The Man of All Seasons

"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." II Timothy 4:2

Today, November 7th, we celebrate the birth of the son of a small Southern dairy farmer who dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. Thankfully, for the lives of the millions he touched with the Good News of Christ, we know him better as the Reverend Billy Graham.

Though he failed to achieve success on the playing fields of MLB stadiums, he became a phenomenal Christian "All Star" who packed stadiums across the US and throughout the world with those eager to hear him preach his simple message: that Christ alone is the lasting solution for the world's problems. From his first crusade in 1947 to his last crusade in 2005, Billy Graham preached to over 215 million people in more than 185 countries. His unquestionable talent and magnetism drew people to him. For instance:

- In 1957, 100,000 people jammed into Yankee Stadium for the last night of Graham's New York crusade

- In the span of 12 weeks, he managed to draw over 2 million listeners in New York city and break the attendance records for the most consecutive appearances at Madison Square Garden.

- In 1954 Reverend Graham preached to 185,000 people ( in the pouring rain no less) at Wembley Stadium in London - which topped the crowd that had gathered for the 1948 Olympic ceremonies in the same location.

- His 1973 crusade in Seoul, Korea drew over one million people.

- With the advent of satellite, Billy Graham's outreach grew exponentially and his 72nd birthday sermon Hong Kong in 1990 was broadcast internationally.

- He became the first Christian Evangelist after WWII to go behind the Iron Curtain and preach in the Soviet Union, North Korea, and China.

- Graham became an advisor to every President since Eisenhower and personally led George W. Bush from alcohol abuse into a new life with Christ.

- Graham's writing helped him reach an even broader audience. His Decision magazine became the most widely distributed religious periodical in the world. His 33 books were bestsellers, beginning with his first Peace with God (published in 1963), and were translated in over 50 languages.

- Graham notably worked with any willing Christian, Catholic or Protestant, who shared his goals for ministry.

- He was voted to the "Most Admired" list a record 61 times.

- Today the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) carries on his legacy and continues to have a major impact on twentieth-century Christian

events.

Though of course he had his detractors, Billy Graham lived in the public spotlight for more than 70 years and NEVER had a major scandal or blemish on his integrity, his personal life, or his ministry. This can be attributed to his 4 simple rules of operation:

1. Operate with financial transparency.

2. Avoid even the appearance of sexual immorality.

3. Avoid criticizing other pastors and churches.

4. Be painstakingly honest in all publicity.

On a personal note, both of us had a chance to personally attend a Billy Graham crusade - Amber in the 1990s and Elisha in the 1970s - and found the experience to be inspiring and unforgettable. Only eternity will reveal the true reach and impact of this unbelievably talented, humble, and dedicated man of God.