Over the weekend of 4th-6th April, Franklin Graham, son of America's most famous Evangelist, Billy Graham, will be in Belfast to preach at meetings being held in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast's biggest arena, capable of holding 10,000 people. The event is being called Festival of Hope. The three evening meetings are being beamed live by satellite to Enniskillen, to two large screens in Darling Street Methodist Church and St. McCartan's Cathedral. Enniskillen is the only venue in NI joining in the Festival by satellite link-up.

The many churches involved in the preparations for this event both in Fermanagh and in Belfast are excited by its potential to prolclaim the Christian message of an eternal hope in what seems to be a new era of hope for peace and stability in our community. Preparations are being made, funding raised and publicity sent out to let people know about these events that they are open to everyone and totally free of charge. Two large colourful banners advertising the event can be seen locally in Belmore Street and Darling Street, Enniskillen.

During the three-day event at the Odyssey, Franklin Graham will present a nightly message; music will be provided by local Christian artists of world renown, including hymn-writers, Robin Mark and Keith and Kristin Getty. The Saturday evening event will be aimed particularly at young people.

This is the first time Franklin Graham has held an event in Ireland but his father held an Evangelistic Crusade in Belfast in 1961.

Since 1989, Franklin Graham has held an average of seven Festivals each year as an Evangelist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He is President and CEO of the orgasnisation and continues to travel the world as President of the International Christian Relief Organisation, Samaritan's Purse.

The ministers and church members from various denominations in Fermanagh who have been organising the local event have hugely enjoyed working together on this project and would like to give a sincere invitation to the whole community to come along to these live satellite link-up meetings which are at 8.00 pm. each evening. They can be assured of a great welcome and also of hearing the best news and the greatest hope ever offered to anyone, ever.