How many of you attended a Billy Graham Crusade? Or watched him on TV?
Billy Graham was a household name for most people in the U.S. and perhaps even around the world.
This past week as I watched the tributes and memorials, I have prayed that all the television tributes, all the news articles, and all the social media links that have shared about Billy Graham’s life draw in another harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God.
I agree with Christianity Today’s perspective that Mr. Graham’s passing was his “last crusade.” Millions around the world have heard the testimony of Jesus Christ as Jesus Christ was the purpose for Mr. Graham’s life.
This past week I’ve heard some of the amazing testimonies about Billy Graham, his life, and his faith in Jesus Christ. One of the best witnesses I’ve heard was by Kathie Lee Gifford on the Meagan Kelly’s Today show.
Kathie Lee said, “If you had the cure for cancer, would you keep it a secret? Or would you hold it and keep it a secret? And I always say I have the cure for the malignancy of the soul and He has a name. And it’s Jesus.”
As believers in Christ, we have the answer for those around us. The answer is Jesus! Why are we so quiet about sharing the good news?
Click here to watch Today’s video with Meagan Kelly and Kathie Lee Gifford.
Another impressive news article about Billy Graham’s life that I came across was that his casket was prepared for him years ago by inmates at Angola State Penitentiary in Angola, LA.
Franklin Graham, son of Rev. Billy Graham posted a video on his Facebook page about the casket. Franklin’s son Roy shares about how his dad visited the prison and was so moved by the work the prisoners did that he purchase his grandmother a casket as a gift.
An inmate who worked on Graham’s casket said, “Reverend Graham has always preached on the humility of man. In order to grow in Christ likeness, we must humble ourselves. I think that this is kind of his final statement to that affect where he’ll be buried in a coffin that’s made the poor or the prisoner.”
As a mother of an inmate, I’m grateful that this news brought attention to those who are in prison as prisoners are people too. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to remember those in prison.
“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also” (Hebrews 13:3 NKJV).
Roy Graham said, “The prisoners are people who need forgiveness too. And that’s what my grandmother loved about it is that we all need forgiveness.”
Click here to watch the Franklin Graham video.
Click here to read a news report about the casket built by inmates.
We all need forgiveness of sins—whether we or our loved ones are prisoners behind barbed wire and concrete walls or prisoners to addictions or other negative behaviors.
Forgiveness and redemption is available through Jesus Christ!
I believe we have witnessed Reverend Graham’s “last crusade” as the message of forgiveness and redemption in Jesus has has been shared through the media’s airing of the news Graham’s passing and funeral services.
How has the ministry of Reverend Billy Graham impacted your life? This may have been Rev. Graham’s last crusade, but we are still here so we must carry on. While we are still waiting on Jesus to return, will you join me in shining the light of Jesus in our dark world?
