Local religious leader remember the life and legacy of Rev. Billy Graham

After two years of traveling as a speaker for the Youth for Christ organization, Billy Graham held his first official evangelistic Crusade in 1947; but it was his 1949 Los Angeles Crusade that captured the nation’s attention. I had a college degree I wasn’t putting to use. I’m not much of a collector of things, but I do still treasure the Bible in which he scribbled his autograph for me. It is why so many loved him, including those who do not share his faith.

That September, after I’d been living there only about a month and had begun falling into the same ol’ rut (only with less money), Rev. Billy Graham came to Charlotte.

Iconic yet humble, always faithful to the gospel and to bringing others to Christ, Graham’s life always reflected the words he preached from pulpits across the globe.

The motorcade will turn right at USA 70 East (West State Street) and go back to I-40.

WRITINGS – Countless sermons and speeches, daily newspaper columns, 32 books including a best-selling 1997 autobiography “Just As I Am”. “That’s how I’d like to be remembered”. Sharing the good news that God loves us and offers us new life was his mission, and last week’s media coverage has become another Billy Graham Crusade. Maybe it was knowing how I’d disappoint Mom and Dad when I didn’t.

O.S. Hawkins, well-known faith leader and bestselling author of the popular “Code” series – The Believer’s Code, The Jesus Code, The Joshua Code, The Daniel Code and The James Code – is President and chief executive officer of GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

A retired nurse, Makenla Ao, who was working in Naga Hospital Kohima at that time, fondly remembers as the biggest gathering of people she has ever attended. There are many times when I stand up that I nearly feel like running from the stadium. He said Graham didn’t take any phone calls or entertain guests. Both the nurse and Graham’s longtime personal physician, Dr. Lucian Rice, who arrived about 20 minutes later, said it was “a peaceful passing”, DeMoss said. I’m sure thousands will be able to do the same, because Billy Graham touched the lives of millions with the simple, yet life transforming message that is the Gospel. “I thought a lot of him and the works he’s done”. This week, after his death, video billboards along North Carolina interstates paid their respects with messages such as one showing Graham’s name against a heavenly blue sky, with a white dove. It did not seem as though it was about him at all though and that was how he wanted it. “And I believe because of his service to humanity, that he’s truly gonna be great in the kingdom of heaven”.

“I’d be delighted to go today”, he told me. I suddenly wondered, am I ready?

Fortunately for me, this pastor took the time to show me what God’s Word said about going to Heaven and who would be going. I could not believe someone could speak so boldly about being a Christian. He was simply encouraging me that God has a plan and objective for my life. “He’s run the race and he’s run it well and I know that he is with the lord and the lord has been pleased with his life and ministry”.

“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

He and his wife Michelle are impacting millions of people with the gospel each year online and through live events.