April 16, 2005

NEW YORK – The Executive Committee of the Greater New York Billy Graham Crusade today announced its unanimous decision to move the venue for Mr. Graham's last New York City evangelistic crusade, to be held June 24, 25 and 26, from Madison Square Garden to Flushing Meadows Park.

"I am delighted by the decision to move the crusade meetings to Flushing Meadows," said Mr. Graham. "It is the site of two world's fairs – now the whole world is there. I'm told that the surrounding neighborhood is the most international community in the country, with 130 language groups within walking distance of the park."

Since announcing the Crusade at Madison Square Garden last September, the Crusade Committee, made up of local pastors and business leaders, has held that facility on reserve for the June meetings. Based upon the high level of more than 1,000 churches participating in the pre-crusade preparations, crusade leadership recognized early this year the need to relocate the meetings to a large outdoor venue.

"We have gone through a diligent process and God's sovereignty led us to the right place," said Dr. A. R. Bernard, pastor of The Christian Cultural Center, who serves as crusade chair. "Through this crusade we want to gather as many individuals as possible to hear Mr. Graham's Gospel message of hope and forgiveness, and to direct the local churches to follow-up everyone who responds to his invitation to make a commitment to Christ."

Crusade Director Art Bailey confirmed that City officials and crusade organizers came to a consensus that the most appropriate venue is Flushing Meadows Park. "After good faith discussions with Park officials, it became obvious that Flushing Meadows Park is the best option throughout the City to accommodate the anticipated crowds," he said.

"This location is a crossroads that has drawn people from all over the world; today, people from virtually every language group live in the neighborhood," said Rev. Robert Stearns, president of Eagle's Wings ministry. "Jesus told the church to ‘Go into all the world to preach the Gospel' – now we are able to do so from one location."

Rev. Bob Johansson, chair of the crusade Pastor's Committee, agreed that this decision positions the Greater New York crusade for global impact. "The Unisphere, the symbol of the 1964 World's Fair, can become a symbol for this crusade – ‘One world, one hope, one Gospel,'" he said.

The June 24 – 26 meetings will be held on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. Saturday programs will feature a youth-oriented "Concert of Hope," as part of the crusade's "Get Real"-themed effort to reach out to the more than two million young people aged 18 and under throughout metro New York. Seating for all events is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Being in an outdoor park setting, will seating be provided?

A. We are planning to provide a large number of seats on the park grounds.

Q. Can I be assured of a seat?

A. We have no way of knowing exactly how many will attend each of the Crusade services. All seats will be first come/first served, so come early.

Q. Is there a charge for the event or seating?

A. Admission is free.

Q. Will the primary area be able to accommodate everyone?

A. We have no way of knowing exactly how many will attend the Crusade services. As with other large crusades, an overflow area will be ready if needed.

Q. If I end up in an overflow area, how will I know what is happening?

A. We would transmit live onto large screens to all overflow areas. Those in overflow locations always have the same opportunity to respond to Dr. Graham's invitation, receive the same materials and be counseled.

Q. This is an outdoor venue. What if it rains?

A. Billy Graham Crusades generally proceed even during inclement weather. In fact some of the highest responses to Dr. Graham's invitation have occurred in the rain.

Q. Will there be a charge for parking?

A. We are working with the parking authorities on arrangements and fees. Information will be available May 1.

Q. Does my church need advanced permission to come by bus?

A. Yes. Details on this will be included in a Crusade Transportation Plan that will be available May 1.

Q. Will the Crusade be broadcast live on television?

A. Crusade services will be taped for inclusion in one of the forthcoming monthly Billy Graham Television Specials.

Q. Who will be the guest artists and other speakers?

A. We are still working on the entire program including guest artists and other speakers. We expect we will be ready to post this on our website in early May.

Q. What is the Youth Night?

A. For over 10 years, Billy Graham Crusades have given special focus to youth on Saturday nights. The response has been tremendous. The theme for Youth Night is "Get Real."

Q. Will there be a children's program on Saturday morning?

A. Due to time restrictions, arrangements cannot be made for a children's program.

Q. Will there be a Crusade choir?

A. Yes, although the facility arrangements require this to be of limited size. Involvement details will be available May 1.

Q. I am from out of town and sang in the Choir in a previous Crusade city. May I sign up to sing in the Choir?

A. Because of the size limitation for the choir, we would like to provide local residents the first opportunity to participate in the choir. You are welcome to inquire at the time of the Crusade whether additional choir members are needed. Thanks for understanding.

Q. I served as a counselor in a recent Billy Graham Crusade or Franklin Graham Festival. How can I serve again in New York?

A. Individuals who attended a Christian Life & Witness class and qualified to be counselors for a Crusade or Festival within the past two years may apply to be counselors for the Greater New York Crusade. Please send an email to infony@greaternycrusade.org to request a new counselor application. That must be completed and returned to the New York Crusade office. Q. I am from out of town and would like to serve again as an Usher. Is that possible?

A. Yes, email infony@greaternycrusade.org and request an Usher registration form.

Q. Was Central Park and the area sports stadiums considered as venues for the Crusade? A. Yes but the facilities in Flushing Meadow Park emerged as the most viable option for the Crusade in the time frame we sought.

Q. Shea Stadium is part of Flushing Meadows Park. Will the Mets be playing there during the Crusade?

A. The Mets are playing at Yankee Stadium that weekend.

Q. I am coming from out of town. What hotels are near the venue?

A. As Flushing Meadows Park is near LaGuardia Airport, the are a number of large national brand hotels in the area. We are working to develop a list of hotels in the area and to provide a reference to a local agency that can provide assistance for hotel accommodations Please send an email to infony@greaternycrusade.org to obtain this information when it is available..

Q. I am coming from out of town and would like to stay in Manhattan and attend the Crusade. Is that practical?

A. Yes. Flushing Meadows Park is served by the Long Island Railroad and the No. 7 subway line. Of course, taxi service is also possible.

Q. How can I financially support the Crusade?

A. You can make donations online at http://www.billygraham.org/. Look for the New York Crusade link. Thanks for your help.

Q. I am from out-of-town and would like to help in any way possible. What can I do?

A. At this time we do not have a specific area we can assign you to. We suggest you communicate your interest to us by sending an email to infony@greaternycrusade.org. We will contact you if we identify a need. Please check our website – http://www.billygraham.org/ – frequently for additional information as it becomes available.

Greater New York Billy Graham Crusade