Happy 99th birthday today, Billy Graham

Originally published in The Gospel Herald

Legendary evangelist’s children honour him

In honour of Billy Graham’s 99th birthday, the evangelist’s daughter, Anne Graham-Lotz, reflected on her father’s faith and shared an updated regarding his health, revealing Graham has become “very quiet” over the past several months.

“Today, November 7, 2017, my father turns 99 years of age!” Lotz wrote on November 7. “And thus he enters into his 100th year! I think I can speak for my entire family when I say we are all amazed…and very thankful…that he is still with us.”

“My mother moved to Heaven, the place Jesus called our Father’s House, 10 years ago. And I, for one, never imagined Daddy would continue to live without her, much less outlive her for such a lengthy period of time,” she continued.

“What a treasure it has been to have these last 10 years to enjoy his presence that has always included his humour, his prayers, his insights, his stories, his encouragement, and his love.”

Over the last several months, Graham has grown “very quiet,” Lotz said.

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“It’s as though after years of preaching the Gospel, he has nothing more to add to what he has repeatedly stated more times than can be counted: Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me…For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — John 14:6, 3:16,’” she concluded.

The elder Graham’s son, Franklin Graham, also honoured his father on his birthday.

“My father Billy Graham turns 99 years old today! That means he’s entering his 100th year-that’s pretty amazing,” he wrote.

He added: “If your life or someone in your family’s life has been impacted by my father, would you tell us how, when, and where? Go to BillyGraham.org and share your Billy Graham story today!”

The Samaritan’s Purse CEO shared a video in which a number of notable people — including Michael W Smith Kathie Lee Gifford, Larry King, Rick Warren, Tony Evans, Greta Van Susteren, and Ricky Skaggs — paid homage to the elderly evangelist.

“Most people say he’s ‘America’s Pastor,’ but that so understated it,” said Van Susteren.

Smith identified Graham as being “at the top” of his list of people he admires.

“He always persevered over a long period of time,” said Tony Dungy. “I think that’s impacted me the most. I think Dr Graham’s birthday should be a time for us to reflect.”

Dr Evans lauded him as a “model of spiritual proclamation and spiritual integrity.”

“He answered the questions,” Larry King said, “but it always came back to, Christ is your Saviour, Christ loves you, Christ is with me.”

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The video concluded with a previously filmed message from Graham, who shared a few words about God’s plan for our lives.

“Go to your knees and pray, until you and God have become intimate friends,” he said. “I cannot describe the joy and peace that He gives to you as a result of that daily routine that you have in prayer.”