Billy Graham Is Frail, but Mission Is Strong
He is 86 now and suffering from Parkinson's disease, a progressive nervous disorder that makes it difficult for him to write by hand. He is using a walker as he recuperates after two falls earlier this year that broke his pelvic bone in three places. The voice that thundered with righteousness speaks more softly.
But 55 years after his first crusade in Los Angeles launched him into international prominence, evangelist Billy Graham opens his four-day Greater Los Angeles Crusade at the Rose Bowl on Thursday night with a Christian Gospel message of salvation that has remained unchanged.
When asked during a recent interview about speculation over several years that each of his crusades would be his last, Graham smiled.
"I don't know I can say this is the last one, because we're now having some thought about going to New York next June," he said. "If the Lord gives me the strength here, it will be an indication that I can go there."
Graham has preached before an estimated 210 million people in 185 countries -- more, his staff said, than any single person in history. In years past, the podium became a mere prop as an untethered Graham, lithe and lean, would stride across the platform, Bible in hand and an exhortation in his voice. This time at the 93,000-seat Rose Bowl, he will likely remain in his seat as he extends "the Invitation," to make a "decision for Christ."
Crusade organizers said 1,400 churches have signed on as co-sponsors of the $5.4-million crusade, which ends Sunday. Nearly 20,000 volunteers -- including a 6,000-member choir, counselors and ushers -- have signed up. Over the course of the revival, services will be translated into a total of 26 languages via 17,000 low-power AM radio receivers and headsets. Giant television screens will be located throughout the bowl. All this to bring what Graham calls the simple themes of God's love and forgiveness.
Graham, who celebrated his birthday Nov. 7, smiled gamely as he used an aluminum walker to shuffle into a room for an interview in Pasadena. He wears a hearing aid. The trademark glint in his blue eyes and his statements of faith remain as clear as the day he opened the Los Angeles revival in 1949 that catapulted him from a 6,000-seat "canvas cathedral" at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Hill Street to become a confidant of presidents.
- Spiritual Crusade Takes Down-to-Earth Work Jul 10, 2004
- Once-'Rebel' Son Becomes Heir to Graham Ministry Nov 27, 2004
- Laurie, Evangelist to Baby Boomers, Plans L.A. Crusade May 11, 1996
