Billy Graham, the humble man we’ve come to know as one of the greatest evangelists for Christ in history, has died at the age of 99.
He was born on a dairy farm in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 7, 1918, the son of William and Morrow Graham. He was the first of four children…humble beginnings for a man who would become world famous as an evangelist, pastor, counselor for decades.
Rev. Billy Graham met with EVERY president since Harry Truman. He preached the true gospel to literally millions of people around the world. Though kind and totally compassionate, he never compromised the truth of the message.
In 1949, he shared the message on Stuart Hamlben’s radio show in Los Angeles to ignite a revival. Along with publicity from William Randolph Hearst’s newspapers, who followed him closely at his tent meetings, he was suddenly catapulted on to the world stage. In short order, he became a “super star.”
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With the plethora of ministers across time who preached from a specific background, Billy Graham stayed with the basic message: Jesus Christ is Lord and you must give your heart to Him to reach Heaven.
My father @BillyGraham was once asked, “Where is Heaven?” He said, “Heaven is where Jesus is and I am going to Him soon!” This morning, he departed this world into eternal life in Heaven, prepared by the Lord Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world—whom he proclaimed for 80 years.
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) February 21, 2018
Message of hope
In the 1970’s Mr. Graham came to Spokane, Washington and spoke at Joe Albi stadium for several days in a row. The stadium was packed to the doorways every night. Thousands upon thousands of people responded to the message of hope and peace, streaming down the aisles in a continuous line. During the day, he visited local hospitals.
In the Spokane VA medical center, he encountered a friend of mine who no longer had the ability to think clearly. He reached out his hand to shake Billy’s and all he could say was “God damn it.” Mr Graham embraced him and smiled, spoke to him kindly. No judgment, no condemnation. He was like that with everyone he met. It was a trait of this man of God that won the world to Christ, and gathered the respect of many.
I once met with a television news anchor who was openly hostile to any evangelists… except Billy Graham. He held great respect for the man who lived modestly in spite of his organization receiving millions of dollars in contributions. Integrity does matter.
He was known as “the Protestant Pope of America,” and “America’s Pastor.” He met with Presidents and heads of state around the world throughout his long calling.
My father @BillyGraham has met every President of the U.S. since Harry S. Truman. Watch this #PresidentsDay clip. pic.twitter.com/8gYUI88C5M
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) February 19, 2018
The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 21, 2018
As of today, with Billy Graham’s death, we have entered a new, more dangerous era. The times are divisive, with hatred for Christians rising exponentially. No other Christian leader holds the influence that Billy Graham wielded. His kindness, his mercy, his integrity, his love of God, will live forever in hearts of those who met him. He truly was an Ambassador for Christ in the world.
H/T Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children
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