Legacy of Billy Graham; Faith, Values, Commitment
Much-loved evangelists passes on to his eternal reward at 99
New York, NY – “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith,” said Billy Graham. The world awakened this morning to news of his passing at his home in North Carolina.
According to Morgan James author and Acquisitions Editor Terry Whalin, and former editor at Graham’s Decision magazine, few people realize the enormity of the legacy he leaves behind. He has had an impact on every U.S. president since Dwight Eisenhower. His impact has been felt directly by tens of millions of people worldwide. He has reached the lives of statesmen like Winston Churchill and been with people like Mother Teresa and mobsters. His message of faith has never wavered; faith through Christ alone will save us and nothing else.
In Morgan James title Billy Graham: A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist, Whalin gives us rare glimpses into the life of Graham from childhood to the tireless travel and speaking that endeared him to millions. His Modesto Manifesto provided the framework for both personal and ministry operating principles. “Billy never traveled alone,” says Whalin, “nor did he meet or eat alone with any woman other than his wife.” The Manifesto governed finances, publicity and immorality – issues that other well known evangelists might have done well to adopt themselves.
An avid sportsman, a practical joker, full of the same fears we all have, Graham followed the call on his life and embraced it with abandon. Though Whalin says he had his own questions and struggles with faith, Graham learned to trust God and His providence move forward in confidence, and lived a life sold out to Christ. He did this while encouraging others to embrace the Good News that changed his own life.
Graham was no stranger to heartache and challenges. His own son, Franklin, was a prodigal. He had physical challenges (kidney stones), doubts, sleepless nights, near-constant travel, long stretches away from his family, and a crash landing in a snowstorm. What Graham is most known for is his unashamed commitment to the simple message of faith in Jesus Christ through faith in Him. And Graham lived this simple faith, showing us that faith can transform us from what we were to what God can make us.
To schedule an interview with Terry Whalin contact Don Otis – 719.275.7775
