Rev. Billy Graham prayed for this day, every day, especially in recent years as his health faltered. He knew where he was headed and what the price of admission was to be. His wife, Ruth, had died in 2007 and he missed her terribly. He had given his life to the Lord as a Bible college student where he accepted the Lord’s promise of eternal life. He was ready for Heaven.
The Rev. Graham, 99, died Wednesday at his home in Montreat, North Carolina.
The legacy of Rev. Billy Graham’s ministry is absolutely overpowering. Millions around the world have found peace and direction through his message that spanned 70 years, six continents, more than 185 countries. And today it all is instantaneously digitalized and available through the miracle of the Internet.
Rev. Graham circled the globe, preaching in the name of his Savior Jesus Christ. Millions attended one or more of his 415 international crusades. Millions more have heard his compelling message on radio and television. No place, no matter how remote, was beyond the reach of Billy’s preaching that began in 1949 in a tent in Los Angeles where his crusades were born. Many in San Diego will recall Billy Graham’s crusades here, including one in 1976 and his last one here in 2003.
In recent years Billy lived in a simple log home in the mountains of western North Carolina. He read “The Word” and prayed every day. Though his hearing and sight had weakened, his spirits were high. Often, he would say, “I am ready to go home.” It was like a six-word sermon that had the inspiring effect of reminding others of God’s promise of eternal life.
Over the years, I was often asked what it was like to have been an associate of Billy, whom I first met in 1969 when I was an assistant to the U.S. secretary of defense. As relaxed as any personal conversation with Billy could be, this incredible man of God was bigger than life. Yet he was down to earth and absolutely self-effacing. To visit Billy in his modest surroundings defies one’s ability to appreciate fully that you were in the presence of one of the most powerful, influential leaders of our time.
I was associated with Billy’s ministry for close to 50 years, many of those as a member of his board. Throughout, Billy was there for encouragement and prayer. During my various publishing and public service careers, he sought advice on foreign policy as he worked to preach behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. He especially wanted help in gaining a better understanding of how to deal with the media. We remained close and, in 1992, he participated in my swearing-in ceremony as ambassador to Spain. With Billy Graham to bless my diplomatic mission, how could I fail?
We first met in early 1969 when he was asked to dedicate a new chapel built in the concourse of the Pentagon. He was there to comfort families of our POWs and missing men during the Vietnam War.
Today, members of Billy’s family carry on their own unique ministries, all inspired by the legacy of Billy Graham. Under the umbrella of AnGel Ministries Billy’s daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, projects her own inspiring message of faith shared with the tone and uplifting delivery so akin to that of her father.
Billy’s son, Franklin, heads up the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse. Both ministries have funded important relief efforts around the world for victims of poverty, hurricanes, war, earthquakes, floods, violence, disease and famine.
Much of Billy’s compelling legacy has been preserved and housed at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nearby is a modest family plot where Billy will be buried next to his wife.
Legacies, no matter how profound or unique, are meant to be passed along as lessons for future generations. In that spirit, Billy Graham’s passing is a time to remind ourselves that his Biblical-based message remains timeless and unwavering — centered on faith, prayer, integrity, humble service and trust.
As Billy Graham has said repeatedly, “All the glory belongs to God … I am just a spectator for His good works.”
And, so are we.
Capen, a La Jolla resident, is a former U.S. ambassador to Spain, former publisher of The Miami Herald and retired director, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
