Thank You, Billy Graham - Sample

Thank You,
Billy Graham
A Tribute to the Life and
Ministry of Billy Graham
TXT_Thank You Billy Graham2.indd 1 1/16/14 5:00 PM
Thank You,
Billy Graham
A Tribute to the Life and
Ministry of Billy Graham
Compiled by Billy Graham's Grandchildren
Jerushah Armeld, Aram and Boz Tchividjian
Foreword by Michael Reagan
2014 by Jerushah Armeld, Basyle Tchividjian, and Aram Tchividjian
Te compilers are represented by Bruce R. Barbour, Literary Management Group, Inc.,
Nashville, Tennessee.
Print ISBN 978-1-62836-634-1

eBook Editions:
Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-63058-015-5
Kindle and MobiPocket Edition (.prc) 978-1-63058-016-2
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for
commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written
permission of the publisher.
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without the express written permission of Barbour Publishing, provided that the text does
not exceed 500 words or 5 percent of the entire book, whichever is less, and that the text
is not material quoted from another publisher. When reproducing text from this book,
include the following credit line: From Tank You, Billy Graham, published by Barbour
Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New King James
Version
.
Copyright 1982 by Tomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked axi are from the Amplied
Bible, 1954, 1958, 1962,

1964, 1965, 1987 by Te Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked isv are from Te Holy Bible, English Standard
Version
,
copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News
Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked x;v are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Scripture quotations marked xiv are taken from the Hoi\ Binii, Niw Ixriixarioxai
Viisiox
.
xiv
.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by
permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Front cover image: Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images;
Back cover image: Edward Miller/Stringer/Getty Images
Published by Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 719,
Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.shilohrunpress.com
Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products oering exceptional value and
biblical encouragement to the masses.
Publishers Association
Member of the
Evangelical Christian
Printed in the United States of America.
Contents
Foreword. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Tank You, Billy Graham. . .
for Inspiring My Christian Walk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
for Your Spiritual Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
for Your Personal Touch on My Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
for the Time I Met You in Person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
for the Day I Got Saved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
for Reaching Me with Your Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
for Reaching Me with Your Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
for Setting Such a Good Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
for Your Classic Crusades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
for Helping Me Deal with Death . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
for Helping My Marriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
for Touching My Life When I Was a Child. . . . . . . . . . . 157
for How You Explained the Gospel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
for Planting Seeds of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
for Helping Me Find Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
for Bringing Me Back to Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
for How You Touched My Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
for Helping Me Deal with Adversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
for Saving My Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
for Everything . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
for Sharing Ruth with Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
7
Foreword
As the son of Ronald Reagan, I have enjoyed a unique per-
spective on the ministry of Billy Graham.
People call him Americas pastor, and with good rea-
son. Weve had presidents, including my father, who knew
that they could pick up the phoneany time of the day or
nightand Billy Graham would pray with them. And he
wasnt only praying with and for presidents. If Billy Graham
had not been interceding regularly for our whole nation,
where would the United States be today?
Ive had the privilege of knowing Dr. Graham and his
family since my father was governor of California. And it was
in two of Billy Grahams California crusades that I experi-
enced moments I will never forget.
In 1985, during a ten-day crusade at Anaheim, I watched
Billy Graham preach to a full stadium. I had walked away
from the church years before, but had recently been drawn
back by the inuence of my wife and the ministry of Pastor
Jack Hayford of Te Church on the Way. Billys message that
night was so powerful and compelling, I almost felt badly
that Id accepted Christ just weeks before!
Nearly twenty years later, in 2004, the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association asked me to speak during his Los
Angeles crusade. My rst thought was that his sta had called
the wrong Reaganbut if Billy Graham asks you to give a
testimony, it really is like a message from God. With an ear-
nest prayer for the Holy Spirits help, I told the huge Rose
Bowl crowd my own story of Gods grace and forgiveness.
As you listen to Dr. Graham tonight, I said in my wrap-
up, I want you to think of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Tank You, B G
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8
Hes standing at the doorway of your life with His arms wide
open, waiting to give you a hug.
Turning from the podium, I came face-to-face with Billy
Graham, who shook my hand and said, Michael, you should
have stayed out there and kept speaking! I was so grateful to
hear those words from a man who has accomplished so much
in his long life of service to God.
Now, in this book, we all have the opportunity to say
thank you, Billy Graham. Millions of people have heard
him preach the gospel, and many of them have posted mes-
sages of gratitude on the web site TankYouBilly.com. In the
pages to follow, youll read real-life stories of people who are
thankful that Dr. Graham helped them nd Jesus. . .inspired
their Christian walk. . . touched the lives of their loved ones.
. .and set such an example of honesty and integrity.
Billy always told us that God loves you. Tank you,
Billy Graham, for faithfully communicating that simple, but
incredibly profound, message. Billy, we love you!
Micuaii Riacax
Author of Twice Adopted and the New Reagan Revolution:
How Ronald Reagans Principles Can Restore Americas Greatness
9
Introduction
For as long as we can remember, people from all walks of life
have approached us to say they came to know Jesus Christ
through the work and ministry of Billy Graham. Beyond all
the White House visits, magazine cover photos, worldwide
crusades, books, movies, and television appearances, the true
testimony of his life are the masses of ordinary people whose
lives have been transformed by God through an ordinary
man weve always known simply as Daddy Bill.
As grandchildren, we have been blessed to spend more
time with Daddy Bill than most who have come to know
and love Billy Graham during his seventy-plus years of pub-
lic ministry. After the cameras have been turned o and the
crowds have gone home, he is our grandfather. We know him
as a man who simply loves people, who is as comfortable
conversing with a cab driver or busboy as he is with a presi-
dent, CEO, or movie star. And we can honestly say it never
mattered where he was or what he was doingDaddy Bill
always had time for us. We consider ourselves so very blessed.
Not only has Daddy Bill been a blessing to us, but what
a joy to know that he has blessed and inspired countless other
people, in their own times and places and ways. Daddy Bill
has aected literally millions of individuals around the world
since he rst entered the ministry so many years ago. With
every changed life comes a story worth sharingstories from
those who sat in the stadiums, watched him on television,
listened to him on the radio, read his many books, or enjoyed
a personal encounter of some sort.
Daddy Bills own story is best told by the people God touched
through his life. Trough the website TankYouBilly.com,
hundreds of people have shared stories of hope, forgiveness,
joy, redemption, and Gods amazing grace. Tese are stories of
how God chose an ordinary North Carolina farm boy for an
Tank You, B G
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10
extraordinary purpose. Whether they address him as Rev.
Graham, Dr. Graham, Mr. Graham, Brother Graham, or
just plain Billy, these precious individuals all share the joy of
knowing Jesus through Daddy Bills preaching.
Tese stories cover many yearsseveral decades, actually
of our grandfathers ministry. Tey come from many states
and several countries. Tey describe people of all agesfrom
young children to the elderlywho were impacted by the
simple but profound gospel message communicated by Daddy
Bill. Te stories have been lightly edited for readability, but
retain the voice of each contributor and the raw power of
their faith experiences. Last names have been dropped to pro-
tect the privacy of those who contributed, and not everyone
who responded on the website provided a name. But every
testimony youre about to read came from someone whose
life was touched by Daddy Bill.
As we compiled this powerful book, each of us found
ourselves encouraged to examine our own faith. Our hope is
that as you read these amazing stories of Gods love, you will
also be encouraged to examine your own faith and under-
standing of the gospel and the indescribable love of Jesus.
Trough the dozens of testimonies that follow, youll be
encouraged by the ringing armation that God is the God of
all comfort and strength. Most importantly, we pray that this
book will remind you of the most beautiful truth that Daddy
Bill so often told packed stadiums, God loves you!
We are so grateful to God for Daddy Bill, and the amaz-
ing love and awesome power of the God who introduced this
man to us and to the world.
Jiiusuau Aixiiiio
Boz Tcuivio;iax
Aiax Tcuivio;iax
11
Thank You, Billy Graham. . .
for Inspiring My Christian Walk
ALWAYS THERE
I rst heard Billy Graham when he was preaching in a cru-
sade on the radio. I felt Gods presence through the message
and came under the inuence of Billys preaching from that
night on. As a youngster, I wanted to be a preacher like Billy;
my sister thought I would be. Well, I never became a Billy
Graham, but I did become an ordained minister and am now
completing my career as a Veterans Administration chaplain.
My tribute to Billy Graham is that he has been a constant
in my life. I have heard him preach numerous times over the
radio and have seen many of his crusades on TV. It seems
that Billy Graham has always been there for me, whether I
was watching him on TV, listening to him on the radio, or
reading an article in Decision magazine. I never heard Billy
Graham speak without being inspired or challenged to a
closer walk with God. Te Holy Spirits presence in Billys
sermons has always uplifted me and encouraged me in my
daily walk with God. Te simple message of the Gospel that
he preaches is so clear and convicting.
I once got to meet him personally. While at the Jack-
son, Mississippi, crusade, he visited Reformed Teological
Seminary, where I was attending at the time. Our whole
study body was invited to hear him speak to the local clergy
in Jackson. George Beverly Shea sang, and Billy preached a
message to encourage us pastors and would-be pastors. Af-
ter the sermon, I had the privilege of shaking his hand. He
Tank You, B G
g
12
looked more like Christ to me than any other person I have
ever met.
I dont know how it would have been not having Billy
Grahams touch on my life through his ministry. I truly think
that God gave him to the church as the Evangelist of the
World. Tere may be other evangelists, but there will never
be one of the stature of Billy Graham. Tank you, Billy, for
faithfully preaching, teaching, and living out Gods Word in
your life.
Ron
DEDICATED FOR MINISTRY
My youth director took a busload of teenagers to your cru-
sade at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1963. I was thirteen
and seeking to know God more deeply. I remember we sat in
a top section, and it was a long way down, but I was deter-
mined to make a public statement of my desire to completely
follow Jesus.
I was raised in a Christian home but knew I had to make
a personal decision for myself. My mother had desired to
sing in your choir, but she was at my fathers bedside in the
hospital. Te week your crusade ended, my father died of
a stroke. Tough it was a tragedy to lose my earthly father,
your crusade reminded me that my heavenly Father would
now come alongside me.
I went on to start a Youth for Christ club at my pub-
lic junior high school, worked at the InterVarsity Christian
Fellowship book table at my secular university, taught in an
inner-city Christian school, graduated from seminary, be-
came an ordained minister, and served as a hospital chaplain.
In November 2005, I was privileged to serve as a ministe-
rial counselor at your crusade at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
13
. . .for Inspiring My Christian Walk
g
Near the end of the week, a thin, fair-haired young man
(Roman) sat down next to me. I learned that he was from
Russia and had been in the country for just a year. He had
seen the crusade ads in a store and had come on his own. He
had never heard of Billy Graham but was curious to attend
such a large public, religious gathering. He said he had never
accepted the atheistic curriculum taught to him in Russia
but believed there was a living God. He had sneaked into
the backs of cathedrals to try to experience God. Roman ac-
cepted Christ that night at the crusade and was delighted to
receive the Bible on CD-ROM. I couldnt help but think that
someday he will take his faith back home to Russia.
Debbie
I FOUND PURPOSE
As a restless fourteen-year-old, with no understanding of
God and no awareness of Jesus, I saw no purpose to my life.
Ten my sister invited me to a free lm, which turned out
to be Oil Town USA. I remember little of the story and none
of the facts about Jesus, but I do remember that these people
clearly had a purpose and it seemed to be connected with
Jesus. A few weeks later, I went to the Harringay crusade
and discovered that this Jesus was real and important! Now,
over fty years later, twenty-seven as an ordained minister, I
thank Billy Graham for showing me the purpose of my life
serving Jesus!
SALVATION IN SOUTH FLORIDA
In the spring of 1985, my mother and I went to your cru-
sade. I went forward, and my mother said she accepted Jesus
in her seat. (She was a very private person and had cancer
Tank You, B G
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14
at the time.) When she died in January 1986, it was nice to
know I would see her again in heaven. Her last words to me
(in German) were, Til we meet again.
After that, my sons accepted Jesus, and last year I believe
my dad called on Jesus before he died. Tank you for leading
us to Christ!
It will be great to have the family together in heaven. Ill
introduce you to them when were all there, to thank you.
Gods blessings to you, your family, and all the people
who sacriced so my family and I would be saved through
Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
During my time at Moody Bible Institute (1954 to 1957),
Billy Graham came to speak to the student body. Te class
I had before chapel let out early so we could get good seats.
I was in the third row, center section of Torrey-Gray Audi-
torium. I had been to his crusades before in Upstate New
YorkI think Syracuse and Rochesterbut this was the rst
time I could really see him.
What was most impressive to me was that he talked about
the importance of prayer to his ministry, and the humility he
showed as he talked to us.
I also heard George Beverly Shea that night at Moody.
He sang How Great Tou Art, which was still fairly new.
Tank you both for the encouragement youve been in
my life.
GODS HUMBLE SERVANT
It seems as if Billy has always been with us. It is because he
has spoken the Word of God with humility and power and
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15
brought Gods Gospel and timeless truth wherever he has
preached to any and all who would listen.
My family and I saw Billy twice in the mid-1990s, in
Louisville and Indianapolis, and came forward both times to
dedicate our lives to Jesus. Billy always gave the same message
of saving grace, how we all are loved by God just as we are,
and how we can nd salvation through faith in Jesus Christ!
Tank you, Billy and Ruth, and all those related to this
wonderful man, for your many, many years of devoted ser-
vice to God and the speaking of His glorious Good News
throughout the world!
IT ALL STARTED WITH YOU!
Mr. Graham, when I heard you were coming to Cleveland
to our old stadium, I asked my girlfriend Mary if she
would go with me, and she agreed. At the time, my divorce
had come full circlemeaning that the man I left my hus-
band for had left me for another woman. Surprise, surprise.
Well, I was, and I was devastated. When you made the call,
I went forward. At the time, I was also drinking heavily and
doing drugs to ease the painand because I thought I liked
it. I was blessed by you through many tears.
I would love to tell you that I lived happily ever after.
Unfortunately, Satan is alive and well and was living in my
brain. So although I picked up my Bible after many years
of not reading it, I was justifying my drinking because my
drink of choice was wine and I would say that Jesus rst
miracle was turning water to wine. I also found the passage
about enjoying the green herb of the earth (and Im sure
you know what I did with that). So I was drinking and drug-
ging for another nine years.
Tank You, B G
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16
But on March 8, 2003, I went to the Glenbeigh treat-
ment center, and I have been sober ever since. I then changed
churches to my new, beautiful, small Baptist church, where I
was baptized on December 26, 2003. I am still a very happy
member today. Billy, it all started with you! Tank you, and
God bless you!
Linda
EVERY TIME
Every time Billy Graham had a crusade on TV, I felt com-
pelled to watch it. I knew I would hear the pure, unadul-
terated Word of God and that a change would come about
from it.
He was pure, he was concise, he was clear, he was fresh,
and he spoke at-footed from the pulpit. And, as you know,
people came in droves to accept Christ. . . . He will always be
in the hearts of Gods people.
Tank you, Billy Graham, for Just As I Am. Rest now,
for you have served your Master and the people of God well.
Karen
CALL CENTER WORKER
I was able to work in a call center for the Billy Graham tele-
vision ministry. Tat experience was truly a blessing and a
wonder. To be able to help lead callers to the Lord, or just
listen and pray with them, was an amazing opportunity.
Billy made that possible, through his many TV minis-
tries. Just to be a part was a blessing to me.
It was scary sometimes, to have that responsibility; but
its something Im glad I did and will always treasure. Tank
you, Billy.
TJ
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17
FIRE IN YOUR EYES
In the mid 1960s, when I was approximately twenty, you
came to the University of Houston. I wanted to see what
all the fuss was about, so I went to your lecture. From my
seat about one-third of the way back, I could see your eyes,
and they looked like they had re in them. Tey were very
penetrating. I never forgot that. I feel very fortunate to have
been able to see you live once. Years later, I understood and
accepted salvation. Today, I enjoy your crusades, no matter
what year is being shown. Tank you, Dr. Graham, for show-
ing us how its done.
Mary Margaret
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE TEENS
My wife and I sat in the nosebleed section of the Carrier
Dome in Syracuse when Billy did his crusade there in the
1980s. We were in a sea of teens. Hundreds of local churches
and churches from many miles away were represented, but
the common denominator was that they were all teens. Well,
you know how teens can be. . .lots of talking and passing
notes and all that stu. When Billy started to preach, my
wife and I were somewhat distracted by all the commotion
. . .when all of a sudden, about halfway through the ser-
mon, a hush fell around us. I witnessed the power of the
Holy Spirit like Ive never seen it before. Weeping. . .lots of
weeping. . .all around us, teens were crying and weeping.
Ten, just before the invitation, a lot more weeping. . .and it
seemed that dozens of teens started to get up and go down-
stairs before the invitation was even given.
Hundreds left their seats to go forward to receive Christ
that evening. It had a tremendous impact on my wife and
Tank You, B G
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18
me. Tat was the only time we saw Billy in person, but I look
at the crusades in a dierent way now. I was amid the power
of God, and I saw Him move. Tank you, Billy, for being
faithful to your call!
I UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE SO MUCH BETTER
Dear Billy, thank you so much for being obedient to God!
I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was nine years old,
was baptized, and later took several of your correspondence
courses. After I was married, I sent for the paperback Living
Bible that you published. It meant so much to me to be able
to understand the Bible so much better. I read and reread
that Bible. It helped me to grow further in the Lord. Bless-
ings on you, thank you, and God bless you!
Mim
AMSTERDAM 2000
I had the privilege of being invited to attend the Amster-
dam 2000 conference in the Netherlands. Te messages were
instrumental in renewing an evangelistic spirit within me.
When Billys daughter spoke, the Lord spoke to my heart
and inspired me to begin a ministry online to point people
to Christ. I knew nothing about the Internet, but God sent
me a lady whose job is to build websites for churches and
religious organizations. Rhonda oered to build a website for
my ministry, His Love Extended Ministries International.
She refused remuneration and oered it as a love gift to the
ministry! Trough the years, as God has been teaching me
the ropes, the messages and challenges of Amsterdam 2000
always underlie the zeal with which I administer this minis-
try. Several (that I know of ) had spiritual growth, and others
g
19
have been saved! To God be the glory. Only eternity will
reveal all that the Lord has done with this ministry. Tank
you and Franklin and your daughter, Billy! God bless you,
brother!
NOW I KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY
I was raised in a Christian family and attended a traditional
Anglican Sunday school and church. I learned about Jesus
Christ, and when I was twenty-six, I made my decision to be-
come a conrmed member of my local church. When I was
invited to become a counselor at the Ipswich Billy Graham
crusade, I attended the teaching sessions and still treasure the
materials, which gave me solid teaching that I lacked from
church.
When the great day arrived, it was one of the most
awe-inspiring occasions I have ever had the privilege to at-
tend. I clearly remember many of Billy Grahams words, and
through his inspiration and teaching I came to know my
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ personally. My heart is full of
gratitude and admiration for the amazing work Billy Graham
has carried out all over the world through the enabling of the
Holy Spirit.
BUILDING FAITH
I grew up watching the Billy Graham crusades and have al-
ways received so much from them. I also remember the mov-
ies that Billy Graham produced in the late 1960s, and the
wonderful messages that came with them. Id love to have
copies of those even now. I was raised Southern Baptist, but
got away from the church for a while during my early mar-
ried life. But even during this time, I continued to watch
Tank You, B G
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20
your crusades, and God always spoke to me and begged me
to return to Him.
Tanks to you and the wonderful, God-inspired messag-
es, I did. Tank you so much for your inspirationand for
the inspiration of those who have stood by you through it
all. I have always felt that Billy Graham is one man whose
eyes I can look into and truly see the face of God. God shines
through you, Billy, like no other. I thank God for you and
your wife, for Cli Barrows, and for everyone else who has
made your crusades what they area true inspiration to us
all. God bless you all.
Nancy

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