Okay, a little trivia for my Jeopardy fans out there. You know you watch it just like I do! He grew up in North Carolina, had a career that spanned 70 years and live to the great old age of 99. Any guesses? Yes, the late great preacher, Billy Graham. Billy Graham, as history tells us, spoke to approximately 2.2 billion people across the world during his ministry. Imagine; from small local churches to arenas all over the world, he preached the truth of the Gospel and the salvation of Jesus Christ.

According to Travis Agnew, an article published in 2013, Agnew outlined the story of Billy Graham and how he accepted Jesus. Agnew wrote, “Another young man was converted whose name was Mordecai Ham. He was a scholarly, dignified gentleman who wasn’t above renting a hearse and parading it through the streets advertising his meetings.”

“When Ham came to Charlotte, North Carolina, a sandy-haired, lanky young man, then in high school, vowed that he wouldn’t go hear him preach, but Billy Frank, as he was called by his family, did eventually go. Ham announced that he knew for a fact that a house of ill repute was located across the street from the local high school and that male students were skipping lunch to visit the house across the street. When students decided to go to interrupt the meetings of Mordecai Ham, Billy Frank decided to go see what would happen.”

“That night Billy Frank went and was intrigued by what he heard. Returning another night, he responded to the invitation and was converted. Billy Frank eventually became known as Billy Graham, the evangelist who preached to more people than any other person who ever lived, including the Apostle Paul.”

For me, I have always been inspired by Billy Graham. At the age of only 16, he accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. By the time he turned 29, he had graduated from college, married, and began as the organizer of Youth for Christ. Looking back, what were you doing at age 30? For me, I was early into a career in banking still “working” and trying to figure it all out. Sound familiar?

Billy Graham is quoted as saying, “I learned the importance of the Bible and came to believe with all my heart in its full inspiration. It became a sword in my hand to break open the hearts of men, to direct them to the Lord Jesus Christ.” What a tremendous opportunity he was given. The work he did with that opportunity, even more tremendous! If there is an example of a life that we, as Christians, should follow in the commitment of evangelism, it is Billy Graham. As you seek direction in where you are to make your next step, Focus on Jesus, and pray that His truth and His path for your life will be revealed. He will open that door of opportunity for you to serve His Kingdom.

J. W. Lee
Peace & Blessings!
Follow me ~ @jwlee3427

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