'JESUS IS COMING' | Free worship festival kicks off in Perth CBD as ministry leader urges Australians to 'reflect, prepare and find real hope'

erth's Forrest Chase is at centre of attention again as it transformed into an open-air worship space this morning, with a free public festival drawing crowds to Forrest Place under the bold banner: "Jesus is Coming."

Hosted by the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness Australia, with live worship music, group prayer, and a free community sausage sizzle. Yes, FREE.

The Ministry's National Overseer in Australia, Dr Ammish Adu, described the gathering as a "public declaration" set deliberately in the middle of Perth's busiest pedestrian thoroughfare.

"It's a public worship festival in the middle of Perth's busiest city centre," Dr Adu said.

"For one day, people come together to sing, pray, and worship God — creating a space for love, joy, and peace."

"At the heart of it is a simple message: the Bible's promises will be fulfilled, and we believe Jesus is coming again."

"We want people to be ready — because eternity matters — and we're sharing this out of love for our neighbours, so everyone can hear, reflect, and make their own decision."

The decision to host the festival in Forrest Place, rather than a church venue was a deliberate one, Dr Adu said.

"Forrest Place is right in the heart of the city and has some of the highest foot traffic in Perth, so it felt like the best place to reach people where they already are."

Forrest Place itself has had something of a moment of late.

Just a fortnight ago, the same pedestrian square played host to thousands of teenagers in a viral, meme-driven gathering to "hail the great cactus" — paying mock tribute to the green CBD sculpture by artist Angus James, dressing in costume, painting themselves green and chanting toward the statue.

That event drew a heavy police presence after several attendees climbed the artwork and one person required first aid.

Today's gathering is centred not on a sculpture, but on a faith-based message of hope — and a far more sober reflection on the times.

The festival's theme — "Christ Jesus, the Messiah is Coming" — is drawn from Mark 1:15. Dr Adu said the choice of theme was a direct response to the times.

"'Jesus is Coming' is more than a theme — it is a declaration of hope and a wake-up call for our time," he said.

"We live in an age of deep global distress and uncertainty — ongoing wars, rising conflict, and a fragile world order where powerful nations threaten smaller ones, undermining any sense of security."

Closer to home, Dr Adu said the message felt particularly urgent in Perth and across Western Australia.

"Closer to home in Australia, and here in Perth, the pressure is personal and real — homelessness is growing, housing stress is intensifying, and the cost of living continues to weigh heavily on families and individuals, leaving many anxious, exhausted, and searching for answers."

"In the midst of this, we believe Jesus is the answer to our deepest needs today — true peace, forgiveness, direction, and lasting hope."

For anyone unsure about whether they belong at an event like this, Dr Adu's message was direct.

"Yes — everyone is welcome, whether you're religious or not."

"It's a day of worship, but it can also be a time to find peace, hope, comfort, and love."

" If you're curious or just looking for something uplifting, come along."

The festival is part of what Dr Adu describes as a much broader wave of worship and gospel outreach taking place across Australia in 2026.

"It's part of a bigger wave of worship and gospel outreach happening across Australia," he said.

"We believe God's hand is on this nation in a fresh way this year — awakening faith, strengthening believers, and stirring hearts."

"Our prayer is that this becomes a spark — igniting the Church and touching the wider community for an end-time revival in our nation."

The morning festival continues at Forrest Place throughout today, with a second gathering scheduled for 5.30pm at Foster Park, focused on teaching, repentance and prayer.

Both sessions are free and open to the public.

"Bring your family, bring your friends," organisers said.