Billy Graham: 'I Never Expected I Would Live This Long'

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Pastor's Heart

Details: Written by Charisma Staff

As evangelist Billy Graham prepares to celebrate his 94th birthday on Nov. 7, he has been reflecting on the previous year and preparing for what God has in store for him during his 95th year on the planet.

"I never expected I would live this long, outliving my beloved wife Ruth as well as many friends and loved ones," Mr. Graham said. "I believe God must still have a purpose for keeping me here, and I look forward to seeing what that might be."

Graham continues to be called upon to provide perspective on world events and the spiritual state of our nation, especially heading into a presidential election. He has encouraged all Americans to join him in praying for our country and its leaders during this critical time. He regularly prays for the president, those who are currently in office, and those who are seeking to lead our nation into the future.

This includes presidential candidate Gov. Mitt Romney, who recently visited in the evangelist's western North Carolina home while on a campaign stop in nearby Asheville. During their 30-minute meeting, which also involved Graham's son, Franklin, the men discussed a wide range of topics, including broad issues of faith, the moral decline in our country and the importance of emphasizing biblical values amidst the cultural shift of America. At the close of the meeting, Graham offered a prayer for the governor, his family and our nation and committed his ongoing prayers and spiritual support for him and his family.

With the election falling one day before his birthday, Graham will be watching the results closely, as well as praying for those who are elected. He keeps up with world events and has a great concern for our nation as he's observed a decline in respect for biblical values.

Currently, the evangelist is working diligently to finalize the manuscript for his 31st book summarizing the gospel message of God's love and forgiveness that he has faithfully preached for more than 60 years. Graham is excited about the book's release sometime next year and is considering additional writing projects as there is still much on his mind that he would like to share.

Other ministry endeavors include the forthcoming nationwide evangelism campaign, "My Hope," to be launched by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in conjunction with Graham's 95th birthday in 2013. He fully supports the project and hopes to be able to participate in some way as the date draws closer.

Earlier this year, Graham authorized Chicken Soup for the Soul to create a special hardcover anthology documenting his life and legacy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Billy Graham & Me, to be released February 2013. This compilation will contain 101 personal and impactful stories from influential leaders--including the last six presidents--as well as Graham's friends and family documenting his influence on their lives and the impact of his worldwide ministry over more than six decades.

As in years past, Graham plans a quiet birthday celebration at home with his family, and looks forward to spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "I love them all and can't wait to see them again," he said.

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Related Terms: Billy Graham , Birthday , Romney , Election , North Carolina

Comments

0 #10 Ngugi kimani 2012-11-05 10:29

Happy birthday Billy!
You life has been a blessing and an inspiration to me. I started by reading WORLD AFLAME and DECISION magazines in the late and early seventies.
God bless you.

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0 #9 Emmanuel Bassey 2012-11-05 01:03

Happy birthday to you in advance papa Billy Graham. May God uplift you and make you to see the beauty of His glory. Even in this forthcoming election.You and your generation are blessed.

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0 #8 mcmdenise@gmail.com 2012-11-04 17:18

:lol: :lol: :D happy birthday to you billy thanks for all the truth you shared for all the years you rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 8) God bless you..... :P

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-2 #7 samaurice 2012-11-01 20:20

hy dont you study history before you state that Romney wont confuse the line between the States rule and his Cults rule. Mormons manipulated local government for 63 years as they protected polygamy and underage marriage. Thank God for statutory rape laws that stopped Smith and the other leaders passing 13 year old wives around like playthings. Why dont you study why Joseph Smith was murdered whilst enjoying one of his many prison terms..ordinary people wanted to stop his sexual deviancy that was being spread in his cult. Romneys delusionary view re America needs also to be understood..his White Horse Prophecy believes America wiil be destroyed and the mormon Church will be the group bringing back America. Romney is a delusionary man that endorses completely the deranged and dishonest practices of his secret demonic group. You obviously have no probelm with a vodoo practicing man occupying the Oval Office...

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-2 #6 S Steele 2012-11-01 18:46

No amount of manipulation, control, speculation, twisting of truth, or spreading of rumours by Ministry Today, Charisma, or Steve Strang is going to make me believe that Mormons are Christians, or that Obama is a Muslim. I would take great care if I was you because practicing or believing that 'the end result justifies the means' is an anti-Christ spirit. Jesus showed us in the wilderness that we will not righteously conquer the kingdoms of this world by bowing down to the devil, who is the father of lies. It's sad when we cannot look to our own charismatic Christian leaders for truth. I would highly recommend that those who feel like I do, read Dr James C. Denison's honest and accurate perspective at http://salemnet.vo.llnwd.net/o29/promotions/denison/Faith-of-the-Candidates2012.pdf

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+4 #5 Judie Mills Taber 2012-11-01 17:57

I agree with Billy Graham that we must pray and ask God for wisdom to vote as He would choose. But the Bible is clear on several issues that we know the current President ignores...marriage as between one man and one woman, sexual relationships to be within a marriage, children to be looked upon as blessings from God, abortion to be strictly prohibited because life begins at conception and should be honored as a gift from God, honesty in business and personal life, etc. We need to pray and ask God to direct us as we cast our ballots, using the common sense He has given to us.

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+5 #4 P Guthrie 2012-11-01 17:51

Also, as to the Bible's foretelling of the moral decline of civilization, we do not know the time or the place in which that will occur. I don't think God would be pleased if we sat idly by and allowed our society to be devastated by those that are willing and anxious to take us down that path. The prophesies in the Bible will occur in God's timing, but until then, I believe it is incumbent on Christians to stand for His Word. If some find that mean and nasty, I would remind them that we are called to be salt and light. Those of the darkness are stung by the salt and repulsed by the light. They are not interested in Truth and this is a spiritual battle for which we must be prepared.

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+2 #3 P Guthrie 2012-11-01 17:41

God's Word regarding our obeying the government does not imply in any way that we should not be actively involved in the political process. Nor does it mean that we should adhere to any law or government that conflicts with the Laws of God. As far as self examination, I am praying that all Christians will examine God's Word and their hearts as it relates to family, marriage, sexual behavior, and the sanctity of life. Then I pray that they will vote for candidates that support God's view on these issues and not condone the abominations that are supported by the current presidential administration.

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0 #2 kaila 2012-11-01 17:39

L Bell, I agree.

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+2 #1 L Bell 2012-11-01 17:17

Romans 1:26-32 ! We are called to obey the laws of the land we live in Romans 13:1-2. It says "Obey the government, for God is the one who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow." Why are Christians so mean and nasty at election time and after the elections they continue to do so. My next question goes to the text of today. As you re-read it, you realize that scripture has foretold thousands of years ago that the moral decline of today's society is going to happen. Then will elected officials have the authority to change what God has said already is going to happen? Next are we as Christians suppose to place our trust in man (elected or not) or in God's will for what He has already decided is going to take place. God blessings as we examine ourselves!

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