Argentinian Evangelist Luis Palau Draws Tens of Thousands to NYC's Central Park
Palau Shares Thoughts on Latino Integration Into NYC Evangelical Community, Greater Christian Cooperation in Big Apple
Joseph Ramos, who drove with a group of about 10 people from Upstate New York to Manhattan, said he was there to "hear God's praise and worship with God's people and listen to the speakers."
Ramos noted what many who spoke with The Christian Post also pointed out when he added, "It's just wonderful when God's people can all come together from all different nations and backgrounds."
Patrick and Dale Dowd were two among the dozens spotted among the crowd that elected to speak and pray with a counselor after Palau preached his message. Mrs. Dowd, who is "very involved" with her Long Island church and attends services weekly, said she simply felt moved by the message.
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"I've never been to anything like this, and it was just very moving," she said. Mr. Dowd said he felt "almost exactly the same."
"It's probably one of the most amazing experiences, just because of the time we're living in. Most people don't want to speak out about being a Christian. You know, it's not the in thing to do. So to come to a place like this to see people of all ages and just such diverse backgrounds is a blessing," Mrs. Dowd added.
Henry and Cecilia were the couple that flew in from Panama to volunteer as counselors for attendees who wanted to pray or talk one-on-one after hearing Palau's message. Henry, who did not give his last name, was the counselor who prayed with the Dowds (shown center in the photo collage below).
"They've been married for 25 years and just rededicated their lives unto the Lord, and that's just a great thing. And I pray for the love of Christ to continue to be in their lives. Like how me and my wife are married, we pray for the same thing for them," Henry told CP.
As for Ceclilia, she explained that the young lady she had been praying with "was saved but she rededicated herself after Mr. Paula began to minister about heaven and hell."
The Panamanian pair shared that they originally met Palau when they lived in Florida and he visited the state. When they learned the seasoned evangelist was scheduled to appear in New York City, they decided to volunteer once more. After all, Henry added while gesturing to those around him, "We're family."
Cecilia emphasized, however, that she was mainly volunteering her time out of gratitude.
"One of the reasons that we came is that we were sinners before," she told CP. "We didn't know the Lord. We were out there, we didn't know it was OK. And when the Lord opened my eyes… I said, 'Oh my God.' I didn't know I was missing all of this, the love of God. I didn't know it was real."
Brad Davis, who stood leaning against a railing a ways back from the stage, said he and his wife were from North Carolina and visiting New York City to celebrate their second marriage anniversary. They had decided to attend CityFest after getting a hold of tickets.
"I find it's a blessing. It's amazing. With all the turmoil that's going on in the world today, I think this is amazing right now to see the coming of all these Christians in one central location. I think it's amazing," he said of the event on the Great Lawn.
Davis added that when he returns home, "I'll tell them about the goodness of what's taking place in New York City. I mean, a lot of people down there think New Yorkers are a bunch of rude, ignorant people, and my five days here so far has [sic] been nothing but a joy and I can go back and now tell them they're doing good things as well in the Christian aspect of things."
