Reverend Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association urged prayer for the border, Mexico and all people living in the area during a visit to Eagle Pass, Texas.
“I'm at the border of Mexico and of course this is the center of a lot of attention for our country. Millions of people have crossed this border into our country,” Graham said Wednesday, Feb. 28, in comments at the border shared with FoxNewsDigital.
Graham spoke at Shelby Park, located in Eagle Pass, just across from Mexico.
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In January, the state of Texas took control of the park in an effort to stem the rise of illegal immigration.
Acknowledging that “people from all over the world” travel to Shelby Park for new opportunities, Graham also said that “a lot of politicians come here to Eagle Pass” for political purposes.
The Rev. Franklin Graham paid a visit this week to Shelby Park, which was recently taken over by the state of Texas in an effort to secure the border with Mexico. (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
Graham, however, wanted to put politics aside during this visit and preach the Gospel to those who needed his message.
With the city's transformation a hot political issue, Graham expressed empathy for those simply trying to live their lives.
“People here are discouraged,” he said during his trip. “I'm talking about the local people, the Texans who live here. It's difficult: the border patrols are having a difficult time, the authorities of the state of Texas are having a difficult time. The people who live here are overwhelmed.”
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Despite this, Graham believes that now is “one of the best opportunities for us to be able to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to these people here on the border.”
He continued, “I want you to know that God has not forgotten you, we have not forgotten you, and we will do everything we can to try to help.”
Graham preached to an over-capacity crowd at the Maverick County Amphitheater in Eagle Pass, Texas, on February 28, 2024. (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
“Pray for Texas, pray for this border, pray for Mexico. Many people come with hungry and hurting hearts,” Graham said. “They don't know where to go or what to do, and they're just looking for a chance in life.”
This new life is possible, Graham said, “by putting your faith and trust in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.”
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Graham visited Eagle Pass as one of the stops on his 10-city “God Loves You Frontera Tour.”
The tour began on Saturday, February 25 in the city of Brownsville, Texas and concludes on March 9 in Chula Vista, California.
In Spanish, the word “frontera” translates as “border.”
With the tour, Graham aims to bring a “life-changing message of hope” to struggling residents of the border cities of Texas, Arizona and California.
Rev. Graham (right) visited Eagle Pass, Texas, on February 28 as part of his “God Loves You Frontera” tour. His message of hope was translated into Spanish by David Ruiz (left). (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
Since the tour began, more than 20,000 people have attended, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association told Fox News Digital.
Pastors who have been associated with the tour have spoken about the hopelessness their flocks are experiencing as the border crisis continues.
“Many people in Eagle Pass need hope. People are struggling with addictions, illnesses and family problems,” said Pastor Gilberto Herrera of Roca Firme Christian Community Church in Eagle Pass, in comments shared with Fox News Digital.
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As a result of this hopelessness, “they are turning to the wrong things to solve their problems,” Herrera said.
“I believe the message Franklin Graham will share on the God Loves You Frontera tour has the power to change lives, families and our community,” he said.
More than 20,000 people attended the “Dios Te Ama Frontera Tour” during its first four stops. (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was founded in 1950 by evangelist billy graham.
It works to “share the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world,” its website says.
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Franklin Graham was named executive director of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 2000. He was named president the following year.
He also runs Samaritan's Purse, founded in 1970.
Helps you “find yourself” [the] needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disastersillnesses and famines for the purpose of sharing the love of God through His Son, Jesus Christ,” as the group's website notes.
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