Hundreds come to Jesus at packed Franklin Graham event in world's southernmost city

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Hundreds of people gave their lives to Jesus in the world's southernmost city last weekend during a two-day evangelistic outreach arena event in Argentina, led by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in partnership with local churches. 

In a statement posted on X Saturday, Graham, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham, shared pictures from the Esperanza Ushuaia.

“The arena was packed, and we praise God for working in the hearts of hundreds who made the decision to turn from their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ,” Graham wrote. 

Graham shared photos from the second event in a subsequent post.

“It was such a privilege to preach the Gospel here at the southernmost city of the world this weekend! The Microestadio Cochocho was packed again today with a full overflow area. We give God the glory for each one who responded to the invitation to repent of their sins and put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.” 

During the first night of programming, Graham assured attendees that “Jesus is not dead” but “He is alive and in Ushuaia tonight!” 

“Are you running out of hope?” Graham asked the crowd, according to a BGEA summary. 

Sharing the story of the blind beggar Bartimaeus from the Bible, Graham said Bartimaeus “thought nobody could help him” and that there was “nothing he could do but sit on the side of the road.” 

Bartimaeus “cried out to Jesus” during his moment of despair, Graham told the crowd.

“In the same way, there’s nothing you can do to get rid of your sins," the evangelist continued. “You cannot save yourself. ... Will you come to Christ tonight?” 

Many in the crowd answered Graham’s call.

“When I heard the music, there was a moment when I realized I was there with God," Gaby, who attended Saturday’s event at the invitation of her friend, told BGEA. "I can’t explain it, but I had never felt that before … and when pastor Franklin preached, I felt that the message was for me. I felt that God was calling me to look up." 

Another attendee who had suffered through years of addiction, homelessness and chronic health issues said Saturday marked a turning point in his life. 

“I just knew I needed to repent of my sins,” the man, identified as Walter, told BGEA. “God has been so good to me. I know it’s because of Him that I’m not suffering cold or hunger. I know it’s time to give Him everything.” 

Walter left with a Bible and plans to attend a local church regularly in the future.

“I am convinced that Christ is my only hope," Walter was quoted as saying. 

On Sunday night, Graham informed attendees that “the most valuable possession you own is your own soul."

“Your soul is valuable because God created you in His image," Graham said, according to a BGEA recap of the second night. 

“The soul is not the same as the body; the body is made of the dust of the earth. The body is not the real you,” Graham clarified. “You have a soul, you have a spirit.” 

Graham offered a message of hope to the crowd.

“He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save you to die on the cross for you. If you are willing to accept that by faith and to invite Jesus into your heart tonight, God will forgive you," Graham said. "You can be sure tonight that your soul is safe and secure in the hands of God.” 

Graham is scheduled to make another appearance in Latin America, visiting Lima, Peru, on the weekend of March 7 and March 8. Additional destinations on Graham’s itinerary include Madrid, Spain, on the weekend of May 30 to May 31, and Manchester, United Kingdom, on Oct. 3.