CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 19, 2020—Rev. Billy Graham passed away on Feb. 21, 2018. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), which will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2020, continues to carry on Graham’s life work of sharing the Gospel throughout the world.
The Billy Graham Library, which serves as an ongoing Crusade and extension of Billy Graham’s ministry, has welcomed more than 1.5 million guests since it opened in 2007. Guests who visit the Library throughout the year can discover The Journey of Faith – an interactive tour highlighting the message of hope that Billy Graham preached for more than 80 years – featuring exhibits, multimedia displays, memorabilia and more. The special exhibit, “Billy Graham – An Extraordinary Journey,” was recently brought back on display in the Library lobby. The exhibit shares the remarkable impact of the memorial events commemorating Graham’s life and ministry, and demonstrates how God is continuing his work of evangelism to “bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47).
“My father’s testimony that lives beyond his earthly life was built upon the heritage of what was done two thousand years ago,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the BGEA. “While his voice is now silent and though he will never again step to the pulpit to preach the Word, the testimony he left behind is underscored in the Library … His testimony is not buried. He spent his life preaching the Gospel around the world—and his messages live on.”
Graham’s memory continues to be honored in various other ways as well.
- A prayer event in remembrance of the “Pastor to the Presidents” will be held Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 – the second anniversary of Billy Graham’s passing – at 10 a.m. at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte with Graham family and BGEA staff speaking at the ceremony. The small gathering will take place in the memorial prayer garden at the graveside of Billy and Ruth Graham.
- In 2015, then North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law House Bill 540, which decreed that a statue of evangelist Billy Graham would be commissioned to represent the state in the U.S. Capitol. Today, as plans move forward with the project, those impacted by Graham’s timeless Gospel message are invited to be part of honoring his legacy through the Statuary Hall Fund. In June of 2019 it was announced that local artist, Chas Fagan – known internationally for his painting and sculptures of many admired figures – was chosen as the sculptor.
With only 100 statues on display at any given time, the addition of a sculpture for the National Statuary Hall is a rare and unique opportunity. Those who would like to contribute to the Statuary Hall Fund can visit http://billygraham.org/statue to make their gift.
- Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey ― a film commemorating the life and impact of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham ― is now available on DVD and digital HD.
The 72-minute film offers a unique look into the life of Graham and details his journey as a dairy farmer’s son who rose to prominence, becoming one of the most important religious leaders in modern history.
It showcases his work during the civil rights movement in the United States, behind the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe, and through many pivotal moments in world history. It also features interviews with prominent broadcasters and personalities, including Tom Brokaw, Larry King, Charles Gibson, Kathie Lee Gifford and Brit Hume.
The DVD contains hours of bonus footage and features, including Billy Graham’s funeral.
Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey is available on DVD and digital HD at major retailers. Visit BillyGrahamFilm.com to order your copy today. The program will also be shown on Christian networks the week of Feb. 21; check local listings for dates and times.
For more information about Billy Graham’s legacy of sharing the Gospel and the ongoing work of the BGEA, visit billygraham.org.
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; The Billy Graham Library; The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, N.C.; SearchforJesus.net, an Internet evangelism project reaching thousands of people for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at twitter.com/BGEAnews.
About The
Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 1.5 million
visitors from around the world. Admission to the Library and The Journey of Faith is
free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events, or to schedule a
group tour, please visitBillyGrahamLibrary.org. You can also stay connected with the Billy Graham
Library on these social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and on the Library
blog.
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Media Contact:
Lisa Moseley
(704) 401-2116
lmoseley@bgea.org