Just two weeks after a suicide bomber left 22 dead and more than 50 others injured at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, more than 60,000 people came together to raise money, show support and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.
On Sunday, June 4, a crew of big-name acts came together with Ariana Grande to hold a benefit concert, “One Love Manchester,” in honor of the victims, their families and her fans.
A-listers like Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay and a plethora of others took the stage on Sunday night raising more than $370,000 dollars for the “We Love Manchester Emergency Fund,” which is in partnership with the British Red Cross.
The concert took place just one night after terror struck the U.K. for the second time in less than two weeks. On Saturday, June 3, a vehicle plowed through a crowd of pedestrians in London, killing seven and injuring dozens more.
Though the money raised by One Love Manchester was designated for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack, many of the artists shared encouraging messages in solidarity with both Manchester and London.
When the time came for Justin Bieber to take the stage, he started by sharing some emotional words with the crowd:
“I just want to say thank you so much for having me. You guys are so brave,” he said. “What an amazing thing we’re doing tonight, would you not agree? Would you agree that love always wins?”
The 23-year-old stood only with a guitar and microphone on the stage to perform acoustic versions of his hits, “Love Yourself” and “Cold Water.”
He then took the opportunity of standing before 60,000 people to do something that others would shy away from.
Justin Bieber straight PREACHED.
Justin Bieber reduced everyone to tears at One Love Manchester…
Justin Bieber was reduced to tears during an emotional dedication to the Manchester victims. But this dancing policeman is everything this concert should be #OneLoveManchester
Posted by Dan Wootton on Sunday, June 4, 2017
“I’m not gonna let go of hope, I’m not gonna let go of love, I’m not gonna let go of God. Put your hand up if you’re not gonna let go.”
Choking back tears, the pop-star took a page out of the book of his friends and pastors, Carl Lentz and Judah Smith. He reminded everyone in attendance, and those watching at home, that God will never leave or forsake us, and that He is our protection—even when the world is not safe.
“God is good in the midst of the darkness. God is good in the midst of evil. God is in the midst, no matter what is happening in the world, God is in the midst. And he loves you, and He’s here for you.”
He continued:
“I just want to take this moment to honor the people that were lost, or that were taken, we love you so much. To the families, we love you so much.”
Justin then had everyone put their hands up and say, “We honor you, and we love you.”
The pop-sensation has spent the last year working on himself, rediscovering his faith and surrounding himself with strong believers who can lift him up and walk with him through his faith journey. His performance is proof that when our eyes and hearts are opened to receive Jesus Christ, it’s impossible not to be on fire for the One who saves.
Justin Bieber gave One Love Manchester a whole new meaning.
God calls us to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. We love seeing Justin Bieber use his massive platform and celebrity to make Christ’s name known.
See his full performance below:
https://youtu.be/6wRUPlsDae8
