Copyright 2011 by Lauretta Marigny - All rights reserved

Billy Graham has had an enormous impact on our world. His book tells of some of that impact.

Billy Graham has addressed millions of people at crusades over a period of 60 years. He has spoken all over the US and Europe, even in the Eastern block of countries. He has preached at crusades in China, Korea and several other Far East countries. He has spoken in Russia and South America.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, BGEA, has conducted worldwide evangelistic conferences in Europe. These are a more orthodox ecumenical group than the World Council of Churches (which often preaches a social gospel).

The BGEA has hosted worldwide conferences (also in Europe) for itinerant evangelists. 1983 had 4,000 in attendance, 1986, 8,000. 2000 was the latest event.

The BGEA funded World Wide Pictures, which has filmed several evangelistic movies?

Billy Graham saw the Christian world turning secular—this was evident in the most circulated Christian magazine at the time The Christian Century. He wanted a more orthodox magazine to counter its effect. He got Christianity Today up and running.

Mr. Graham met a number of famous people in person. C. S. Lewis, Mother Theresa, 11 US presidents, Queen Elizabeth, many foreign dignitaries, Pope John Paul II, and Reverend Fulton Sheen to name a few.

The Billy Graham library is housed at Wheaton College, Mr. & Mrs. Graham’s alma mater. Mr. Graham encouraged the college to keep its graduate program when they were thinking of discontinuing it. Wheaton is considered the full gospel Harvard of our day. 

Though Mr. Graham received criticism from liberals and conservatives alike, they could never question his motives. His ardent desire was always to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible using all means available. He sought never to bring discredit to the God he served.

Today all of his five children are involved in some aspect of Christian ministry. 

Rev. Graham was willing to make friends with people of differing theological opinions. He befriended communists, socialists and liberal theologians. However, he never compromised his belief in the fundamental truths of Scripture. Many people today alienate their opposition so that there is no dialogue.
Mr. Graham’s worldwide influence will be felt for all time to come    .

Though Mr. Graham doesn’t mention it in his book, the BGEA website claims he was responsible for the beginning of crisis pregnancy centers.