Country legend, Evangelical leader recall special moments with Rev. Billy Graham

Graham, however, was not primarily concerned with politics or social justice.

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, said in a press statement that Graham “stands as an example of humble leadership, noteworthy for not only his scandal-free life, but for his consistency in calling for a life of faith and service”.

He counseled President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, after the president’s adultery was made public. Many also brought stories of what Graham meant to them.

The Reverend Billy Graham preached God’s Word with conviction and passion for over 60 years. Yes, it was the Bible Belt, but it was also the big city. He preached in Soviet-bloc nations before the fall of communism.

He was older, not the young evangelist who mesmerized audiences all around the world with his fervent message, booming voice and dashing looks.

“I got up and basically shared my faith in Jesus Christ”, Hatfield said. “‘If a seed falls to the ground and dies, it will bear much fruit.’ Many hearts are mourning the loss of this great leader, but it might spring about the seeds of a revival; Something needed in this evil world”.

Graham could sense the moment and control his own narrative in a way many of his contemporaries and those who came after missed. No servant of the Lord is ideal and I didn’t agree with everything Billy Graham did, however, two things make me admire him: his integrity and his humility.

Former President George H.W. Bush called him “America’s preacher”.

“When I found out the news this morning, I was really moved by his death”, said Floyd, who served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2015 and 2016.

One fundamental minister in town was rumored to be behind Graham’s discouragement.

His first meeting with a US president, Harry Truman, was a disaster.

Regarding race, this North Carolinian was courageous, telling a MS audience in 1952 that, in Wacker’s words, “there was no room for segregation at the foot of the cross”. Graham appeared in crusade there for most of November in 1952.

“One of my favorite Billy Graham quotes is that one day you’re going to hear that Billy Graham has died”, Pastor Easley said. During seven decades of preaching, Graham declared that belief and acceptance of Jesus Christ was the only answer to humanity’s troubles.

His first meeting with a US president, Harry Truman, was a disaster.

Graham conveyed a message from then President George Bush to Kim, in a meeting Pyongyang’s state media said took place in “a cordial and friendly atmosphere”. Not only were these things that Graham would say he wished he had never said, but he also used them as an opportunity to teach the rest of the church not to make this mistake.

Franklin Graham said his father had been in fairly good health until his 95th birthday. “And that is that God loves you, he is interested in you no matter what your background, and he wants to forgive you and change you, if you will let him come into your life”. In reality, the temptation for the church is often to do far worse, even to become wholly identified with some political or cultural movement.

The elder Graham left you guessing, able to ascribe generosity to his beliefs and motives, ready to forgive when he fell short. “If we’ve ever needed peace in this world, we need it now, right?”