The land known as Phoenix was inhabited by an industrious people between 700 A.D. and 1400 A.D.—a people group who built miles upon miles of canals to make the land fertile.
Officially recognized in 1868, the name “Phoenix” was suggested because a new town was springing forth from the ruins of this former civilization.
Today, the land remains fertile—in a spiritual sense. The fields are “ripe for harvest” and pastors and church leaders in Phoenix are ready to see their city spring forth with new life in Christ.
And, as scores of people gathered at Skyway Church in the Phoenix suburb of Goodyear, Ariz., to get involved with My Hope America with Billy Graham, there was a sense of excitement at seeing a city bursting with new life when this grassroots evangelism initiative culminates this fall.
My Hope America with Billy Graham is mobilizing thousands of churches across the nation through meetings like the one held in Goodyear on April 6. The theme is consistent in every meeting: reaching people you know with the gospel, and using the tools provided through the My Hope America initiative.
“It’s a way to reach your family, your neighbors, your acquaintances,” said Kimberly Kidd, an evangelism pastor for Skyway Church. “It doesn’t have to be hard. It should be simple.”
Buckeye, Ariz., resident A.D. Williams, an endurance horse rider and farmer who heard about My Hope America from his pastor, was excited about the organizing of so many people to share the gospel.
“Most people don’t stop to realize what Jesus Christ has done for them,” Williams said. “He’s given you eternity. We have to tell others about it.”
“It’s going to take all of us,” Kidd added. “We are all the army of God. This is what America needs—a great awakening. We’ve got to start waking up and sharing our faith.”
“The harvest is ripe. People want to know they are saved. They want to know God loves them.”
Through My Hope America, thousands of people across the country this year will know of this love.
People like Kidd, Williams and the others gathered in the Phoenix area on Saturday, are hoping that this could be a year when they see a monumental change across the nation and specifically in Phoenix.
“The Valley of the Sun” could become “The Valley of the Son.” And, out of the ashes, new life could spring forth and this community can be changed, one heart at a time.
Get involved with My Hope America today and be a part of seeing your own city or community transformed with the gospel. Attend a meeting near you, or sign up online today.
Click here to read the original article on BillyGraham.org.
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