Billy Graham, born on November 7, 1918, and passing on February 21, 2018, was an influential American evangelical Christian evangelist. He was instrumental in popularizing evangelical Christianity and became a spiritual advisor to several U.S. presidents and millions of everyday people. Here is a brief overview of his life and ministry:
1. Early Life and Calling:
Billy Graham grew up on a dairy farm in Charlotte, North Carolina. He experienced a conversion experience in 1934 during a revival meeting and felt a calling to the ministry, subsequently attending Florida Bible Institute and Wheaton College to prepare for his vocation.
2. Evangelistic Crusades:
Billy Graham’s ministry was characterized by large-scale evangelistic crusades, where he preached a message focused on sin, repentance, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. His straightforward, approachable style drew large crowds, and he conducted crusades in numerous cities around the world, reaching millions with his message.
3. Media Outreach:
Graham effectively used radio, television, film, and later the Internet, to reach wider audiences. He founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in 1950 to manage his media outreach, publications, and organize his events.
4. Global Evangelism:
Billy Graham preached in over 185 countries and territories. His evangelistic efforts had a significant global impact, leading millions to profess faith in Jesus Christ.
5. Presidential Advisor:
He was a spiritual advisor to several U.S. presidents, from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Barack Obama, regardless of their political affiliations, and he met with numerous world leaders.
6. Social Issues:
Billy Graham also addressed social issues such as racial inequality and injustice. He insisted on integrating his crusades in the South during the era of segregation and became a prominent voice for racial harmony and equality.
7. Legacy:
Billy Graham’s legacy is profound. His son, Franklin Graham, continues his evangelical work through the BGEA. Graham’s ministry has had a lasting impact on evangelical Christianity, influencing countless individuals, churches, and other Christian organizations.
8. Publications:
He authored numerous books, with “Just As I Am” being his autobiography, which detail his journey, thoughts, and reflections on his life and ministry.
Billy Graham passed away at the age of 99, leaving behind a significant legacy in the realm of Christian evangelism and global Christian ministry.