Evangelist Billy Graham has gone home to be with Jesus. On Wednesday morning, February 21, 2018, a spokesperson confirmed Billy Graham’s death to news sources.
The world-renowned preacher known for his tent revivals and ubiquity across denominational lines passed away at 8 a.m. Eastern, according to Jeremy Blume, spokesperson for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Graham, who had suffered from cancer, pneumonia and other ailments, ended his time on this earth at his home in Montreat, North Carolina.
Although Graham has been deteriorating physically for several years now, his legacy will endure as one of the most consequential preachers of the modern era. Graham was seen as the spiritual adviser to many U.S. presidents, including Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter. The nation looked to him when tragic events occurred and listened to his sermons on the radio, on television and in person. According to the BGEA, through radio, satellite television, podcasts and social media, Graham’s sermons have reached millions of people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The renowned evangelist made a public appearance in 2013 at a gathering in Asheville, North Carolina, to celebrate his 95th birthday. Eight hundred people traveled to see Graham and wish him a happy birthday. Among them were several big names, including Kathie Lee Gifford and Donald Trump.
During the height of his evangelistic career, Graham garnered the nicknames “America’s pastor” and the “Protestant pope.” Although ordained as a pastor in the Southern Baptist Church, Graham crossed many denominational lines. It’s no exaggeration to say thousands of Americans have come to Christ through his preaching. In fact, Louis Zamperini, the gentleman whose incredible life is portrayed in the movie Unbroken, traces his faith back to a Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angeles.
Graham’s preaching style was fiery and full of conviction. He was known for bringing every problem in life and every difficult situation facing the U.S. back to a need for moral and spiritual revival.
Graham was 99 years old when he passed away.
