As powerful as they were, thunder and lightning met their match Thursday night on Cincinnati's riverfront.

        “There's no power on earth as strong as our Lord,” said Sheila McGee of Silverton, huddled in a corner of Paul Brown Stadium's west concourse as a thunderstorm crashed around her.

Melvenna McCollom of Kennedy Heights puts on her hood as the rain begins. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

During the storm. Dana Morris of Madeira and Doris Ruckel of West Chester join in an impromptu song with others taking shelter on the concourse. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

Deidra Benson, 27, of Cresent Hills, Ky., sings and prays along with the rest of the choir. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        “A little noise, a little lightning, it's no big deal,” Mrs. McGee said.

        “Nothing can stop the power of Billy Graham's message.”

        About 45 minutes before the inaugural service of the four-day Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Billy Graham mission, thousands scurried for cover when the thunderstorm hit.

        But, by the scheduled 7 p.m. starting time, they and thousands more were in their seats for a night of music, preaching and inspiration.

        “I don't know if what happened here in Cincinnati last year is the reason Dr. Graham came or not,” said Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, as he stood on the covered playing surface of Paul Brown Stadium two hours before the service.

        “But you have to think that this will serve to bring people together in Cincinnati,” the governor, a Cincinnati native, said.

        Thursday night, nearly 35,000 people showed up, according to organizers' and stadium officials' estimates.

        “It is a wonderful thing,” said Gerald Pederson, of Dayton, Ohio, who drove to Cincinnati with his wife and two young sons.

        “I can't wait to hear the reverend and see how many come down,” Mr. Pederson said, referring to the traditional altar call that ended the program.

        “Many people are going to come to Christ tonight,” Mr. Pederson said. “You have to be excited by that.”

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Thursday's Mission coverage
Complete Mission details in our special section

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