When thousands gather in the heart of a spiritually hungry nation, you expect God to move. But sometimes, His most powerful miracles begin with what seems like a mistake.
That’s exactly what happened during the historic Encountering God crusade in Ethiopia—where a “wrong number” turned into a divine appointment that would change the eternal destiny of an entire family!
(Listen to the full conversation between Crystal and Gary Lundstrom in the podcast below)
A Square Once Marked by Darkness
Gary Lundstrom, International Vice President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, still marvels at what God did in a place long known for rejecting Him.
“This square used to be called Revolutionary Square. It had the pictures of Marx and of Lenin, and it’s where the communist dictator used to stand and declare, ‘There is no God, there is no hope in God.’ And we were in the same place in an absolutely historical moment.”
Over 437,000 people packed into Mescal Square—the same square once used to suppress faith—now erupting in praise to the living God.
“To see and feel, actually feel the presence of the Holy Spirit descend upon the place in the times of worship... it was so sweet and powerful. Literally I was standing watching the crowd at one point and watching people kneeling, their hands raised, tears running down their face.”
The Phone Call That Wasn’t Supposed to Happen
After the crusade, pastors began calling people who had filled out decision cards. But one pastor accidentally dialed the wrong number.
“I called this number on the card and a young lady answered. I said, ‘Hi, how are you?’ And she said, ‘I'm okay. Who's calling?’”
When the pastor explained he was following up on her decision for Christ at the event, she quickly replied: “I wasn’t in Mescal Square… I don’t believe in Christ. I’m not a Christian. I wasn’t even there.”
Tension filled the line. But rather than push, the pastor gently asked, “Can I just pray for you?” There was a pause. Then, quietly, she said: “Yes, please.”
An Entire Family Set Free
That one prayer unlocked something deep in her spirit. She called back a few days later, hungry to know more. She gave her life to Christ. Her sister followed. Then her parents.
The family had been deeply involved in witchcraft. But when they met with the local pastor, everything changed.
“If you truly want to follow the Lord,” the pastor told them, “you’ve got to break the spiritual strongholds in your life. Take the amulets, take all these little things that you have. We are breaking them and we are burning them.”
As they destroyed their spiritual relics, the family wept with joy and shouted: “Right now we are free. We are free!”
God’s Perfect Timing
The crusade’s impact extended beyond the stage, even into the calendar dates themselves.
“We ultimately settled on March 8th and 9th only to find out... that March 8th and 9th are the exact dates that Billy Graham preached in Addis Ababa just down the street in the national stadium 65 years ago.”
Coincidence? Hardly. God’s hand was all over it.
“When we look and we see that indelible thumbprint that God leaves, we’re reminded—no, this is about Him. It’s not about us.”
What’s Your Encounter?
Gary says these moments are what give him hope—especially when it comes to young people around the world:
“This younger generation has a great desire to be engaged and be involved and want to see something real... something that grabs your heart and changes your life.”
Whether you’re in Ethiopia or reading this in your kitchen, these stories remind us: God sees you. He hears your prayers. And He can meet you in the most unexpected ways—even through a “wrong number.”
“Sometimes my personal temptation is to want to take control... too often we’re human doings and not human beings. But God has called us to just be. To trust. To be still.”
Maybe today is your moment to be still… and receive the call of a lifetime.
Because in God’s kingdom, there are no wrong numbers.
How You Can Be Part of What God Is Doing
If this story stirred something in your heart, you're not alone. Gary Lundstrom reminded us that "the greatest need for every event is prayer." You can be part of this global move of God—right where you are.
Get Involved:
- Pray: Join prayer efforts for upcoming outreach events. Your prayers make a difference in hearts across the globe.
- Learn More: Visit Billygraham.org to explore upcoming crusades, global ministry updates, and ways to get involved.
- Go: Some listeners feel called to attend these events in person, forming prayer teams or connecting with local churches in the mission field.
Upcoming Events:
- Franklin Graham will preach in:
- London
- Brussels, Belgium
- Madrid (next year)
- Argentina (later this year)
- Will Graham will be sharing the gospel in a 4 City Tour including:
- Toronto, Canada
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Florida – The four city Sunshine State Good News Tour will stop in Tallahassee, Gainesville, Sarasota and Pompano Beach this fall.
- “We’re seeing great participation from churches in each city,” Gary shared. “Our team is incredibly motivated, and we welcome anyone who feels led to join us.”
Whether you pray from your home or travel across the world, remember this: God uses ordinary people to spark extraordinary change. Just like that “wrong number” in Ethiopia, your obedience could be someone else’s miracle.
For more powerful stories and updates, visit https://www.klove.com/news/god-stories