Public Christian events have been prevented in Angola since before the Portuguese colonization by the ruling authorities, civil war, and communism.
However, this weekend, all that was changed when 46,978 people streamed into Lubango's soccer stadium - many people walking several miles because of lack of transportation - for the Christian festival.
"In a country that was once torn apart, we thank God for peace now that the war has ended," said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. "Now that there is peace in the land we have an opportunity to bring this Festival and spiritual peace to these people's hearts."
It was also the first time nearly all of the city's churches united for one purpose. According to officials, 90 out of 95 churches in the region helped organize the event.
A message of hope combined with music by local and international artists such as Dennis Agajanian, Tommy Coomes Band, and the 1,400-voice choir - one of the largest in the history of Graham's Festivals - impacted the audience, 13,496 of whom responded to the invitation to have faith in Christ.
A special program for 15,000 kids, "Festivalzinho," chartered fun, drama, and music into a lesson on God's love and forgiveness, and had a noticeable effect: as much as 50 percent of the children flooded the stadium in response.
Earlier in the week, Graham, the governor of the region Jose Ramos DaCruz, and Angolan missionary Dr. Stephen Foster, dedicated a state-of-the-art hospital on 28 acres in Lubango that Dr. Foster said will be "the best medical facility in Angola."
In addition, the international relief organization Samaritan's Purse, also headed by Graham, provided $3 million for construction of the building, medical supplies, staff, and vehicles.
"This hospital is a great start in rebuilding our country," said Gov. DaCruz. "We are grateful for your generosity and what this will mean for our people. We are also thankful for the Festival, and I will work to protect the freedoms of our people to worship."
Graham festivals have been held in more than 100 cities in 20 countries around the world. Upcoming events include Chisinau, Moldova (July 8-10); Corpus Christi, Texas (Aug. 19-21); and Shreveport, La. (Nov. 11-13).
Rhoda Tse
Christian Today Correspondant