Billy Graham played multiple roles on the world stage as a spiritual leader. He was the most admired religious leader in the world. He was considered to be America’s pastor and a pastor to US presidents.

When the Rev. Billy Graham passed on to eternity on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the twentieth century left the world scene. There are not many parallels to the spiritual legacy that he leaves behind. William Franklin Graham Jr. was on November 7, 1918 in Charlotte, North Carolina to parents who were farmers.

Billy Graham rose to prominence through his successful large indoor and outdoor rallies which were broadcast through radio and television. He became the pioneer tele-evangelist proclaiming the Gospel to a global audience. Graham preached to live audiences of nearly 250 million people in more than 185 countries through his evangelistic campaigns. He also reached hundreds of millions more through television, video, film and webcasts. Billy Graham’s life time audience is estimated to be over 2.5 billion.

Graham’s message of peace, reconciliation and hope was mainly based on the Bible verse found in the Gospel of John Chapter 3:16 “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. His messages were simple, clear, direct and passionate. They brought hope for a fallen sinful humanity to find peace and reconciliation with their creator through Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

Billy Graham was a spiritual counselor to US presidents from Harry Truman to Donald Trump. During major personal, national and international crisis they turned to him for advice and prayer. Political leaders belonging to both Democratic and Republican parties held him in high esteem. He repudiated segregation and was instrumental in bringing Christians of all backgrounds together for humanitarian purposes and evangelism. World leaders sought his counsel and prayer.

Graham’s first visit to India was in 1956 and he maintained a very close relationship with the Christian leadership in India. He had a heart for the Indian sub-continent and had personal friendship with many political and religious leaders in India.

Billy Graham played multiple roles on the world stage as a spiritual leader. He was the most admired religious leader in the world. He was considered to be America’s pastor and a pastor to US presidents.

Graham was married to his Wheaton classmate Ruth Bell on August 13, 1943. Ruth Graham went to her eternal rest on June 14, 2007 at the age of 87. Graham and his wife had five children. His son Franklin Graham is the president of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and he is also the president of the international relief organization, Samaritan Purse.

Billy Graham will be remembered as a preacher who brought hope to millions around the world and as a spiritual icon who touched the lives of those who lived in palaces as well as in huts!

May his Soul Rest in Peace!