BYM ONLINE DESK Blessing English April 2018 Emagazine | Page 5

APRIL 2018
8. He was devoted to the Ministry of
God
Ever since Billy Graham committed his life to
Christ in 1934, as a 16-year old, in response to the
altar call of the famous evangelist Mordecai Ham
(1877-1961), he had a burning desire to lead others to
Christ who completely transformed his own life. He
was the first fulltime Evangelist of Youth For Christ
(YFC) which was started in 1946. The Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association (BGEA) was formed in
1950. He was chiefly instrumented in launching the
periodical, Christianity Today, in 1956. John Wesley
(1703-1791) told to Christians, “You have only one
business on earth, and that is to win souls for Christ!”
On another occasion he said, “The world is my
parish.” Billy Graham was consumed by the sayings
of such legends. For him, a farm boy, the world
became the “harvest field” (Mt 13:38). He received
only a salary from BGEA. When there was so much
of scandal about the love offerings received by
preachers, Billy and a few others formed Evangelical
Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). The
BGEA is above reproach in financial matters. Its
monthly, Decision, in its 58th year of publication, is
standing tall among Christian perio dicals worldwide.
Even though Dr. Graham had to spend so much
time away from home for his Crusades, his entire
family steadily grew in the knowledge and fear of
God. The credit goes to Mrs. Ruth Graham (1920-
2007) who passed away after 64 years of happy
marriage. All their five children, two sons and three
daughters, are in Christian ministry. The Graham's
grandchildren are now nineteen and great
grandchildren are numerous! As a principle, Dr.
Graham and his associates would never be alone in a
room with another woman. What a character! Billy's
son, Franklin, 65, is now leading the BGEA as per the
decision of the Board. He is also the president of
Samaritan's Purse, a worldwide relief organisation.
Ann Lutz, 69, one of Graham's daughters, is a good
Bible teacher. The decision of Joshua of old was that
of Billy also: “As for me and my house, we will serve
the Lord” (Josh 24:15).
9. He loved the World of God
Billy Graham's most quoted Bible verse is John
3:16, “God so loved the world ...” Both Billy and
Ruth regularly prayed for the world. Once Ruth was
asked whether she had a prayer guide. Her reply:
“Yes, the daily newspaper! I hold it on one hand and
the Bible on the other!” Just like God burdened the
prophets of old about various nations, Billy Graham
used to break down in holy intercession before God
for the aches and longings of the people around the
world (Isa 13:1; 15:1; 17:1; etc.,) He took time during
his Chennai Crusade in 1977 to visit Andhra Pradesh
which was devastated by unprecedented floods. He
literally cried while listening to the pathetic plea of
the affected villagers. The BGEA sent them huge
funds for relief. This they have done all over the
world to help the victims of natural disasters,
epidemics and wars. India is one of the many nations
R
O F I N T E G
brokenness: “Friends, go on your knees when you get
back to your rooms. Seek God for a fresh anointing.
Don't get up until you know that you've got it!” Billy
was a man of prayer. He confessed so often how he
could not preach without the Spirit's anointing on
him. Showing his palms, wet with sweat because of
his nervousness, he said that was why he depended
solely on the enablement of the Holy Spirit. There
was a standing ovation following this! What an
encouragement to those who think they are not
talented or eloquent enough to be a preacher! Jesus
today does not ride on lofty horses but lowly
donkeys!
*2018*
|PAGE 5|