L-R: Billy Graham, former presidents George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton
I'm glad he has lived to see his library dedicated to the greater glory of God although it is very sad that Ruth Bell Graham was unable to attend yesterday's ceremonies due to health reasons.
Some years ago when I lived in Louisville, Kentucky, I saw Billy Graham when he spoke at a large gathering. It was not a crusade, but instead was a singular event. I remember well the princely way in which he carried his tall frame. He had fire in his bones and a tinge of John the Baptist in his demeanor as he asked us what we expected to see. He pondered aloud about why we were focused on him. We should be focused on Jesus, he said, and proceeded to preach the Gospel as though we had never heard it before.
Here is a portion of the news release from his evangelistic association:
Mr. Graham has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history—over 210 million people in more than 185 countries and territories—through various meetings, including Mission World and Global Mission. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts.Billy Graham concluded his remarks by pointing the audience to the same message that has been his focus throughout his life's work."This building behind me is just a building," he said. "It's and instrument, it's a tool for the Gospel. The primary thing is the Gospel of Christ."It is estimated that 200,000 visitors will tour the Billy Graham Library each year. The Library is expected to open to the public June 5. Admission will be free. For more information, visit the Library Web site.
For the full text of this article, see http://www.billygraham.org/News_Article.asp?ArticleID=160. You will find there that the "free book of the month" is Mr. Graham's classic: "Peace with God." I read this book when I was fourteen because it was a gift from the pastor who baptized me. He kept a carton of these books to give to new Christians. I don't remember everything about this book, but I do remember that it seemed to have been written with a particular passion for the topic. I read it straight through. I feel sure that if you visit his library, you could do the same.
In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
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