Many will note the many contributions of the life and legacy of Dr. Billy Graham today in honor and recognition of this great Christian warrior who has reached millions of lives for Christ during his 99 years on earth.
As a fledgling freelance journalist in the 20th century, I interviewed Dr. Graham who was in Atlanta to conduct a crusade. As he spoke, he admonished me to “pray without ceasing.” As he spoke, his brilliant blue eyes were glowing with a heavenly brightness. As I naively asked how anyone could pray 24/7; he quietly responded in a reverberating voice: “I’m praying for you right now.” This unforgettable experience changed my life forever.
The lives of my family have been personally intertwined with those of Dr. Graham and his family throughout our lifetime. My “Uncle ML,” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ministered with Dr. Billy in New York at Madison Square Garden during the 1950’s. Together, in living color, bridging the racial divide, they debunked the colorblind myth; revealing the mystery of Acts 16:26 — One Blood, One Human Race. They are pictured together during their meeting. The photo is printed with permission in my book "King Truths."
My friend Victoria Hearst, granddaughter of legendary newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst and founder of Praise Him Ministries has shared with me her grandfather’s role in bringing Dr. Graham’s ministry to the forefront in the media.
One prayer warrior, known as Mrs. Edwards, felt a supernatural compulsion to call media mogul Hearst and tell him about Billy Graham. Hearst was so impressed that he ordered his massive press machine to “puff up” the then young Christian evangelist Billy Graham. The rest is now history.
Today I join America and the world in prayers for the Graham family; not just mourning their loss, but also celebrating the life of this precious man of God.
Dr. Alveda C. King grew up in the civil rights movement led by her uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She is director of African-American outreach for Priests for Life and Gospel of Life Ministries. Her family home in Birmingham, Ala., was bombed, as was her father's church office in Louisville, Ky. Alveda herself was jailed during the open housing movement. Read more reports from Dr. Alveda C. King — Click Here Now.
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