Billy Graham _ God Is About to Surprise You with a Blessing – Be Ready! скачать в хорошем качестве

Billy Graham _ God Is About to Surprise You with a Blessing – Be Ready!

Billy Graham _ God Is About to Surprise You with a Blessing – Be Ready! Born William Franklin Graham Jr. on November 7, 1918, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Billy Graham grew up on a dairy farm during the Great Depression. Raised in a devout family, he personally accepted Christ just before turning 16 during a revival led by Mordecai Ham He pursued biblical studies at Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College) and graduated from Wheaton College in 1943 with a degree in anthropology. It was during this time that he felt a distinct calling to evangelism After serving a brief pastorate in Illinois, Graham joined Youth for Christ, ministering to young people and U.S. servicemen in the aftermath of World War II. This period allowed him to sharpen his evangelistic skills through public rallies across the U.S. and Europe His first major evangelistic crusade took place in Grand Rapids in 1947, at age 28. The breakthrough came in 1949 with the Los Angeles Crusade, initially scheduled for three weeks, but extended to eight due to overwhelming public response. The media attention—including editor William Randolph Hearst's tape to “Puff Graham”—catapulted him to national fame Graham became a global evangelistic force. His London Crusade (1954) attracted around 2 million attendees over three months and earned both praise and critique from church leaders . In 1957, he preached for 16 weeks at NYC’s Madison Square Garden; in 1959, his South Cross Crusades in Australia and New He also conducted extensive crusades in Korea, Africa, the Soviet bloc, and beyond—often risking travel to areas closed to Western evangelists In 1950, Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), which became the backbone of his global efforts. The BGEA launched: The Hour of Decision radio program My Answer syndicated newspaper column Decision Magazine Christianity Today magazine (founded 1956) Film, satellite, and later internet evangelism ministries Graham’s preaching emphasized repentance, faith in Christ, and assurance of salvation. Known for clear, compelling messaging, he rejected sensationalism and maintained a high standard of moral and financial integrity—often contrasted with other televangelists of his era Amid racial segregation in the U.S., Graham insisted on integrated seating at his events as early as 1953, contributing to scoring church integration nationally. He also invited Martin Luther King Jr. to speak at a New York Crusade in 1957 Billy Graham became known as “America's Pastor.” He served as a spiritual advisor to successive U.S. presidents—from Truman through Obama—while refraining from political partisanship. His integrity became a model for evangelical leadership Graham authored more than 30 books, including bestsellers such as Peace With God, The Holy Spirit, Just As I Am (1997), The Journey, Hope for Each Day, and more—many awarded and translated globally His accolades include: Congressional Gold Medal (with Ruth Graham) Honorary KBE from Queen Elizabeth II (2001) Presidential Medal of Freedom Templeton Prize and others such as induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame Graham preached to over 210 million live attendees across 185+ countries, with millions more reached digitally and through media A statue in his honor now stands in the U.S. Capitol, reflecting his enduring legacy Graham retired in 2005, concluding his public ministry with a crusade in New York. He battled Parkinson’s and passed away on February 21, 2018, at age 99 in Montreat, North Carolina The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte (opened 2007) commemorates his life and impact. The BGEA continues its outreach, led by his son Franklin Graham, through programs like My Hope, radio, television, internet evangelism, and disaster relief Category Details Early Faith Born 1918; conversion at 16; Wheaton graduate Evangelistic Rise LA 1949 Crusade—national fame Global Outreach Major crusades across continents Media Innovation Radio, TV, print, satellite, internet Institutional Impact BGEA, magazines, media platforms Social Integration Civil rights inclusion, inter-racial unity Presidential Counsel Spiritual advisor to multiple U.S. presidents Publishing Over 30 books, widely translated Awards & Influence Highest civic and religious honors Final Years Retired 2005; passed in 2018 Legacy Library, statues, enduring evangelistic influence