Yesterday the world lost a man who symbolized faith to so many.
My mom was saved at a Billy Graham crusade in the 60s. The trajectory of my life was changed by that decision and the later commitment my father made to faith.
Billy Graham was a man who could interact with Presidents and Kings, but he simplified the Gospel to its essence. So many have been exposed to the simple, clear message of faith thanks to this man and his faithfulness. I can only imagine the reception he received in heaven as he laid his crowns before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
I can imagine the tears that trickled down his face as he heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Aren’t those words we all long to hear?
Today in honor of his life, I want to giveaway two copies of my WWII collection Ohio Brides. The reason is because the middle book in that trilogy is my first book where the heroine comes to faith. The book I’m writing now is the second. Most of my novels contain characters who are learning and deepening their faith. But A Promise Born was different. I didn’t want to write it that way, but it was very clear that Evelyn was not a Christian. The journey to faith was a precious thing to write.
Maybe you know someone who loves to read, but doesn’t know Christ. Maybe this book can be one seed planted in their journey. If so, I would be privileged to send it your way. Just use the form below.
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MS Barb says
Yes, Rev Billy Graham impacted my life! He preached a simple, easy to understand gospel of forgiveness & a new life in Christ! I got to hear him preach at a stadium in Cleveland years ago!
Cara Putman says
I think the simplicity was what made him so effective.
Linda Horin says
I think Billy Graham had to have impacted every Christian’s life that lived during his lifetime in some way, even if we don’t realize it. His far-reaching effects are just that profound. I know just from the few people I have had an influence on in 35 years of teaching in one little town just how far one little word of encouragement can ripple, so just imagine Billy Graham’s ripple effect. It’s astounding! I greatly admired the man. Heaven is rejoicing!
Cara Putman says
I agree. I think we’ll get to heaven and be amazed at the impact of lives dedicated to faith and Christ. It’s something I’m not sure we can understand this side of heaven.
Betty Strohecker says
I remember watching the Billy Graham Crusades on TV. He was and is an amazing man. Thanks for the wonderful quote and the giveaway.
Cara Putman says
He could boil the message down to its essence.
Kay Garrett says
Yes, he did! I think anyone that ever heard Billy Graham was impacted by him. He’s been a part of my life as far back as I can remember.
Linda McFarland says
Although I was a born again Christian I loved watching his crusades. I now am a supporter of Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse. Thanks for the opportunity to win and your tribute to Rev. Billy Graham. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Linda Kish says
I don’t know of a life he didn’t impact.Just hearing his name brings about feelings of peace and comfort in my life.
A.T.N says
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Hilda says
Hi, Cara. Thanks for the wonderful blog about Billy Graham.
(I tried to enter for the giveaway by leaving a blog comment but it didn’t seem to work. I am leaving a comment the old fashioned way.)
I grew up with his crusades on our television in the 60s, as my parents always watched them. Church pastors have the awesome responsibility of digging into the Bible week after week to bring more “mature” messages to their congregations. Billy Graham kept it simple — for anybody and everybody, and as a child, I remember understanding what he said. I hope some TV channels keep showing his old crusades because that message doesn’t get old, it gets more critical with each passing year that our society falls deeper into depravity. Thank you for your blog, and for your blessed books! I enjoy them all and do share them with my friends who read.
Cara Putman says
I love this. Thanks so much for sharing, Hilda!
Shirley Chapel says
Billy Graham was a great preacher who impacted my life. During the 70s he came to Cincinnati Ohio for a week long crusade. His team issued invitations to sing in the crusade choir and my husband and I signed up . It meant just not going to the crusade one night but committing to every night. I will never forget hearing his message every night. Seeing the isle fill when the invitation was given. What a men of God he was. We are so fortunate to have lived during the life and times of Billy Graham and to have heard him preach every night for a week and to sing in the crusade choir.
Cara Putman says
That must have been an incredible experience. Thanks, Shirley!
jcp says
Thank you for the giveaway and the life-defining quote
Susan Heim says
Billy Graham was always inspirational to me. One of my favorite books by Billy Graham is called “Angels.” It’s fascinating! He will be sorely missed.
Una Ireland says
I grew up watching Billy Graham on TV. Whenever he came on it said to call your friends and neighbors to let them know he was on. I would tell my Mom to call her friends.
Jocelyn says
I think Billy Graham has had an impact on many lives. I went to one of his crusades in the late 70’s. I loved his simple yet powerful message of the Gospel. He was a mighty warrior for God.
Janet Estridge says
Billy Graham’s messages of Salvation could not be more simpler.
He and his family impacted my life.
I haven’t seen Mr. Graham in person but Franklin, GiGi, and Anne have spoken at my church.
Cara Putman says
Sounds like you have been impacted by his life, Janet.
MJSH says
Billy Graham’s ministry didn’t impact me personally but the work that he’s done and the relationship he had with his wife Ruth are fascinating. I’ll have to invest in some biographies soon.
Debbie Rhoades says
Yes, Billy Graham did impact my life. I loved watching his crusades on tv and always believed he was a wonderful Christian man. I cried when I heard the news that he had dued.
Mardell says
What a lovely story about your mother being saved at a Billy Graham crusade! I am sure he is smiling at his new address tonight!
Cara Putman says
I imagine tears are running down his face, too, as he realizes the full impact of his life.
Nicole Santana says
I admit that I am too young to have been truly impacted by Billy Graham. By the time I became an adult and a real Christian, he was pretty much retired. BUT, his kids are people I know and have followed, especially Anne Graham Lotz. I will say though his death has impacted me and I’m not entirely sure why. I think I am sad because it’s such a loss to this earth. He was a really good man who clearly loved Jesus and was not afraid to tell it like it is. Losing that, while knowing he’s in heaven which is good, is sad for those left behind. He was a great example of being strong in your faith!
Dianna says
Billy Graham impacted so many lives….I’m sure he had at least an indirect effect on my life in some way. My husband loves to watch Graham’s sermons (the older ones are his favorite.) What an amazing man. I just know he is singing with the angels right now!
Betti says
I remember attending a Billy Graham crusade in Buffalo, NY as a child. My dad was on the crusade committee, I believe. I do not remember if I met him personally or not, although I seem to have memories of being there.
Caryl Kane says
Yes, Billy Graham impacted by life. He presented the Gospel message in a simple manner. He lived his life well.