The Last Crusade

Legendary evangelist Billy Graham has begun what he's described as his last crusade (actually, I think they call them "missions" now since somebody got worried about using the word "crusade"). Billy is in his 80's and with numerous health problems, but that hasn't stopped him from preaching the word:

The Rev. Billy Graham, hobbled by age and illness, opened his final American revival Friday, greeted with a standing ovation as he used a walker to reach the pulpit.

Graham, 86, was supported while he moved onstage by his son and successor, the Rev. Franklin Graham, who then sat nearby, ready to step in if his father was unable to finish.

But Graham spoke for about 30 minutes, his once-powerful baritone diminished but clear, mixing his message of salvation in Jesus with anecdotes and humor. Noting the struggles of the New York Yankees and Mets, he asked the crowd to pray for both baseball teams.

About 60,000 people had filled a city park for a chance to see him for the last time on the first of three daily rallies. They came forward in large numbers as Graham invited them to approach the stage to accept Christ, an appeal that has become the centerpiece of his crusades over six decades.

I've had the privilege of attending two Graham crusades, the first in 1969 and the second in 1985. Both were held at Anaheim Stadium. I was about my son's age at the first one, so I don't remember much about it, but the second one I'll never forget. I sang with my dad in the choir that night, and as the final night of the event, it had the largest crowd. Every seat in the stadium was full, and by the time the people stopped coming in, there were 20,000 people seated in the grass in the outfield. It was an exciting place to be.



I've heard it said that Billy owes his longevity to the fact that the angels haven't yet come up with a suitable welcome for him. Billy was interviewed on Larry King the other day, and was asked what he would like to ask God when he meets him. I loved his answer..."Why me?".