Will Graham began—and ended—Sunday night’s message talking about “Last chance … a term guys know well in Helena.”
Last Chance Gulch, where gold was found in 1864, is now the town’s main street. So Will Graham wasn’t shy about bringing up the concept, especially in regards to dealing with eternity.
“This could be your last chance,” he said, moments before extending the invitation. “I’m not trying to scare you, but you never know if you’ll have this chance again.”
His passionate plea for Montana residents to open their hearts to Jesus resonated as subsequent waves of people responded to the Gospel.
Hundreds made life-changing decisions for Christ over three days in Helena. More than 4,500 heard the Good News over three nights at the fairgrounds with more than 17,000 watching live online around the world.
“Maybe you feel like you have no purpose in your life, no meaning,” Graham said. “Let me tell you—God has a purpose for your life.”
Carrol Dupuy, Debbie Rauber and Pam Kiffer heard about the Big Sky Celebration at their church in Lincoln, roughly 50 miles from the fairgrounds. But, in Debbie’s words, “There was no hesitation. As soon as we heard about it, we were in.”
The three carpooled to the Celebration and by the end of the weekend, as crew members tore down chairs and started to dismantle the stage, there was a sense that God put them in this place for such a time as this.
“We are so blessed and so honored to do this,” Debbie said. “It was very moving. I could feel the Spirit in here.”
A young mom named Brianna, who is raising three sons by herself, brought them all Sunday evening and heard Will Graham offering a “fresh start” to those who surrender to God.
“I felt Will explained the Gospel very well,” Debbie said later. “It was very clear.”
Debbie ended up talking with Brianna, who gave her life to Christ. The mom’s two oldest sons, ages 5 and 7, also came forward and talked with Carrol.
“The two brothers accepted Jesus into their heart,” Carrol said with a huge smile. “It was a wonderful experience.”
And as for the long-term effects of the Celebration, the trio thinks it will go a long way.
“Helena needs Jesus,” Carrol said. “Lincoln needs Jesus. All of Montana needs Jesus.”
