Billy Graham to Celebrate 92nd Birthday Nov. 7

Evangelist Reflects on Passing of Another Year; Continues to Look Forward

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 3., 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As evangelist Billy Graham approaches his 92nd birthday on Sunday, Nov. 7, he reflects on ministry events of the past year, as he continues to look for ways he can further serve the Lord in his remaining years.

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"I am amazed every time I think of how many years the Lord has given me on this earth," Mr. Graham said.  "I am grateful for His blessing on our ministry for more than six decades, but wonder if there is something more He has for me to accomplish."

In addition to work on a book project on the ageing process that he has been writing over the last few years, Mr. Graham continues to attend Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) Board meetings as he is able. This year marked a milestone anniversary for the organization he founded in Minneapolis sixty years ago.  "The Hour of Decision" with Billy Graham – one of Christian radio's longest running programs – also turned 60 this week, and continues to broadcast in five languages in 55 countries on six continents.

"I always enjoy hearing the reports from ongoing BGEA evangelistic events, including festivals held by my son, Franklin, and celebrations conducted by my grandson, Will," Mr. Graham said. "Under Franklin's leadership, the ministry has reached new audiences in new ways I would never have dreamed, incorporating many modern technologies and creative strategies to share the same message of God's love around the world."

Mr. Graham has had a busy year since his last birthday, in which he has hosted various friends, family and ministry colleagues in his log cabin home in western North Carolina, and has received personal visits from several national political leaders.  These include former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin late last November, and President Barack Obama, who became the first sitting U.S. President to call on Mr. Graham at home when he stopped by for coffee while vacationing in nearby Asheville, NC, this past April. Mr. Graham also attended the re-opening of the Billy Graham Library earlier this year, following a three-month renovation to update the exhibits.

"I have been honored by so many visitors, and grateful for the opportunity to pray with them as we discussed what is going on in the world today," Mr. Graham said. "Recently, I have been praying for renewal in the Church in America and international revival.  This includes specific prayers for the Third Lausanne Congress on Global Evangelization held down in Cape Town, South Africa, last month. We first began holding these global leadership gatherings in 1961, and I believe they are so important as we work together with our Christian brothers and sisters around the world in spreading the good news of the Gospel message.

"While I don't know what the future holds for me, I still look for ways to serve the Lord," Mr. Graham continued. "Most of all, I look forward to serving Him in Heaven one day, alongside my dear wife Ruth, who I miss more every year."

SOURCE Billy Graham Evangelistic Association