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Billy Graham Biography

Billy Graham Biography

Ordinary man… extraordinary call.

Billy, the Boy

Christened William Franklin Graham, Jr., Billy was born on November 7, 1918 in a small town outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, and grew up on the family dairy farm. Reared in Scottish Presbyterian heritage, his family believed in strict observance of moral values, but also took time to laugh at his father’s many jokes.

Billy graham's childhood home in Charlotte, North Carolina

Billy Graham’s childhood home in Charlotte, North Carolina

The Grahams instilled a strong work ethic in their children. Often their Big Ben alarm clock woke them at 2:30 a.m. to work the farm. Billy’s job was to milk twenty cows every morning and afternoon, as well as shovel warm manure and refill feed troughs with fresh hay from the barn.

Once, while visiting an aunt, all the children were ordered to spend time reading the Bible. After about ten minutes, Billy declared, “I just read a whole book in the Bible.” (Little did his aunt realize that Billy had discovered the Epistle of Jude, the shortest book in the New Testament!)

billy graham as a teenager

Billy Graham as a teenager

As a teen Billy attended his first Dr. Mordecai Fowler Ham evangelistic meeting expecting to see a good fight as some students at a local high school threatened to disrupt the meeting and maybe even physically harm Dr. Ham. Fortunately for Dr. Ham, no fight ensued that night. Soon after, though, Billy was convicted of his own sinfulness and rebellion.

Billy said he finally came to understand his need for a personal relationship with Jesus at Dr. Ham’s meetings. He felt that the Graham family’s consistent Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance was valuable; but he still felt empty inside, restless and resentful of all the work he was doing to earn his way to heaven.

Near his sixteenth birthday in 1934, Billy went forward at a Dr. Ham meeting and committed his life to Christ. After his conversion, Billy wanted to go to church as much as possible and admittedly even began to sing hymns while milking the cows.

Billy’s heart was completely surrendered to Jesus Christ at that point, and the foundation was laid for his future ministry to people around the world.

The “Call”

Billy Graham at Florida Bible Institute

Billy Graham at Florida Bible Institute (Billy on right)

Billy was accepted into Bob Jones College and began attending classes September, 1936. Soon after, however, he found the College too strict and began to think about transferring to another school. As a result, in January of 1937 Billy became an official student at Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College) where he was exposed to many different denominations through the people who rented rooms in the hotel complex on campus. It was there that Billy experienced the “unity of God’s people who sincerely held Jesus at the center of their hearts and lives.”

While still a student, Billy was first asked to preach as a last-minute request by Dr. John Minder, Dean of men at Florida Bible Institute. Billy only knew four “borrowed” sermons at the time, which he preached in eight minutes before returning to his seat; but after that experience, he had a feeling he was being called by God to preach the Gospel.

Paddling a canoe across the Hillsborough River to a little island near the Bible Institute, Billy practiced preaching to alligators, birds and trees honing his sermons in preparation of additional opportunities to preach. Still, he struggled to surrender his will to God’s Will. He wasn’t sure he was thrilled with the thought of preaching for the rest of his life.

One night in 1938, however, while taking one of many nighttime walks around the golf course, Billy got down on his knees at the edge of one of the greens, prostrated himself before the Lord, and prayed, “O God, if You want me to serve You, I will.”

From that night on, Billy’s life purpose was set.

Preacher and President

Billy Graham when a young minister

Billy Graham when a young minister

One Sunday after preaching in February, 1939, Billy was ordained a Southern Baptist minister. Offering himself as a military chaplain during World War II, he was declined and advised to return to Wheaton College to finish his degree which he completed in 1943.

God’s call on Billy’s ministry life included:

  1. First Youth for Christ (YFC) preacher at Chicago’s first rally on May 27, 1944.
  2. Youth For Christ National & International Organizer beginning January, 1945. (* YFC was reportedly active in 300 American cities by the end of the first year.)
  3. Preached at the first citywide Crusade in September, 1947 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  4. Became Interim President of Northwestern Schools in Minneapolis at age 29, just four years after graduating college himself.
  5. Began The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in 1950.

Though early Crusades were up and down, and some were even considered “flops,” Billy contended that they could never know everything God was up to, though it was not evident to them, or to the world.

In addition to Crusades, despite extreme guerilla threats, Billy traveled with Grady Wilson and Bob Pierce (founder of World Vision) to Japan and Korea during the Korean War for two weeks under military supervision. While there, Billy preached the Gospel to G.I.’s, missionaries, and the Korean people, and encouraged wounded American soldiers at various hospitals near the front line.

At age 35, Billy preached his first international Crusade in London, England beginning March 1, 1954, and by the end had spoken to 2 million people, delivering seventy-two major addresses in twelve weeks at Harringay Arena. Thousands of decisions were made for Jesus Christ during that three month period.

Why were the London Crusade, and many others, so successful? Billy and his Crusade team gave all the credit to God and to the hundreds of people praying faithfully twenty-four hours a day for each Crusade, beginning months in advance.

Risking his life on planes and at various Crusade events in nearly a dozen African countries and in the Middle East, Billy preached from January to March, 1960 in twenty-five cities and seventy-five villages with the consistent message, “…following Christ is the only way to lasting peace.”

Billy Graham preaching to his largest crowd in Seoul

Billy Graham preaching to his largest crowd in Seoul in South Korea

The largest Crusade audience in the history of Billy’s ministry assembled at Yoido Plaza in Seoul, Korea in 1973. Even Billy was amazed as more than one million people gathered to hear his famous evangelistic messages. Since 1977, he has preached in virtually every country of the former Eastern bloc, including the former Soviet Union.

Though he tried to remain uninvolved in politics, Billy was befriended by several Presidents of the United States and was consulted by various international leaders at times when U.S. relations were strained. Around the world Billy was honored as a man of peace who walked close to God, and his wisdom and advice were held in high esteem.

Husband and Father

Billy met and married Ruth McCue Bell, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. L. Nelson Bell, medical missionaries who lived and worked in a hospital compound in the eastern Chinese province of Northern Kiangsu. Billy described Ruth in college as petite, vivacious, smart, talented, witty, stylish, amiable, and unattached– all reasons he felt her worthy to date, though it took him a month to summon the courage to ask her out!

Billy Graham with his family

Billy Graham with his family

Billy and Ruth graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois in the same class in June, 1943. They married on Friday, August 13, 1943 in Gaither Chapel on the Presbyterian conference grounds in Montreat, North Carolina. Two years later, on September 21, 1945 they welcomed their first child into the world.

Though Billy traveled often, leaving Ruth to raise their children, he always felt that he had her unquestionable support. She was his closest confidante, and Billy credits Ruth’s wise spiritual counsel as being the advice he valued most. In a letter from Scotland dated March, 1955 Billy wrote, “…Your advice is the only one that I really trust. You have no idea how often I have listened to your advice and it has been as if it were spoken from the Lord…”

Ruth passed away in 2007 leaving Billy, five children (three daughters and two sons,) 19 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. All five of Billy’s and Ruth’s children serve actively in various ministry capacities throughout the world.

The Many Facets of The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)

The BGEA, founded in 1950, owns and operates WorldWide Pictures, producing inspirational movies for the world at large. “The Portland Story” was the first of about two hundred films they’ve produced to date.

That same year, Billy was asked

Bill Graham Preaching to Crowds

Bill Graham Preaching to Crowds

to preach on national radio with ABC (American Broadcasting Company.) Then, in 1954, “The Hour of Decision” radio program was extended to the NBC Network, bringing total U.S. coverage to 800 stations not including foreign and shortwave rights.

“My Answer,” a syndicated newspaper column dealing with practical problems from a Biblical perspective began shortly after the radio program with readership that quickly exceeded 20 million people.

In October, 1953, Billy’s first major book, “Peace With God,” was published and became an immediate best seller but was topped by a later book, “How to be Born Again.” Published in 1977, “How to be Born Again” had the largest first printing in publishing history with 800,000 copies. Billy decided early on that royalties from almost every book he wrote, totaling thirty-one to date, would be donated to various Christian organizations and ministries.

Always at work to reach as many people for Christ as possible, The BGEA began “Christianity Today Magazine” in October, 1956 with a commitment to “the trustworthiness of Scripture as the Word of God.” The magazine’s focus is to pursue an intellectually positive approach to unite evangelical clergy, lay leaders, and students within and without large denominations.

“Decision Magazine” was launched in November, 1960 to encourage “ordinary Christians in their witness and daily walk and to publish evangelistic messages and articles aimed at reaching the secular mind and winning the nonbeliever to Christ.” The magazine’s circulation tops 300,000 today and is available in English and German versions.

The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville

The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville

To serve the world in a meaningful and practical way, The BGEA formed World Emergency Fund in 1973 to “bring humanitarian aid to places facing natural disasters and other emergencies.” Working with local Christian organizations, they ensure food and medical supplies get where they are most needed.

Then in 1987, the Board of The BGEA approved construction of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. Nestled among the mountains on 1,200 acres of trees, The Cove was designed to “encourage, refresh and empower believers who want to grow and deepen their faith.” Today The Cove offers many seminars, leadership training sessions, and personal spiritual retreat opportunities.

During his life as an evangelist, Billy preached at national and international Crusades beginning in 1947 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and ending in 1996 in Charlotte, North Carolina, reaching more than 215 million people in person and millions more through radio, television, film, and webcasts.

Quick to cite the tremendous team effort required to sustain his Crusade and supplemental speaking schedules, Billy recognized the blessing of many friends, staff, supporters and prayer warriors and acknowledged the vital role each of them played throughout his life and ministry.

Facing numerous threats from people seeking to dissuade Billy from preaching, he entrusted his life and calling to God. His family was repeatedly threatened, as well, but God’s protection remains strong to this day.

In Billy’s autobiography, he shares a humorous story about a mentally unstable man that once knocked on the door of their Montreat home. When Ruth answered the door, the man said, “I’m Jesus Christ.” Pregnant Ruth simply stated, “Well, why did you have to knock? Why didn’t you just come in through the closed door?” Having no reply, he got back into his car and drove away.

His Place in History

Few people, other than Presidents and Kings, can claim to have both a Library and an Archive Center established on behalf of their accomplishments. Billy Graham is one of those people.

The Billy Graham Center, located at Wheaton College in Illinois, was completed September, 1980. Many BGEA records and archives of a number of other evangelical missions, agencies and leaders from the past are displayed and stored there. The Center also houses a “specialized library on evangelism” with 200,000 items, one of the largest collections of its kind in the world.

The Billy Graham Library, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, encompasses 40,000 square feet that houses memorabilia from Billy’s many years of life and ministry. Opened in June, 2007, the Library highlights Crusades from around the world and offers Billy’s famous message of hope and faith in Jesus Christ through its six exhibits, four galleries, and two theaters. It is impossible not to hear the Gospel message when visiting the Library.

Billy Graham Library in Charlotte North Carolina

The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte North Carolina

The Graham Family Home where Billy grew up has been lovingly restored and moved to the Library site as well, and Ruth’s grave presides over the entrance surrounded by beautiful flowers. Etched on her gravestone, visitors read, “END OF CONSTRUCTION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.” Apparently Ruth once saw a similar sign along the road and it reminded her of God’s patient care in preparing her (and the rest of His children) for Heaven.

Many personal items from Billy’s and Ruth’s past now reside at the Billy Graham Library. One particularly meaningful item on display is Billy’s “Decision Card” which he completed the day he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. It is dated November 1, 1934 and includes Billy’s teenage signature.

His Final Thoughts

When asked if Billy could live his ministry life over again, would he do anything different, he replied, “I would speak less and study more, and I would spend more time with my family…I would also spend more time in spiritual nurture, seeking to grow closer to God so I could become more like Christ…”

Bill Graham sharing advice to young evangelists

Bill Graham sharing advice to young evangelists

“About one thing I have absolutely no regrets, however,” Billy said, “and that is my commitment many years ago to accept God’s calling to serve Him as an evangelist of the Gospel of Christ.”

As he reflects on his life, Billy is quoted as saying:

“Ruth says those of us who were off traveling missed the best part of our lives – enjoying the children as they grew. She is probably right…I now know that I came through those years much the poorer both psychologically and emotionally. I missed so much by not being home to see the children grow and develop.”

“I now warn young evangelists not to make the mistakes I did.”

When Billy gets to Heaven, he says he’s going to ask God, “Why me, Lord? Why did You choose a farmboy from North Carolina to preach to so many people, to have such a wonderful team of associates, and to have a part in what You were doing in the latter half of the twentieth century?”

The answer seems obvious to those of us who have been blessed by more than sixty years of Billy’s evangelistic messages. Perhaps it is precisely because he was a farmboy with a tender heart toward God that he was the one called to preach God’s truth and grace to the world.

Billy Graham’s death and new life with the Lord

Reverend Billy Graham died on February 21, 2018 at the age of 99. His funeral service was held outside the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 2, 2018. His final book, published in 2015 by W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is titled “Where I Am, Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond.”

As he joins his beloved wife, Ruth, in heaven he leaves on earth his message of truth, hope and the certainty of the future – the powerful message he preached at Crusades around the world beginning with the words, “The Bible says…”

His legacy of evangelism will be remembered for all time.

Further resources:

  • JUST AS I AM: The Autobiography of Billy Graham, HarperCollins Publishers, 1997.
  • Billygraham.org (for Billy Graham Evangelistic Association information, detailed biographical history, and a list of Billy’s Awards and Honors, as well as publishing credits.)
  • Billygrahamlibrary.org
  • Thecove.org
  • Warning: You Are Entering God’s Construction Zone, by J. Lee Grady, charismamag.com, July 7, 2010.

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About The Author

Donna Wyland

God took ahold of my heart when I was five years old, and I am so grateful He never let go. Whether scribbling in my childhood diary or composing songs on my guitar, I always had a dream to write in a way that would touch people’s hearts. When tragedy struck at the age of sixteen, and again at twenty, my life purpose became clearer though I didn’t understand until recent years how my personal pain would be used by God to encourage others. Through authentic communication, coaching, and the Foundation of Hope, my passion is to share God’s love, hope, and healing with a lost and broken world. I specifically feel called to write and coach fellow writers to produce honest powerful work and coach people, in general, to live lives filled with passion and purpose. You can read more of my musings on my own website: https://www.freetobe.faith/about/

77 Comments

  1. Reverend Francisco ananda chipukunya

    Very good written work. Praying for you this morning here in Malawi

    Reply
  2. KIBRU TAD

    IT IS GREAT STORY FOR ME I LIKE HIM VERY VERY MUCH GOD PLACE HELP ALL YOUR CHILDREN TO UNDERSTAND YOUR CALLING

    Reply
  3. james lana

    what great man of God, beautiful biography, it’s really inspired and blessed
    to my little suggestion how great it will be if his biography mention little of his coming to Kohima, India and Mizoram cos thousand people travelled on foot for 6,7 days to come to listen his preaching. it was the turning point and awakening of nagas and mizos. might be 1972.

    Reply
  4. Jonas Franco

    Hi. My name is Jonas Franco, I am an ordained minister of the “Pentecostal Church of God International Movement” and also the Regional Director of the Department of Public Relations for the Rocky Mountains region. We would like to know if we have your permission to utilize this article as a source for a recognition in our regional newspaper. It would be a blessing to be able to share his story to the Hispanic church communities that his ministry has reached. Thank You.

    (we will cite your work)

    Reply
    • DavidT

      Hi, yes we would be happy for you to use the article.

      Reply
  5. Obadiah Mailafia

    Bless you Donna. Billy Graham was the moral sentinel of America and a prophet to the world. He is now resting with His Lord and Master, in company of the holy angels and the apostles and martyrs. Blessed are the feet of they that preach the Gospel of Peace!

    Obadiah Mailafia
    Abuja, Nigeria

    Reply
  6. Arlene Mary Wienert

    As a teenager in the country town of Tongala a busload of youth daily trips for a week to Melbourne; it eventually took us to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the largest gathering for Billy Graham ever… I still have my crusade song book and will take it to church today… Arlene Mary [was Johnson] Wienert

    Reply
  7. Vanessa McCullough Foster

    Well done, Wanda…you have captured the essence of God’s true servant and made it clear for ALL to see and understand. How appropriate at the time of his demise. My life, and others was truly elevated because Billy Graham existed. Thank you Jesus!

    Reply
  8. Bhoopathi

    Thank you so much Donna you are introduced a great man of God I am really very happy to him

    Reply
  9. imran younis

    Dr. Billy Graham was a real man of God.. I was spiritually inspired and motivated from his good works. solute to Dr. Billy

    Reply
  10. Victor

    His life was indeed a blessing to Christianity through the Grace of Gid over his life.

    Reply
  11. faith okere

    Comment
    Thankyou Donna. this is an inspiring write up bringing me back to commitment to my savior. God bless you

    Reply
  12. Osore Esilaba

    His life is an inspiration to many African Christian leaders. His death marks the end of an era, and the beginning of another, I am willing to be part of this history.

    Reply
  13. Adjenim- Boateng

    Indeed, the Noah in our time has ran a the race and fought a good fight for the Lord and deserve the crown Paul talked about. May i be blessed with his passion of winninglist could for the Lord.

    Reply
  14. matthias thoya

    God does not call the qualified people but He calls and qualifies them.Powerful man indeed.Rest in peace

    Reply
  15. Yakob Seyoum

    I am Blessed with his videos and i always think about his grace he can change American history and i wont to change my county my the grace of God and i read like Renhard Bonke’s Book Jorje Jefereys praye to bonke jest like this i wont to Billy Graham pray to me before he go to Jesus I wont to visit and see him

    Reply
  16. emmanuel perez

    i am really touched by his calling and how he yielded to his calling…i really want to be like this man because he is a real blessing to humanity

    Reply
  17. Austin

    Donna,thanks for that insight God. Blessing you for your effort in putting. This insight together,God strength bill graham more thanks

    Reply
  18. Victor Markus

    Thank you so much Donna, I’m really bless and greatly encourage by the story of this patriarch of our time. I really want my life to be like his, spending it all for the Lord

    Reply
    • Donna Wyland

      Victor, your devotion to the Lord inspires me. May He use you greatly to impact others for His Glory. Bless you!

      Reply
      • OGBA THADDEUS CHUKWUNENYE

        God bless you Ma. What a wonderful testimony of a father,hero,mentor.God bless you ma,for a wonderful job done.more grace!
        And please ma,is Rev Billy Graham still alive? if yes where can I locate him ma?.God bless you

        Reply
  19. Yemlu Napoleon Ngafi

    Marvelous! could this be me? I think Rev Billy’s call to preach has created generational impact. I thank Thee Lord for him. I will all the more depend on God for direction on life. Thank you Mrs Donna.

    Reply
  20. Peter

    Praise the lord truly I have learn a lot from the life of the man of GOD.

    Reply
  21. Prosper Obomeguono Azanuwa

    Amazing indeed! When a man discovers Divine purpose and follows accordingly he becomes a message to his world. Billy Graham’s life is worth reviewing and learning from. God bless the Grahams…

    Reply
    • Donna Wyland

      I whole-heartedly agree. Divine purpose and calling followed by obedience and perseverance reaps great reward for the kingdom of God. I, too, am very thankful for Billy Graham’s example. Oh, to be like him…

      Reply
  22. Ndatching

    I was spiritually inspired and motivated from his good works.

    Reply
  23. jacqueline semu

    Thank you for such a good biography. It really inspire me i believe it answer alot of question about our beloved grand in christ who in one way made to accept JESUS because most of our people her heard about the power of JESUS cHRIST AFTER HE VISITED KILIMANJARO Tanzania IN 1960s.

    Reply
    • Donna Wyland

      You bless us with your comment. So thankful the Lord inspired you through Billy Graham’s biography. May God lead and bless YOU all the days of your life.

      Reply
  24. Emile MANIRAMBONA

    Thanks.I think that God has prepared others good leaders like Billy Graham.

    Reply
  25. David Rawlins

    I’m a preacher and was working on a sermon, Following the crowd. In looking for the largest gospel crusade ever up came the Seoul Korea crusade. Just as the Lord drew the huge crowd in Matthew 15 Billy Graham drew 1 million in Korea. If we as Christians would gather together (be part of the crowd of dedicated Christians) instead of being a part of a small click WHAT A IMPACT we would have on th is world for CHRIST.
    Thank you Billy for your impact for the Lord.

    Reply
    • Donna Wyland

      Amen, David! What an impact we would, indeed, have on the world if we emulated Billy Graham as dedicated Christians focused on God’s love and the grace of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your comment. May your ministry and life be greatly blessed.

      Reply
      • Sue Isenhoff

        Donna, could you tell me the date that you wrote this biography? My son is using it as a reference for a research paper on Billy Graham and he needs to reference this biography with the date it was written. Thank you!

        Reply
  26. Donna Wyland

    Cindy, thank you so much for sharing your personal history with relation to Reverend Billy Graham. What a lovely memory. The additional information you provide is much appreciated. God bless you for taking time to write in!

    Reply
  27. Kristi Sykes

    Very well-written, spell-binding biography, about such a wonderful man!! I really like the response Ruth had about coming in the closed door. Taught me much I didn’t know, like about the Cove and Library. I had the priviledge to participate in the choir in 1986 in Denver, with Cliff and Tom Bledsoe. Must be like what heaven is like on a smaller scale. Love that chorus “A Mighty River” that we sang. Very good wording and description for people who use screen-readers. Thank you.

    Reply
  28. NAHIMANA Eric

    am very praised with your preaching may God bless you

    Reply
  29. Zerihun Tekletsiyon Haile

    Lord Jesus bless you&yours famly

    Reply
  30. Zhan Kate B. Canao

    Thank you so much for the life of Ms. Donna for job well done. In this generation of our we really need an inspiration and a testimony like life of Rev. Billy.
    Glory and honor belongs to our living God.
    More blessing to you Ms. Donna Wyland

    Reply
    • Donna Wyland

      God bless you, and thank you for reading Billy Graham’s biography. He truly is a faithful man called by God to perform extraordinary tasks.

      Reply
  31. Protas Carol

    Waaw, what amazing biograph, its so inspiring and life changing story. God bless you Donna. And God bless Dr Billy Graham and Family.

    Reply
  32. アシュリーマディソン 口コミ

    I was pretty pleased to discover this web site. I want to to
    thank you for ones time just for this wonderful read!!
    I definitely liked every little bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to look
    at new things on your website.

    Reply
  33. dating stories

    Awesome things here. I’m very satisfied to look your article.

    Reply
  34. Diane Dunn

    I am leading a discussion on Anne’s book. I was so inspired that I did some research on the Graham family.

    If you have insights that I could share please do so.

    Reply
    • Donna Wyland

      Forgive me. I just saw your comment and question. Which book of Anne’s did you lead a study on? All of her books contain beautiful and powerful truth and are worthy of study.

      Reply
  35. William Sahota

    I am a catholic priest, namely fr.William Sahota, from Punjab ( India) I really like the sermons of Rev. Dr. Billy Graham. Thank you and God Bless him . Fr. WIlliam Sahota

    Reply
    • Donna Wyland

      And God bless you, Father Sahota! May God use you mightily to lead many in India to eternal life in Jesus.

      Reply
  36. William Sahota

    it is for me really a inspiration story of Dr Billy graham. who is a great Evangelist. may good God bless him

    Reply
  37. Tom Jones

    First met Billy & his team while singing in the choir at the Raleigh Crusade in Carter Finley Stadium (1971 I think). Meeting him was instrumental in my dedication to sharing the Gospel some years later as I gave my life to CHRIST and began my work for HIM as a lay speaker for JESUS. Hardly an engagement passes that I don’t somehow, someway mention the lifelong work of my Brother Billy.

    Reply
    • Donna Wyland

      Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring testimony. It’s a tremendous blessing to know how Billy Graham touched your life.

      Reply
  38. John Swisher

    Wonderful article Donna. I was wondering who and when gave him the title of Reverend? Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Donna Wyland

      Interestingly enough, though Billy Graham was ordained a Southern Baptist minister in 1939 at the age of 20 and pastored the First Baptist Church in Western Springs, Illinois after graduating from college, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in Charlotte, North Carolina refers to him as “Mr. Graham,” not Reverend. I assume during his active years as pastor and evangelist he was referred to as Reverend by church members and Crusade attendees. Thank you for an excellent question!

      Reply
  39. Cindy Adams

    Thank you so much for your well-written piece of work. I knew the Graham family, having lived in Charlotte,NC. My father was their pastor in the sixties. We would pass by a small house that I understood was the birthplace of Billy Graham. It was on Park Road, near the house pictured and re-located at the library. I was just wondering why this house is never mentioned. I cannot find any information or pictures online. It has since been torn down. There is a plaque on the location where the house once stood. Thank you and God bless. Cindy

    Reply
  40. Daphisha Lyngdoh Tron

    Dear Donna,
    It is a nice short story of Revn Graham,,n wish him a good health for now n PRAISE GOD FOR ALL HE DID..AMEN

    Reply
  41. Joseph Johnes

    My ministry was called by the Lord Jesus and I have been doing ministry since 2006.

    I know Dr Billy Graham is man of God.When I was praying to Lord Jesus, that voice I heared. Thanks be to God.God bless you all.

    Your sincerely

    Joseph Johnes(MINISTRY)

    Reply
  42. Charles E. Miller, Jr., BA, MAR

    Rev. Billy Graham is a great man of God. He has served our Lord, Jesus Christ. One day he will go to heaven and he will be sorely missed. My wife, Nancy Webb Miller, is from Stanly County, North Carolina. Her grandmother Webb was named Graham before she married her husband, my grandfather in law. I would imagine that my Scottish-American wife is a distant cousin to Billy. May God bless him and give him peace.

    Reply
  43. mugenyi simon

    i want this book of bill

    Reply
    • ELIAS DUWAY

      The grace of God be with you

      Reply
  44. muyiwa olasuccesss

    thank you for good job

    Reply
  45. pat

    Hi, I was looking for free download of billy graham’s book..is it available?thanks

    Reply
    • DavidT

      Yes it’s available, please use the links above to download it!

      Reply
  46. adetoye

    pls send me a full biography of Him

    Reply
  47. Ev.Mwakalebela

    An inspired biography, am amazed the work the man of God did for such number of born again – men and women.Blessed be to our Heavenly father and all anointing men and women who associated in such a great ministry.Donna thank you for being touched and wrote an inspired biography.

    Reply
  48. Carolyn Marlowe

    Thank you for taking us on a journey to travel the extraordinary call, the extraordinary man, and the extraordinary response from the world toward Billy Graham. The images captivated the milestones in his life and ministry, while the writing captivated the person of Billy Graham. This is a great read for gleaning the call, the man, and the world’s response of his life.

    Reply
  49. Vicky Zanon

    An amazing well written biography on Dr. Graham. Donna, you made this enjoyable to read and easy to comprehend the spirital work behind the calling and the annointing on Billy Graham’s live and this ministry. Thanks!

    Reply
  50. Laura Hoogerhyde

    I really enjoyed reading Donna’s writing on the life and ministry of Billy Graham, an amazing servant leader whose obedience to “God’s call” inspires us all to have the courage to live out the plans and purposes that God has for us. I love the way that Donna has woven factual information into the fabric of Billy Graham’s humanity giving us as readers a glimpse into his own struggles and personal challenges in the midst of a very successful evangelical ministry.

    Reply
  51. Claudia Cook

    I especially loved the personal touches. You capture very well the sweet relationship between Billy and Ruth and the sense of humor that they shared. There are details and stories here that I haven’t read elsewhere. Billy Graham comes across as being a real man serving a great God.

    Reply
  52. laurel

    I really enjoyed reading the biography on Billy Graham, that Donna Wyland wrote. I so admire and look up to his life as a great servant of God. I felt that Donna did a wonderful job detailing his life and highlighting his leadership in the Evangelical movement. I liked the pictures that she included to help me identify more with his personal life and ministry around the world. I so appreciate her research so that I can benefit in learning more about Billy Graham and appreciating his great life and the effects he has had on so many lives for Christ. Thank you, Donna.

    Reply
    • Chisombe

      wow amazing. What a humble begining, milking 20 cows, waking up such early? Indeed you were ewual to the course. So encouraging.

      Reply
  53. Dianne Hoover

    Wow! The writer captured the essence of Billy Graham’s life in easy to read, short chapters. Thanks, I learned more about the man without having to read a large book.

    Reply
  54. Jeanette Engel

    I loved Donna’s simple, succinct writing of Billy Graham’s life! His humility shines forth in the biography. The pictures added an excellent touch and helped me enter into his life. I was amazed at his final thought of spending more time with family…a good reminder for all of us. He certainly gave His all for the Lord and touched my soul as a young girl when I watched him with my Mom on TV.

    Reply
  55. Cindy Thomson

    Thanks for this wonderful biography of a man who has truly been our nation’s spiritual leader. Wonderful to learn more about his background.

    Reply
  56. Cindy

    What an amazing man! This article concisely highlights Billy Graham’s life and ministry. I like how Donna has categorized his life by major events. Really captures some of his major accomplishments and his character. Very good read!

    Reply
  57. Lisa Allen

    What a comprehensive and personal tribute and overview of Billy Graham’s life. I was inspired and touched from everything from the description of his early calling and childhood to the etching about construction completed on Ruth’s grave. Thank you for honoring such a faithful servant through these beautifully crafted words.

    Reply
    • Melanie Wayland

      Reverand Graham has gone to his forever home. Thank you for your inspiring truth the Lord has given you, to pass on to millions of people!

      Reply
  58. Janice

    Dear Donna,

    What a beautiful biography on such an amazing man! His story is so inspiring, and I am in awe of the work he and Ruth did for God. Your biography took us on a lovely journey of Dr. Graham. And, what an honor it must be for you to write about his great man of God. Thank you~

    Blessings to you~
    Janice

    Reply
    • Abhishek

      yes your right my friend

      Reply
    • Obadiah Mailafia

      Dear Donna, thank you for this write-up on the late Apostle of Jesus Christ Billy Graham. He was not just one of God’s Generals as Christian biographer Roberts Liardon would say; he was one of the rare Field Marshals in the Kingdom Business. Billy Graham had a tremendous influence in our own continent of Africa. He preached a simple gospel of salvation which resonated with many. I daresay the entire exercise of researching and writing the biography of this servant of the Lord will in itself be a life-changing experience for you. I strongly and warmly encourage you. We await your work and we wish you well. He would have wished that you spent time in prayer, praise and worship for the wisdom from above to do this work properly. Blessings and peace to you. Obadiah Mailafia, Abuja, Nigeria

      Reply

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