Vintage 1989 Petra x Josh McDowell Why Wait? Welsh Auditorium T-Shirt XL Boxy Fit

A museum-grade artifact of Christian cultural history. This is a rare, one-off localized event tee produced specifically for the October 19, 1989, stop of the "On Fire" tour at the Welsh Auditorium in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This shirt represents a unique, high-impact collaboration between the world's biggest Christian rock band, Petra, and legendary apologist Josh McDowell.

Front: A vibrant, multi-colored graphic featuring the five members of the Petra "On Fire" era lineup. It integrates the iconic "WHY WAIT?" campaign heart logo and the provocative question: "WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO?" followed by the era-defining social warning: "SEX IN THE AGE OF AIDS".

Back: A clean, red-text localized graphic providing the specific event details: "PETRA IN CONCERT - WELSH AUDITORIUM - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 1989 7:30 PM - GRAND RAPIDS, MI".

The History & Significance In 1989, Josh McDowell teamed up with Petra for a series of events to deliver his "Why Wait?" message—a purity campaign that defined a generation. This specific shirt was a localized print only available at the Welsh Auditorium that night. Unlike standard tour merch, one-off prints naming the speaker (McDowell), the specific date, and the social commentary text are nearly impossible to find. Finding this on a Jumbo Tee Jay blank—highly prized for its heavy-weight quality and 24" x 27" boxy fit—elevates it to the highest tier of "Jesus Vintage" collectibility.

Details

Tag: Jumbo Tee Jay (Made in USA)

Size: XL

Measurements: 24" x 27"

Era: 1989

Stitch: Single Stitch

Event: Petra & Josh McDowell Live at Welsh Auditorium

Rarity: One-night-only localized print

Condition Vintage pre-owned condition. Excellent natural fade and graphic character that captures the energy of 80s arena evangelism.