Franklin Graham

HANGZHOU, CHINA (ANS) -- Much has changed in the past 20 years since Franklin Graham first visited mainland China with his father, evangelist Billy Graham. Sunday the younger Graham delivered an historic message, preaching to 12,000 people in the largest church in the nation.

“Franklin Graham’s May 11 sermon at Hangzhou Chong-Yi Christian Church is very significant,” said the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. “It highlights the strong possibility for cooperation that exists between United States and Chinese religious institutions and marks a positive path forward.”

According to a news release, Franklin Graham, preaching a Gospel message about the cross, the symbol of the Christian faith, Graham asked those in attendance to stand if they wanted to become followers of Jesus Christ. 1,250 people responded to the invitation.

Inside view of Hangzhou Chong-Yi Christian Church where Franklin Graham preached

According to senior pastor Rev. Joseph GU, this event was the largest gathering ever at Hangzhou Chong-Yi Christian Church. Bibles were also given out to those who responded and the church will provide an eight-week course for them on the basics of the Christian faith.

“My mother was born in China so I’ve always had a love for this country. But I wasn’t sure I’d ever have this opportunity or see this much change and progress here,” said Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse. “To be able to come here and openly preach gives me great hope for religious expression in China.”

Graham is in China for 10 days (May 6-15) visiting Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Shanghai for official visits with government and church leaders.

“I believe it is more productive to meet face to face and encourage the progress that has been made here,” said Graham. “Stronger relationships are forming and we’re developing a greater understanding of each other.”

Dan Wooding, 67, is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma of 44 years. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS). He was, for ten years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC. Wooding is the author of some 42 books, the latest of which is his autobiography, "From Tabloid to Truth", which is published by Theatron Books. To order a copy, go to www.fromtabloidtotruth.com. danjuma1@aol.com.