Rochester NY Billy Graham Crusade LOI 1988-12

Rochester, New York: Harvey Rodger of Congress Ave. Bible Chapel: Billy Graham Crusade:

"The greater Rochester area Billy Graham Crusade held September 11-18, brought a spiritual lift to our city in general, and especially to area assemblies. Over 60 individuals from Congress Ave. Bible Chapel and Northgate Bible Chapel attended the Christian Life and Witness Classes. Others took the nurture group training in preparation for the Crusade. What a joy to see our people witnessing by inviting friends and sharing their faith with inquirers each evening!

The crusade was the talk of the town, partly because Billy Graham was hospitalized in Rochester with a spider bite up until two hours before his first message. Both chapels provided bus transportation for neighbors and friends. Over 143,000 attended the eight day outdoor crusade in FaIl-like weather. Three of the messages are scheduled for coast to coast telecasts on December 5-7.

For our assembly, the highlight was the salvation of a number of people for whom we had been praying. What a boost to see a man commit his life to Christ after several years of prayer and unify his home. Another young man's mother was saved. Others brought friends who trusted Christ. Some were restored. All of us were encouraged. One of the greatest effects in the fellowship was a new awareness of our responsibility to reach out to others. A group of over 40 young people canvassed the neighborhood before the crusade.

For many it was their first experience going door to door, and it proved to be very positive. All involved learned effective ways to share our faith and follow up new believers. Graham's "Mission New York State" began in August with the Buffalo Crusade, and is scheduled to resume in April, 1989, in Syracuse and then move eastward."

Sources

• Letters of Interest (LOI): 1988-12