Two Full Days, One Big Celebration
By: John Kelly
In the closely connected world of Evangelist Christians, two names (three if Jesus counts) stick out: Billy Graham and Luis Palau Jr. Billy Graham is, of course, the famous Christian preacher with radio and TV broadcasts who’s sermons are said to have reached over 2.2 billion people as of 2008. Luis Palau, however, is an equally impressive celebrity preacher who has captured the attention of many of the younger Christians around the world. He is said to be Billy Graham’s successor and was actually funded by Graham to start his own ministry.
Palau will being coming to Tempe Town Lake from March 19-20 hosting a free festival to celebrate and share “The Good News” about the big man upstairs. It is said that Palau has brought spiritual enlightenment to more than 25 million people in over 48 countries, and will do so again during his festival.
There will be an impressive amount of free entertainment present. Besides being serenaded by Palau’s ultra-holy voice and godlike presence, artists such as Toby Mac, Skillet, Mat Kearney, The Band Perry, Marisol and Phil Wickham will be rocking the crowd all day and night (imagine a KISS concert, now the exact opposite). The party doesn’t stop there, however, with the likes of Vic Murphy, Brian Sumner, local rider Chris Weigele and the Riders for Christ performing BMX, Freestyle Motocross and Skate exhibitions all weekend in an attempt to draw the younger crowds. There will also be face-painting and characters from the VeggieTales present to entertain the youngest of festival-goers.
Although this festival probably won’t rival that of Woodstock, Coachella or Bonnaroo, I’m sure God will be pretty stoked.