Hundreds of people came to Christ at what’s been described as the largest Christian gathering in Belarus history. Franklin Graham ministered in front 15,000 people filled the Chizhovka Arena in Minsk on Saturday night for the Festival of Hope May 16-17.
Alexandra from Minsk was one of those to receive Jesus. She said she struggled with anxiety. Irina, who had never committed to Christ despite growing up in a Christian family, also was among the new converts.
“Nothing has been done like this in Belarus in modern history,” Graham says.
With a evangelical Christian population of only 2%, Belarus hasn’t been the most welcoming to born-again Christians. Also in May, Christian rights group was banned by the secret police also, and a pastor was jailed for calling for an end to the Ukraine war. Belarus’s president, Aleksandr Lukashenko, is one Vladimir Putin’s staunchest allies.
But Lukashenko, born in the atheistic Soviet Union, opened his arms wide open to Franklin Graham, with whom he met for two hours. It may be he’s trying to improve relations with the U.S. and because Samaritan’s Purse (run by Graham) is a significant contributor of humanitarian aid.
“The Soviet Union was officially an atheist country, but unofficially, everyone prayed,” Lukashenko said, adding that roughly half the workers on the farm where he served were Protestants. “They are exceptionally kind and incredibly hardworking people.”
In a moment of lightness, he told Graham: “Franklin, when you’re talking with the Lord about sins, don’t forget about mine either.”
Located in Europe, Belarus has 9M people and a state-controlled economy of $75M GDP.
Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for an astonishing (soon) 32 years.
Vlada, one of the volunteers who helped stage the massive event, said Christians feel isolated but was encouraged by the large-scale event.
“I see how God will do something in Belarus,” she said.
