Billy Graham and ‘The Hour of Decision’

“The Hour of Decision” was the night radio program that featured the Gospel message of evangelist Billy Graham (1918-2018), with musical support from musicians Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea.

As a young Marine stationed in North Carolina in the early 1950s, I tuned in to those radio messages that were delivered with conviction and with power.

Billy Graham preached the straight forward Gospel message of salvation for sinners through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Billy Graham spoke with presidents, international leaders and preached to millions throughout the world in evangelistic crusaders lifting high the name of Jesus and inviting his listeners to come to Christ in repentance and faith.

He brought comfort to people who suffered from sinful devastation of brokenness, from terrorist acts and from natural disasters.

He preached Jesus and the change Jesus would bring to troubled people and to troubled nations.

He spoke to the world with words such as: “I don’t think there’s any hope for the world except in God.”

His words are applicable for today’s world and for America.

During his 58 years of evangelistic ministry, he conducted 417 crusades to some 84 million people throughout the world. I had the honor of attending four of these evangelistic crusades: Louisville, Ky., New York City, Indianapolis, Ind. and Nashville, Tenn.

At the crusade in New York City, in 1969, our eldest daughter made her decision for Christ, and our family together walked down those many steps in Madison Square Garden and stood with hundreds of others who had made decisions for Christ.

So much more could be said about this “Herald of God” and about his devoted wife Ruth and their five children.

Billy and Ruth were married in 1943 and were married for 64 years until God called her home in 2007.

At Billy Graham’s funeral at the Cove (Billy Graham’s Museum) in Charlotte, N.C., on March 2, 2018, his son Franklin said of his father: “My father woke up in the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018.” 

Billy Graham was 99 years old, this stalwart soldier of God.

Finally, never underestimate what God can do through any life so dedicated to Him.

Thank you, Lord, for the ministry of your devoted servant Billy Graham. In the name of Christ we thank You.

You have touched so many of us through his ministry.

Amen.

Peace!