Franklin Graham told an overflow crowd of 8,600 people packed into the White Oak Amphitheatre in Greensboro Oct. 9 to make room for the One who can’t be replaced.

“God made us and He created a vacuum inside of you which He reserves for Himself. You can try to fill it with anything you want, but I can tell you right now, it will not satisfy until you meet the King of kings and Lord of lords,” Franklin preached. “Until He comes into your heart and takes control, you’ll always have this emptiness.”

Kevin Wang, a 20-year-old junior at Wake Forest University (WFU) in Winston-Salem, rose from his seat when Franklin invited anyone who wanted to repent of their sins and receive Christ as their Savior to stand.

“I decided to let Jesus Christ into my heart,” said Wang, who’s from New Jersey. “I’m a nonreligious person. I’ve heard a lot about trying to let Him in, but this is definitely the first time I’ve responded officially in public.”

Matt Willis, a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, invited Wang to go with him to the Tour event. “We’ve been praying for him to make this decision and we’re thankful that he did it tonight,” Willis said. He’s looking forward to helping Wang grow in his newfound identity in Christ while finishing at WFU.  “I’m excited and thrilled,” he said.

Sitting beside Wang, 28-year-old Justin Chance grappled with his own relationship with God. Chance, who committed his life to Christ three years ago, said he could identify with the prodigal son Franklin preached about from Luke, Chapter 15.

“I rededicated my life to the Lord,” Chance said. “The Holy Spirit spoke to me tonight and told me that I needed to make the decision, so I did.”

For Richard and Angela Webster of Kernersville, attending the Tour was the first time they had worshiped together in several months. Married for 27 years, the Websters were grieving the death of their son.

“We’re recommitting our life to God because we’ve never done that together before,” Richard said. “We’ve been through the worst we’ve ever been through. The last four years, it’s been really tough for me and her.”

Angela said their recommitment to God was desperately needed. “We were needing help in our marriage really bad,” she said. “It’s a new start. I have to believe that.”

For Eddie McKinnon, 64, a member of Harvest Hills Church of God, in Burlington, helping people like Richard rediscover hope in Jesus never gets old. McKinnon volunteered with Billy Graham Crusades 45 years ago. He served as a counselor in Raleigh earlier in the week and planned to serve at the Tour in Charlotte as well.

“I enjoy being able to share,” McKinnon said. “I know how God has worked in my life and I know how He is going to work in others. It just doesn’t get any better than this.” 

Photo: Thomas J. Petrino/2019 BGEA