By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent BosNewsLife
WASHINGTON/BUDAPEST (BosNewsLife)— The son of late evangelist Billy Graham says the death of his father on Wednesday at age 99 is not the end but the beginning of a new era in evangelism. In a letter obtained by BosNewsLife, Franklin Graham acknowledges that “Many have said that his death ends an era.”
But, says Franklin Graham, “he would be the first to say that when God’s ambassadors die in Christ, the Lord raises up others, because the preaching of the Gospel will go forward until the end of the age.”
It comes amid a debate in media about the future of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), which employs some 500 people globally.
Billy Graham, dubbed ‘America’s pastor’, often called himself an ambassador of Christ, not of the United States or any other country,
JOURNEY OF FAITH
“As we lay to rest this very public ambassador, please pray with us that the testimony he leaves behind will touch many lives and point them to salvation in Jesus Christ,” his son writes.
”My father’s journey of faith on earth has ended. He has been reunited with my mother and has stepped into the eternal joy of Heaven in the presence of his Savior, in whom he placed his hope.”
Recalling how his father peacefully passed away at his North Carolina home, Franklin Graham cited Bible verse Revelation 14:13: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord … that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Franklin Graham asked believers to pray for his family. ”My siblings and I would appreciate your prayers in the days ahead as we honor a man who served the Lord with his life, loved his family, and was always grateful for God’s faithful people who supported him in the work of the ministry in Jesus’ Name.”
PRIVATE FUNERAL
Graham’s private funeral service will be held Friday, March 2, at noon local time in a canvas tent set up near The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, officials said.
Before that, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan has announced that on Wednesday, February 28, Graham’s body will be brought to the US Capitol, where he will lie in honor in the Rotunda until Thursday, March 1.
Graham passed away at his North Carolina home on Wednesday, February 21.
“It was described by a nurse and doctor as a very peaceful passing,” said Mark DeMoss, a spokesman for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
“He was not in any pain, and he wouldn’t have suffered any.”
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Following the letter as written by Franklin Graham:
Dear Friend,
My father, Billy Graham, went into the presence of the Lord on February 21, 2018.
The Bible tells us in Revelation 14:13: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord … that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (NKJV).
Many have said that his death ends an era, but he would be the first to say that when God’s ambassadors die in Christ, the Lord raises up others, because the preaching of the Gospel will go forward until the end of the age. God’s blessing continues as He opens doors for the Gospel around the world. BGEA remains committed to preach the Word in season and out of season across the globe.
My siblings and I would appreciate your prayers in the days ahead as we honor a man who served the Lord with his life, loved his family, and was always grateful for God’s faithful people who supported him in the work of the ministry in Jesus’ Name.
As we lay to rest this very public ambassador, please pray with us that the testimony he leaves behind will touch many lives and point them to salvation in Jesus Christ. My father’s journey of faith on earth has ended. He has been reunited with my mother and has stepped into the eternal joy of Heaven in the presence of his Savior, in whom he placed his hope.
If you would like to know more about my father’s life, share a memory, or read public visitation details, please visit BillyGraham.org.
God bless you and thank you for your prayers for our family and the staff of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
