When I was growing up in the 70's, evangelist Billy Graham would buy air time at least 2-4 times a year for his crusades. He toured the country and the world many times over, preaching the Gospel to millions. The televised, syndicated 3-4 night crusade specials stopped airing sometime in the late 80's or early 90's, I'm not sure which. His celebrity was such that he actually was invited to appear on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast, and was on the talk show circuit.
Graham also had a weekly radio program, The Hour of Decision, which son Franklin took over a few years back, as memory serves.
God called Dr. Graham home today, 9 months shy of his 100th birthday. I cannot be certain if he ever met President Donald Trump, but this we do know. He has worked with other presidents over the years, including Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
In 1957, then-Vice President Richard Nixon was a guest when Graham preached at the original Yankee Stadium before 100,000+ people.
Oh, if Dr. Graham knew what would happen to Nixon nearly 20 years later. If he did, I wonder if he counseled Nixon, or if "Tricky Dick" turned his back on God at that point. I guess we'll never know.
Rest in peace, Billy. God bless you always.
Even though I'm Catholic, I always had a great respect for Rev. Graham. He will be missed greatly.
ReplyDeleteI had heard he was sick and his last crusade was a bit of a strain on him, but he managed to make it. I hope Franklin can carry on the legacy.
Franklin, though, has been a little more public with his comments on certain issues in recent years. Take for example withdrawing a bank account from Wells Fargo because of a LGBT-friendly ad campaign......
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