Will Graham Leads Massive Gulf Coast Evangelistic Outreach With 145 Churches in Mississippi

Will Graham Joins 145 Churches for Massive Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope in Mississippi

Evangelist Will Graham, the grandson of the late Billy Graham, is set to lead the Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope on March 21 and 22, 2026, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Gulfport, Mississippi.

More than 145 local churches from across the Gulf Coast region have partnered with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) to bring this free, family friendly evangelistic outreach to life.

The event kicks off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, with live music from award winning Christian artists DOE and Charity Gayle, followed by a Gospel message from Will Graham. The second night begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, featuring performances by Terrian and Charity Gayle, along with another message from the third generation evangelist.

People around the world are praying for the Gulf Coast right now. There is a burden to see the Gospel proclaimed in this pivotal region. I'm going to share what the Bible has to say and point to the Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave His life.

Will Graham said in a statement ahead of the event.

Rev. Rossie L. Francis of Grace Truth Baptist Church in Gulfport echoed the excitement surrounding the outreach.

Now is the right time to share the Gospel at the Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope. We're going to see changed lives and changed families.

Several preparatory events have already taken place, including a Night of Prayer and Worship on February 26 at the iMPAC Center featuring the Brooklyn Tabernacle Worship Team, a pastors event on February 27 led by Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, and a Kidzfest on February 28 with interactive games, live music, and a message of hope for children and families.

Will Graham has shared the hope of Jesus Christ with more than 1.2 million people across six continents since beginning his evangelistic ministry in 2006. The Gulf Coast outreach is part of a broader 2026 ministry schedule that also includes events in Shikoku, Japan and Uijeongbu, South Korea.

145 Churches Unite for Gulf Coast Evangelistic Outreach With Will Graham in Gulfport

The Celebration of Hope model, pioneered by the BGEA, brings together churches across denominations to unite around the Gospel message. The 145 churches involved in the Gulf Coast event represent a significant regional mobilization of the Body of Christ, working together to reach their communities with the love and hope of Jesus.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is what the Church looks like when it actually works together. 145 churches across denominations, setting aside their differences to proclaim one Gospel to a region that desperately needs it. The Gulf Coast has been battered by hurricanes, economic hardship, and spiritual apathy for years. Will Graham is carrying on a legacy that his grandfather Billy began decades ago, and there is no more urgent time than now. When 145 churches unite under one banner, that is the kind of Christian solidarity this world needs more of. Not division. Not infighting. Unity in Christ. May God move mightily in Gulfport.

Take Action

• Attend the Gulf Coast Celebration of Hope on March 21 and 22 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. It is free and open to all. Visit billygraham.org/events/gulfcoast for details.
• Pray for Will Graham, the 145 partner churches, and every soul who will hear the Gospel at this event. Organize a prayer group at your church this week.
• Share this event on social media and personally invite friends, family, and neighbors in the Gulf Coast region who need to hear the message of hope in Christ.
• Support the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's evangelistic work at billygraham.org.
• Support Christian outreach and persecuted believers worldwide through www.TheShepherdsShield.org.