we all bore witness to the historical, transformative and evangelistic event. Before I begin to reflect on the teachings, I cannot help but express how we were dazzled by the remarkable planning and organization demonstrated by the BGEA team. It was as though it took them decades to plan the congress because it was clear that they didn’t start the planning in a year. Why do I say this? I say this because as believers we have received an excellent spirit. The Bible encourages us to do the things that we find ourselves doing in an excellent way (Dan 6:3; Eccl 9:10; Col 3:23-24).
I would like to talk about the revered Rev. Franklin Graham. This Man of God, being the first son of the great evangelist Billy Graham, has greatly influenced and continues to influence Christendom, especially in the area of evangelism. I and others who met him during the congress, cannot forget the lasting impact he impressed in our hearts during the very short time. He did not speak much but his character and personality spoke volumes. An unassuming man and a faithful steward indeed. His humility left a lasting impression in our hearts. In our world today, it will be arrogant and impossible to ignore the active contributions Rev. Franklin Graham has made and continues to make.
What can be said about the teachings during the congress if not that they were highly Christo-centric. A very rich, scriptural and spiritual topics like discipleship, the utter lostness of mankind, holiness, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, unity, prayer and the gift and calling of the evangelist, all contributed significantly to an enriched evangelistic congress. The primary focus of all the teachings was the cross and the blood. The cross and the blood cannot be overemphasized. This is because it is the bedrock of our Christian faith and forever remains the centrality of our walk with God. Through this evangelistic congress, we were once again reminded of who we are in Christ, our mission and purpose, which is to bring all men into the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As I reflect on the whole congress, one thing stood out for me, which is holiness! This message was taught by a Man of God from Sweden, by the name, Rev. Joakim Lundqvist. The teaching resonated deeply with me because people must see and hear the gospel. It is necessary that people see that we are actually living out the gospel that we preach and not just verbal proclamation alone. Our lifestyle must be testaments of the transforming power of the Gospel. I have learned that holiness is mandatory and not an option. After we have verbally proclaimed, it will be unfortunate if our lifestyle cancels out what we preach. Our lifestyle also preaches. Verbal proclamation and lifestyle proclamation must go hand-in-hand. Overall, the congress was both physically and spiritually refreshing. The spiritual, doctrinal, biblical and Christo-centric contents have renewed my commitment to Jesus Christ and living to serve His purposes.
Fortune (Nigeria), MDiv Student - May 2025
