Franklin Graham Delivers Easter Message from the Ashes of California Wildfires
Though the California wildfires are no longer front and center for mainstream media, the devastation is very front and center for many California residents. In addition, California is actually still burning in many locations, and there are quite a few hotspots as well, which are detailed on this map.
In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 61 is a Scripture that outlines some of the characteristics of Jesus’ ministry when He came to earth. Verse 3 specifically mentions God giving beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning. Many people will refer to this Scripture metaphorically when they have experienced loss, but many in California may likely be thinking of it physically, too, hopeful that Jesus is still somehow very involved in these ways today.
California Residents Compare Wildfires to ‘Going through the Flames of Hell’
CBN interviewed Franklin Graham about both the White House Easter Announcement of 2025, and Graham’s Easter message, which will be released on Easter Sunday. Graham filmed portions of his message in the ashes of the wildfires, and said that many of the people he spoke with in California compared the wildfire situation with “going through the flames of hell.” He said this is something he intends to hit on in his Easter message.
His message will be a 30 minute program that airs on April 20 on many stations across America. Its primary focus will be on God’s love, according to the Christian Newswire. A listing of the stations that are carrying the program can be found here. A trailer of the special television event can be viewed here.
“This Easter, I’m in Los Angeles in what looks like a wasteland. In the middle of this pain, many are asking, ‘Can there be hope in the place of ashes?’” Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), told the Christian Newswire. “And as we come to this Easter, we celebrate new life. We celebrate a new chance. There are many people wondering in all these ashes out here, ‘Is there any hope?’ And that hope can be found in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.”
The special will also include music with three-time Grammy winning artist Michael W. Smith and Dove Award winner Charity Gayle. The two will also debut some of their new collaborations.
“Sometimes life hits us incredibly hard,” said Gayle during the program, “but Easter points us to the hope that Jesus brings, even in the darkest times.”
Graham’s Ministry Still Involved in Disaster Relief
Even though mainstream media has gone silent about the devastation that has happened and is still going on in California, there are over 180 crisis-trained chaplains who work with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT). They’ve been offering counseling and grief support to those in the Palisades and Eaton areas since January. The Chaplains have also prayed with over 9000 residents and first responders from the community, according to the Christian Newswire.
Samaritan’s Purse, which is also a part of Billy Graham Ministries, has also been offering disaster relief, including assisting over 2000 homeowners with sifting through the ashes of their destroyed homes to find precious, irreplaceable personal belongings such as wedding rings and family heirlooms.
Photo Credit: ©Instagram/@franklin_graham
Originally published April 17, 2025.
