Billy graham

Billy Graham (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) was an American evangelist and a prominent evangelical Christian figure. His evangelical crusades, broadcast on radio and television, made him a household name in the United States and around the world.

Early Life

Graham was born on November 7, 1918, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was raised on a dairy farm by his parents, who were devout Presbyterians. At the age of 16, he attended a series of revival meetings run by evangelist Mordecai Ham, which sparked his conversion to Christianity.

Ministry

In 1943, Graham was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister. He served as a pastor in Western Springs, Illinois, before joining Youth for Christ, an evangelical organization. His charismatic preaching style and strong conviction quickly made him a popular figure within the evangelical community.

In 1949, Graham held his first major crusade in Los Angeles, which drew significant media attention and established him as a national figure. Over the next six decades, he conducted more than 400 crusades in 185 countries and territories on six continents.

Legacy

Graham's influence extended beyond the religious sphere. He provided spiritual counsel to every U.S. president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama, earning him the nickname "America's Pastor". His message of faith and hope reached millions around the world, making him one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century.

Death

Graham died at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, on February 21, 2018, at the age of 99. His death was met with tributes from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary people who had been touched by his ministry.

See Also

• Evangelism
• Southern Baptist Convention
• Christianity in the United States