He turns 89, looking back at 2007 with gratefulness and forward to holidays with his family.
Billy Graham turns 89 today. From a press release:
He expressed gratitude for his health, his family and the ongoing hope of being reunited with his wife Ruth in Heaven.Since the passing of his marriage and ministry partner of nearly 64
years on June 14 this year, Mr. Graham said he has been surprised at the
depth of his grief, but simultaneously encouraged by the commensurate
magnitude of God's grace."At times, I feel as if part of me has been ripped out, and in a sense
that's what has happened, because Ruth was such an important part of my
life," he said. "But my faith gives me great comfort, and I can't imagine
going through something like this without strength that only the Lord can
provide. It has been an added blessing that our five children have been so
faithful in visiting and spending time with me -- I am grateful for and
proud of each of them.""I am looking forward to spending the holidays with family," Mr. Graham
added.
Graham was discharged from the hospital on August 30 after bouts of intestinal bleeding. Currently, he is at home in Montreat, North Carolina.
Posted by Susan Wunderink on November 7, 2007 8:47AM
Comments
In 1948 I was a freshman student at Clemson University in South Carolina when Billy Graham came to deliver a message. At that time he was new in his ministry and only filling College Field Houses. But his message was just as inspirational then as it continued to be for the next 60 years. I was one who went forward that day and have continued to follow his ministry ever since. When possible I have attended his meetings from Miami to Jacksonville and have always continued to find inspiration in his messages. He remains truly an instrument of God.
Posted by: JOHN H STEINMEYER JR at November 7, 2007
What Christian Theology does Billy Graham teach,Arminism or Calvinism or both ??
Regards
Allan
Posted by: Allan at November 7, 2007
Happy Birthday Billy. You are such an inspiration to me, and a prime example of what it means to chose and follow Jesus Christ. May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your heart in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
I love you Billy.
Felice Reese
Posted by: Felice Reese at November 7, 2007
Some take issue with Rev. Graham's theology and politics, but the reality is that this man's simple message of forgiveness and the power of God's abundant grace resonates. May his birthday be filled with love and fellowship, and may he be secure in the knowledge that he truly is a "good and faithful servant" of his Lord.
Posted by: cjs at November 7, 2007
Happy birthday Brother we still remember your visit to Glasgow and the Kelvin Hall, "Let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of your word and the praising of your Name"
The moto of the city of Glasgow Scotland
Posted by: Jack Middleton at November 7, 2007
As an immigrant boy growing up in Canada in the 1950's, I remember listening to Rev. Graham on the radio, along with my parents. They could hardly speak or understand English, but they seemed to understand his preaching because it was so simple, yet "profound". At the end of the program, Rev. Graham used to say, "and may the Lord bless you real good". My mother used to say, as if he could hear her, "you too brudder". What a wonderful, humble servant he has been.I understand the impact of his "loss" having lost my wife of 35 years, two years ago. He epitomizes faithfulness. May God grant him peace!
Posted by: Peter Spadzinski at November 7, 2007
Happy Birthday
Mr Graham
Posted by: Allen at November 7, 2007
Dearest Rev. Graham
I wish for you every happy thought today for your birthday. May God continue to bless you as you have blessed all the world by telling them of Jesus's Love.
Happy Birthday
Love
Marti
Posted by: MartiL. at November 7, 2007
May God bless you and comfort you and remind you of what lies ahead when you join your Lord and Savior and your wife and many friends that have gone on before you. Thank you for being faithful to the gospel and making it so easy to understand. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER BILLY. I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR STANDING TALL. Mike
Posted by: MIKE at November 7, 2007
Thanking God for your life, and what you stood for and continue to stand for. Your consistent testimony has won me over from being a critic about your 'Americanised gospel' to being an admirer for your vision, generosity and faithfulness in life and ministry. So I salute you on your birthday, and pray that your remaining days may be filled with the joy of the Lord, and great anticipation of the heavenly reunion that awaits you with the Lord and your beloved Ruth.
Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette Hui at November 7, 2007
Happy Birthday, dear Rev. Billy.
You have been, and continue to be, a great inspiration to me and thousands of your brothers and sisters here in the Philippines. We are so glad that Franklin and Anne are now proudly carrying on the torch. We have welcomed bro. Franklin many times already---and we are always glad to have him---and we are now awaiting with excitement sis. Anne for her visit next year.
May God continue to richly bless and powerfully use you, your family, and your ministries. We love you so much, and we will always thank God for you and sis. Ruth.
Love,
Mel Cartera
Marikina, Philippines
Posted by: Mel Cartera at November 8, 2007
Dear Mr Graham,
In 1948 in London I listened spell bound as you exponded the word of God, and responded to the invitation. The next night I turned up with all my youth group.
You have been on my heart ever since.
Happy Birthday.
Posted by: hughstan at November 8, 2007
Dear brother Graham,
Congratulations - may the Lord bless you in your new year real good.
You have been a blessing for our family. My wife Diny came forward after your first sermon in 1954 in the Olympic Stadion in Amsterdam. Our oldest son Wim came forward after your first meeting of Euro'70 in Dortmund in 1970, to commit his life to Jesus. When I mentioned these facts to you during the ICIE-conference in Amsterdam in 1986 you said: 'Brother, I hear these stories all over the world.' Thank you, Billy. Shalom! Hans Keijzer, Netherlands
Posted by: Hans Keijzer at November 8, 2007
Dear Dr.Billy Graham,
I am reading your autobiography "Just as I am" and everytime I read something from it I am amazed at your persistence in sharing the word and waiting for any opportunity for that.
I have been much blessed and may our good Lord give you more years and maybe go for a century!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Deepak George,
Sydney,Australia.
Posted by: Deepak George at November 8, 2007
Billy Graham is a shinning example to all of us who consider ourselves, true Christians. He is someone who is faithful to the Gospel. He exemplifies what a true Christian ought to be. I remember my uncle who was a Chinese immigrant in Australia who was converted under Billy Graham's ministry in Melbourne in 1959. It was nothing short of a miracle that God wrought in my uncles's life! Billy Graham remains to this very day, the most admired, faithful and much loved Christian. We love you Billy and we are so thankful and grateful to God for raising you to be His Evangelist from the 1950's to even until today! So many, many people have come to the knowlegde of the Lord through your faithful and amazing ministry. You are definitlely someone that we could say, "Truly, the Lord has been with him!"
God bless you on your 89th Brithday, Billy and May He give you continual strength and give you comfort. I know this, that when we meet you in the Kingdom, there will literally be millions who will be waiting to greet you there and who will say to you, "Brother, you have been the means that God has used, to bring me here today. Thank you!!"
Keep Pressing on, Brother!!
Robert
Posted by: Robert Ng at November 9, 2007
To Billy Graham, Evangelist, shalom
I've always wanted to tell you that as a Jewish boy of 10 I sat near the top of Madison Square Garden in 1957 and quietly received Jesus as my Messiah. God used you to transform my life! I've been a pastor for 37 years. It's been a tough and blessed journey. I rejoice that you were so obedient to our Lord.Happy Birthday! I look forward to seeing you in glory. Thank you and God be with you!!
Posted by: Milt Gould at November 9, 2007
I received Christ at the Madison Square Garden Crusade in 1969.
Billy Graham has always stood "True North".
I am curious as to why Christianity Today would not respond to the
question as to whether Graham taught Calvinism, Arminianism or both?
I am curious too. I think it's a combination; not exclusively one.
Posted by: Nancy Austin at November 9, 2007
For many years, the "thank you" that I have shared with friends and family around the Thanksgiving Day table is, "I thank God that I have lived in the era of Billy Graham." The thought of his ministry and life often kept me going when, years ago, my own ministry sometimes looked bleak. Thank you, Billy Graham, for your life. God bless you.
Posted by: Marty Anderson at November 9, 2007
We were workers in two of your Seattle campagins at Seattle Wa as counselers and prayer partners. Your life and ministry have been a very great blessing to us. Joe(Frank) and Keith Wingard
Posted by: Frank Wingard at November 9, 2007
Happy Birthday, Rev. Billy Graham.
You are a beloved son, and much appreciated by all of us who first watched you on the black and white TV for many years. Then the Lord blessed all of us, and gave us full color, and wonderful sound. Each message resounded with God's love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. You were a faithful disciple and teacher, and we thank you.
In all the years, God was there -- He blessed you, loved you, and kept a faithful watch over your life. He continues to use you and your family to draw others to Christ. As one of his sons, I'm sure In Spirit he signs his Birthday Cards to you as "To My Beloved Son." Rest well, smile often, and continue to spread God's love throughout the world.
On your special day -- we wish you beautiful flowers, soft breezes, refreshing winds, bright rainbows, much joy, and a glorious day.
Happy Birthday, beloved brother.
Sue Sabas
Sherman Oaks, Ca.
Hastentogether.com
Posted by: Sue Sabas at November 10, 2007
I had been dithering about giving my life to God, and the opportunity to "go forward" in 1966 at Earls Court was all I needed. Rev. Billy Graham, thank you for your passion for God and His word.
Posted by: Linda Gibson at November 10, 2007
Happy birthday Rev. Billy Graham, May God bless you and continue to keep you in all his grace and wonderful mercy. You are a true man of God and he has shown favor on you and allowed you to see another birthday. I thank God for you and hope you live to see many more. Someone who's watched and sincerely listen to your wonderful messages of love, faith,and hope.God Bless. LaVerne
Posted by: LaVerne Davis at November 10, 2007
Happy birthday Rev. Billy Graham, May God bless you and continue to keep you in all his grace and wonderful mercy. You are a true man of God and he has shown favor on you and allowed you to see another birthday. I thank God for you and hope you live to see many more. Someone who's watched and sincerely listen to your wonderful messages of love, faith,and hope.God Bless. LaVerne from Hampton,Va.
Posted by: LaVerne Davis at November 10, 2007
Happy happy Birthday to you Rev. Billy Graham! You have been our influence, inspiration and encouragement through the years of your ministry as an evangelist. My husband always remember his time with you in Amsterdam. I can always remember your visit here in Manila bringing the good news of salvation to the Filipino people. That was such an opportunity to receive salvation through Jesus Christ by the Filipino people. Really! you are a great man of God who always inspires and encourage us Filipinos. Thank you so much for your life!
We are awaiting for the coming of your daughter, Anne this February 2008. God is so good! All the time!
Once again, Happy birthday.
Beth Pulanco of PBTS, Baguio City, Philippines
Posted by: Elizabeth T. pulanco at November 12, 2007
Dear Dr. Graham; How thankful I am to have been a recipient of the blessings God has poured out through your ministry. You are one of my heros of the faith. Happy Birthday!
Dick Carroll, Missionary Bible Teacher, Eumseong, South Korea
Posted by: Dick Carroll at November 12, 2007
Rev. Graham gave me a special gift this fall... I fell upon a book in a clearance bin at the local library, a book called "Foreign Devil in China." This was a biography, commissioned by Billy Graham, of Nelson Bell, Ruth's father. It was a powerful testimony of someone who's life was sold out to God, who exhibited incredible faith and genuine compassion. It was a wonderful gift to me to find and enjoy this book. Thanks for that!
Tim McCarthy
Posted by: Tim McCarthy at November 13, 2007
Happy Birth-Day, Billy, and many more !
Posted by: Wolf von dem Beck at November 15, 2007
Post a comment