THE Hyderabad police are on a strict vigil in the Old City even as Franklin Graham’s Hyderabad Festival gets under way today.
According to a report in Times of India, as many as 40 suspected troublemakers have been rounded up and taken into custody till Wednesday night ahead of the three-day evangelical meeting to be addressed by Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham.
The BGEA website said Graham is in Hyderabad to proclaim the Gospel and to share God’s love with the people of India at the invitation of 1,800 area churches.
Some fundamentalist groups owing allegiance to the RSS ideologies have been protesting over the meeting all set to begin this evening at LB Stadium in Hyderabad.
Police said vehicle checking was in progress in all the five zones of the city.
On Nov 9, Graham met with reporters and key Christian leaders .
Talking to the media, Franklin Graham said he did not come to India to promote a religion.
“I am here out of obedience to God—to promote a relationship with Jesus Christ, His Son,” he said.
Graham emphasized that everyone is invited to come. “This is an event put on by the churches here. There will be great music all four nights—it is a festival atmosphere. We just want people to know about God’s love.”
BGEA report said churches from across the greater Hyderabad area have worked together for the last year to bring the Hyderabad Festival with Franklin Graham to their city this weekend.
“The Franklin Graham Festival is one of the most exciting things to happen in Hyderabad,” said Rev. Christy Rajender, who is serving as the Youth and Volunteers Committee Chairman. He explained that youth in Hyderabad are interested in “friends, food, fashion, fun and family. But they don’t know the true happiness that comes from a relationship with Jesus.
“This is an opportunity to give our young people hope and help in facing challenges,” Rev. Christy added. “We want everyone to overcome darkness and see the light of God. Franklin Graham has come at the right time.”
Rev G Samuel, executive general chairman of the festival, said he hoped the stadium will be filled with people.
“Getting churches to work together hasn’t been easy,” he added, “but now you see Baptists and Pentecostals working together as the Body of Christ. We are believing for a great harvest.”
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