CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 30, 2011 – On July 1, The Billy Graham Library will unveil a new exhibit focused on a side of Ruth Bell Graham many may not know about – her deep desire to share the love of Christ with the world, one person at a time.
For more than 60 years, Ruth stood by the side of America’s most well-known evangelist. While Billy Graham, who referred to her as his most-trusted advisor and the greatest Christian he has ever known, traveled the world sharing Christ with millions in stadiums, Ruth reached countless people in her own mission field.
“Our team has spent hours looking through Ruth’s writings, photos and memorabilia to compile this exhibit,” said Debra Cordial, director of the Library. “While we have a room in our Journey of Faith tour dedicated to Ruth, this new exhibit offers a great opportunity for visitors to see a different side of her remarkable life.”
Born in China to missionary parents, Ruth developed a strong heart for the Chinese people and an even greater love for the Lord. As a girl, she dreamed of serving as a missionary in Tibet. Her heart for missions work never faded, but her plans were transformed with she met and married a young preacher from North Carolina.
An accomplished author, poet and artist, Ruth encouraged thousands throughout her life by sharing her personal stories and her deep love for Jesus Christ. Ruth was a lover of people and enjoyed opening her home and heart to many.
Visitors will see Ruth’s love for others and passion for sharing her faith – through handwritten entries from her personal journals, correspondence she sent to prison inmates, awards, honors, newspaper clippings and first-hand accounts of how she touched the lives of others.
“Ruth Bell Graham: The Heart of a Missionary” begins July 1 and is open to the public through the end of August. Ruth passed away in June 2007, and she was buried at the Library in its Prayer Garden, where many guests choose to spend time in reflection and prayer.
About The Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 500,000 visitors from around the world. The Library is open Monday –Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission to the Library is free. For more information on the Library and the tribute, or to schedule a group tour, please visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org.
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association directs a wide range of domestic and international evangelism ministries, including: large-scale Festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; Dare to Be a Daniel, a youth evangelism training project; My Hope World Evangelism Through Television; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, offering the hope of Jesus Christ in the midst of tragedy; and many others. Visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BGEAMediaPR.