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Addis Abbaba, Ethopia (AP) - Christianity, Islam and communism are battling for the minds and heart's of Africa's uncommitted millions. At the moment Islam is making the greatest progress. This is the sober conclusion drawn by American evangelist Billy Graham after an exhausting eight-week crusade through east, central and west Africa.

RALEIGH, North Carolina — For the Rev. Billy Graham, America's most famous evangelist across a career that lasted some six decades, the prospect of old age and death was for a long time something he tried not to think about, despite his convictions about the eternity that awaits human beings. "I fought growing old in every way," Graham, who turns 93 on Monday, writes in the newly-published "Nearing Home," a book that ranges from Scripture quotations about the end of life to basic advice on financial planning. "I faithfully exercised and was careful to pace myself as I began to...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Six decades’ worth of recordings from America’s most famous evangelist are now available in a searchable online database.The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said Wednesday that visitors to http://www.billygraham.org/audio-archives.asp can find nearly 1,700 audio files from his six decades of public ministry.

With the great evangelist in his twilight, his children are jostling over his image and the family name. In this week’s Newsweek, Lisa Miller reports on the younger Grahams’ politics, infighting—and efforts to protect their father from the press.

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Reuters) – Evangelist Billy Graham remained hospitalized in fair condition on Thursday with a confirmed case of pneumonia, hospital officials in Asheville, North Carolina, said. Graham, who lives in nearby Montreat, was admitted on Wednesday to Mission Hospital for observation and pulmonary treatment. The 92-year-old evangelist had a comfortable night's sleep and has been watching television and joking with staff, the hospital said in a statement. His pulmonologist confirmed on Thursday that Graham has pneumonia, as indicated by initial tests. His temperature is normal and he has been encouraged to resume his regular activities, including ongoing physical...

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Evangelist Billy Graham was admitted to Mission Hospital in Asheville, a short distance from his home in Montreat, for observation and pulmonary treatment, according to a news release sent Wednesday afternoon. According to that release, initial testing suggested pneumonia, and further diagnostic studies showed his heart was normal.

Catholic Sex Abuse Scandal (really?) If you believe that the clergy sex abuse scandal is a "Catholic" phenomenon, then (sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but...) you are likely another example that Americans usually hear what they want to hear, prefer to believe what makes them happy, and accept things that the pagan media tells them without discernment.

For at least the last half decade, there’s been speculation as to who could replace the Rev. Billy Graham as the next greatly esteemed and world-renowned leading Christian evangelist. When his 2005 New York crusade was billed as most likely his last, we began wondering if anyone could rise to the task. Or should any individual do so? Since emerging on Christianity’s landscape in the mid-1940s, Graham has never let up in his simple belief that people need Jesus. His way of presenting the gospel message of hope through accepting Christ as Savior has touched millions of hearts. Graham has...

Mr. Graham's Greeting: I came here to say two words: “Merry Christmas!” I also want to say there is so much more to Christmas than what we see and hear on the radio and television. The whole thing is about Jesus. When I look into that crib, I see the greatest teacher that ever lived. The only way that we can ever get to heaven is through Him, and His sacrifice on that cross. Paul said, ‘God forbid that I should glory save that the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me, and...

Here is video of a tremendous interview the Rev. Billy Graham gave to Greta Van Susteren last night. It is the first interview Graham has given in several years. He is now 92 years old, and suffers from Parkinson’s Disease. Yet, in this interview, he spoke clearly and with the same insight he has touched millions of lives with for decades. . . . Van Susteren asked Graham if he had “hope” for the world. Here is where Graham spoke as eloquently as ever about the Hope for all people: “I have a tremendous amount of hope because I’m a...

Q: I've always been a fairly independent person, and for that reason I've never bothered getting connected to a church. It always seemed like too much hassle. And anyway, I can watch a church service on TV if I want to. I know you probably wouldn't agree, but why? - N. McK. Ans: Let me ask you a question: If you never ate a balanced diet, what would happen to your body? You know the answer: Eventually you'd grow weak; you might even open yourself to serious illness or disease. We all need a balanced diet if we are to...

It's the kind of encounter made in TV heaven: the neurotic intellectual New York Jew and the fire-and-brimstone televangelist arguing about what it all means. Woody Allen interviewed Billy Graham in the 1960s, where the two men discussed all manner of topics touching on religion, morality and the meaning of life. It was a respectful, intelligent and often funny conversation the likes of which would be impossible in today's cultural climate, according to the legendary director, who recounted the meeting to the film press as he promoted his latest movie. Allen's talk with Graham resonates with him today, informing in...

Q: Our daughter has turned her back on everything we ever taught her, and it's breaking our hearts. Now she's moved in with a man who's only taking advantage of her (for example, she has a job, and he won't get one). She'll barely even talk to us. What did we do wrong? - Mrs. N.Y. A: No parent is perfect; we all can look back and think of things we could've done to help our children be better prepared for adulthood. And sometimes it's best to admit it to them and encourage them to learn from our mistakes. But...

Mormon talk show host Glenn Beck has added an event called “Divine Destiny” to his Washington, DC rally schedule where “nationally-known religious figures from all faiths will unite to deliver messages reminiscent to those given during the struggles of America's earliest days.” Beck continues: I have met with the biggest leaders of faith in the country privately and I have asked them to help me put differences aside and to reach out with one another so we can remind people to get down on their knees for our brothers' shield in our danger's hour.You will fully understand on 8...

HARLOTTE, N.C. -- A secularist billboard on the Billy Graham Parkway was vandalized over the weekend. The billboard, which was paid for by the The North Carolina Secular Association, shows an American flag and the words "One Nation, Indivisible." Over the weekend, someone spray-painted the words “under God” on the billboard. Police were notified and are reviewing surveillance video from a nearby gas station, according to the NC Secular Association. Will Warren, a spokesman for the Charlotte Atheists and Agnostics, the local ad sponsor, said they have asked the billboard company to repair or replace the billboard this week. "We...

CHARLOTTE, N.C., - An atheists organization says it rented a billboard on a Charlotte, N.C., street named after the most famous U.S. evangelist strictly for economic reasons. The Charlotte Atheists & Agnostics ad appeared over Billy Graham Parkway Monday and will be up for four weeks, The Charlotte Observer said. William Warren, a spokesman for the group, said the location was chosen because two other possibilities near the interstate were too expensive and a third billboard would have been seen by fewer people in the heart of the Bible Belt. "We got more bang for our buck there," Warren said...

The famed evangelist is dealing with a number of health woes but his spokesman said he wants to preach again. "At 91 years of age, he realizes that he's quite possibly in the sunset years of his life," A. Larry Ross told Asheville Citizen-Times. "He's trying to make every day count, knowing that one day he will join his wife, Ruth, in Heaven." "It is encouraging that he remains healthy, alert and committed to his lifelong calling," he added. Though Graham has expressed his desire to deliver a sermon, Ross said the time, location and format have not been...

Billy Graham may come out of retirement to give one more sermon. The famed evangelist is dealing with a number of health woes but his spokesman said he wants to preach again. "At 91 years of age, he realizes that he's quite possibly in the sunset years of his life," A. Larry Ross told Asheville Citizen-Times. "He's trying to make every day count, knowing that one day he will join his wife, Ruth, in Heaven." "It is encouraging that he remains healthy, alert and committed to his lifelong calling," he added. Though Graham has expressed his desire to deliver a...

Evangelist Billy Graham is 91 years old now and spends his waning days at his mountaintop retreat in North Carolina meeting -- when his health permits -- with fortunate pols like Sarah Palin, as he did last November, or Barack Obama, as he did last week. But "America's Pastor" largely stays out of partisan politics these days, preferring to meet leaders of either party for some spiritual counseling and a photo-op.

He is the first sitting president to visit the Graham home MONTREAT, NC - President Barack Obama made a brief visit on Sunday afternoon (April 25, 2010) to see Billy Graham, the 91-year-old evangelist, at his mountaintop log cabin in Montreat, North Carolina. Graham has been a spiritual adviser to U.S. presidents for seven decades...

President Barack Obama is fitting in his first visit with ailing evangelist Billy Graham during his vacation weekend in North Carolina. Obama planned to see the 91-year-old Graham and his son Franklin at the elder Graham's mountainside home in Montreat, about 20 miles east of Asheville, where Obama spent a few days away from the White House. "I expect they'll have prayer, but beyond that I don't know what they'll talk about," said Mark DeMoss, a spokesman for the Grahams. A White House spokesman, Bill Burton, said that when Obama last spoke with Billy Graham, in a telephone call in...

MONTREAT, N.C. (AP) -- President Barack Obama made a pilgrimage Sunday to Billy Graham's mountainside home, concluding his North Carolina vacation with his first meeting with the ailing evangelist who has counseled commanders in chief since Dwight Eisenhower. The 48-year-old president made the short drive to Montreat from Asheville, where he spent the weekend, to see the 91-year-old Graham and son Franklin, also an evangelist.

Hundreds gathered in Charlotte Tuesday evening for the rededication of the Billy Graham Library. Some of the changes made were in his wife's room. Franklin Graham said the Rev. Billy Graham spent a lot of time in that room today. "We made some changes to her room he was fascinated by those changes," Franklin Graham said. . . .

RALEIGH, N.C. — Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin had dinner the other day with the Rev. Billy Graham, which is sort of the Southern equivalent of having an audience with the Protestant pope. Palin's dinner with Graham, not her book signing at Fort Bragg, was her significant event in North Carolina. For decades, presidents and presidential wannabes have sought the blessing of the nation's best-known preacher. EarthShare The evangelist, 91, doesn't endorse any more, having been burned by his close relationship with President Richard Nixon, who was Graham's idea of a Christian statesman until Graham listened to the Watergate tapes....

Here is video of Anne Graham Lotz talking with Greta Van Susteren, and describing Gov. Sarah Palin's visit with Dr. Billy Graham recently. Palin visited Graham's home in North Carolina and had dinner with Graham, his son Franklin, and his daughter - Anne Graham Lotz. The video also shows Palin sharing her thoughts in having the opportunity to meet Dr. Graham. Lotz also discussed her new book, "The Magnificent Obsession." . . . (VIDEO)

"I believe our country has been touched by God," said Palin, "because when we formed our union, leaders back then dedicated our country to God and said that we would seek His will for our great nation. "I think if we could get back to that humbleness," she added, "with that kind of contrite spirit, I think that we would be able to be provided more of the answers to so many of the great challenges that we’re facing." Gov. Palin noted that it takes Godly counsel, prayer and "a collective humble heart of a nation seeking God’s hand of...

Private meeting is one thing; cheap photo op is another. I don't mean to begrudge Billy Graham a Sunday afternoon visit from an admirer. I just wish he hadn't been used as a political prop. Picking up the paper Monday morning, I cringed at news of Sarah Palin spending the day with the evangelist at his home in Montreat. Especially cringe-inducing was the picture of Palin holding her special needs child, Trig, on her lap as mother and son shared what looked to be a less-than-spontaneous moment with Graham. It definitely wasn't a private moment, since a photographer had to...

Sarah Palin, the hottest name in the Republican Party, took a detour from her book-signing tour Sunday to dine with Billy Graham at his mountaintop home in Montreat."He's followed her career and likes her strong stand on faith," said son Franklin Graham, who was present for the 2 1/2-hour get-together. "Daddy feels God was using her to wake America up."The former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate told Billy Graham about how she came to faith in God as a girl in Bible camp.She quizzed him on the presidents he's known and wanted his take on what the...

via charlotteobserver.com Sarah Palin, the hottest name in the Republican Party, took a detour from her book-signing tour Sunday to dine with Billy Graham at his mountaintop home in Montreat. "He's followed her career and likes her strong stand on faith," said son Franklin Graham, who was present for the 2 1/2-hour get-together. "Daddy feels God was using her to wake America up." The former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate told Billy Graham about how she came to faith in God as a girl in Bible camp. She quizzed him on the presidents he's known and wanted...

Sarah Palin met with Franklin and Billy Graham yesterday for a 2 1/2 hour visit at his North Carolina home, Franklin talked to the Charlotte Observer and said, his dad said God using Palin to "wake up America"

MONTREAT, N.C. – Sarah Palin on Sunday dined and prayed with the Rev. Billy Graham, who has counseled presidents and other politicians for decades. Graham had never met Palin, who is scheduled to stop at Fort Bragg in eastern North Carolina on Monday to promote her memoir, "Going Rogue: An American Life." The former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee and members of her family flew into Asheville in the western part of the state, then went to Graham's mountaintop home in nearby Montreat for dinner. Billy Graham said it was an honor having Palin in his home...

Sarah Palin comes to Asheville NC to have Dinner with Billy Graham & Family from richard bernier on Vimeo. Sarah Palin arrives in Asheville NC to have Dinner with Billy Graham & Family. 22 Nov 2009 - On a very short notice, Space Mountain Productions was advised that Mrs.Palin would be coming to Asheville to have dinner with Billy Graham & Familly. Mrs. Palin is on her book tour & will be in Fayetteville the next day to promote her book. Mrs.Palin arrived at 3:10pm & took a few questions & meet some supporters who had time to come to...

Sarah Palin, who will sign books Monday at Fort Bragg, plans a stopover in Montreat today to have dinner with 91-year-old Billy Graham and his son, Franklin Graham, who issued the invitation. "He just saw that she was going to be in the area and he said to come by," said Jeremy Blume, a spokesman for Franklin Graham. Former Alaska Gov. Palin, who was the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008, will fly into Asheville this afternoon, Blume said, and then go to Billy Graham's mountaintop home in Montreat for dinner. The Charlotte-born evangelist has never met Palin, who is...

Who couldn't like Jimmy Stewart? He gave one memorable screen performance after another. High on the list of most people's favorite Christmas movies is his classic, "It's a Wonderful Life." In that role, Stewart got to do what many of us secretly wish we could do - see what the world would have been like had we never been born. Stewart's character, George Bailey, learns that a lot of surviving servicemen would be dead because his brother - the war hero he envied - wouldn't have been there to save them. He would have died in a childhood accident because...

black woman is suing the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, saying she was abruptly fired after complaining that the organization was not reaching out to black churches. A spokesman for the organization didn't comment on the firing, but said the association does extensive outreach and works extensively with black congregations and other diverse churches. Kimberly McCallum said in the lawsuit that was moved into a federal court on Wednesday that she was the only black employee working in the executive offices in Charlotte when she started in February 2007. She complained to her superiors later that year when she was asked...

“In Nixon tapes, Billy Graham refers to ‘synagogue of Satan’” That headline, which appeared yesterday in USA Today, is the latest damaging revelation about the great evangelical leader to come out of his conversations with President Richard Nixon. In the Bible, the term “synagogue of Satan,” which appears in Revelation 3:9, referred to those “who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie.” But in contemporary times the phrase has been grifted by conspiracy theorists and anti-Semites to refer to a Jewish cabal hell-bent on, and only moments away from, world domination; a Google search for “synagogue of...

Many people look up to Billy Graham, the greatest evangelist of our time. What was his position on creation science? Here's a quote: "I don't think that there's any conflict at all between science today and the Scriptures. I think that we have misinterpreted the Scriptures many times and we've tried to make the Scriptures say things they weren't meant to say, I think that we have made a mistake by thinking the Bible is a scientific book. The Bible is not a book of science. The Bible is a book of Redemption, and of course I accept the Creation...

Washington - A widely-known megachurch founded by an architect of the religious right and seen as a national political force selected a grandson of Billy Graham on Sunday as its new leader. The overwhelming vote by congregants at Coral Ridge Presbyterian in Fort Lauderdale to appoint the Rev. Tullian Tchividjian could represent a softening of the message spread by the Rev. D. James Kennedy, who was pastor at the church until his death in September 2007. Kennedy's preaching against homosexuality and abortion made him one of evangelical Christianity's most divisive figures, and he worked to inject his faith in all...

Gov. Sarah Palin just announced she'll head to the Western Alaska villages of Marshall and Russian Mission tomorrow, and that she's going with the Rev. Franklin Graham -- president of the evangelical Christian aid group Samaritan's Purse. Graham is the son of evangelist Billy Graham and president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

In 2009, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website tells us that it “will focus on the return of Jesus Christ—and how you can live a faithful life in the meantime.” This focus isn’t anything new. Graham has been preaching an end-time message since the 1950s. The articles on the BGEA website are recycled material: 2009: “We can’t go on much longer morally. We can’t go on much longer scientifically. The technology that was supposed to save us is ready to destroy us. New weapons are being made all the time, including chemical and biological weapons.”[1] 1986: “If you look in...

For decades he was a fixture on the Billy Graham Crusade stage and on televisions in living rooms around the country. Now, George Beverly Shea, the award-winning baritone who is often described as "America's Beloved Gospel Singer", will reach a new milestone in his storied life - the century mark. Shea will celebrate his 100th birthday on Sunday, February 1. One day later, he will be the guest of honour during a special private gathering of family and friends at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. "On the ladder of life, I have reached...

For more than half a century, the First Baptist Church of Dallas could claim among its members one of the most famous of Christians – the Rev. Billy Graham. But that distinction has ended with the 90-year-old evangelist's decision to join the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C., which is much nearer his home in Montreat, N.C. -snip- Members of First Baptist Spartanburg voted him in on Sunday. -snip-

A conservative Christian activist says it's a sad omen for the Obama administration and the United States that Barack Obama has been seeking guidance from the Episcopal Church's first openly homosexual bishop. The Times of London reports that the president-elect sought out New Hampshire homosexual bishop Vicki Gene Robinson for advice three times during his presidential campaign. Robinson, whose ordination in the Episcopal Church has caused a deep rift within the Anglican Communion, was reportedly sought out by Obama to discuss what it feels like to be "first." Robinson notes in their three private conversations, Obama voiced his support for...

One of the great fears of my life as a boy growing up in Greenville, South Carolina is that Billy Graham would die. Today he is 90 years old. Thank you, Lord, that you answered my boyish prayers. Happy birthday, Billy. Here’s to your life! Billy Graham was born on November 7, 1918 in North Carolina. In 1934, under the preaching of evangelist Mordecai Ham, Billy was converted to Christ. Which means that Mordecai Ham is one of the most influential preachers of the 20th century. Billy attended Bob Jones University in Cleveland, Tennessee for one year and spent three...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Billy Graham's work as a pastor to presidents is coming to an end, but he is praying for Barack Obama as the nation's next leader begins his work, Graham's son said Friday on the aging evangelist's 90th birthday. Franklin Graham said in an interview that his father's mind remains sharp even as his body continues to fail. But the preacher who has counseled every president beginning with Eisenhower is not in line to mentor Obama. "My father feels like his time and day for that is over," Franklin Graham said. "But he would certainly like to...

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) - The son of Billy Graham says the famed evangelist's work as pastor to presidents is ending. Franklin Graham said Friday as his family gathers to celebrate the preacher's 90th birthday that his father is praying for president-elect Barack Obama. The two had tried to meet during the campaign, but were unable to connect because of Billy Graham's fragile health. Billy Graham has provided advice to every president since Eisenhower. He hopes to meet someday with Obama, but Franklin Graham said his father feels that his time as an active counselor to the nation's leader is over....

Please hears us, O Lord.

On this day 90 years ago, a son was born to a dairy farmer just outside of Charlotte. About 74 years ago that boy gave his life to Jesus Christ. Billy Graham has been preaching the Gospel ever since. Evangelist Billy Graham spent more than six decades talking about salvation and influencing people across the globe. "The difference that he has made in the lives of people in general and in individuals has been astounding," said Fraley Memorial Baptist Church Pastor Warner Doles. "His influence, his character has affected this country probably in a way that no single individual has...

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Respected Christian preacher Billy Graham has been an advisor and spiritual helper to presidents dating back to President Eisenhower. But that relationship with presidents will end in part because incoming president Barack Obama takes such a profoundly pro-abortion position. To be sure, Graham's health is the main reason for the decision, his son Franklin Graham told the Associated Press. "My father feels like his time and day for that is over," Franklin Graham said. "But he would certainly like to meet (Obama) and pray with him." But Franklin expressed concerns about Obama's abortion position -- something...

Billy Graham Won't Advise Obama Because of His Strong Pro-Abortion Position by Steven Ertelt LifeNews.com Editor November 7, 2008 Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Respected Christian preacher Billy Graham has been an advisor and spiritual helper to presidents dating back to President Eisenhower. But that relationship with presidents will now come to an end because incoming president Barack Obama takes such a profoundly pro-abortion position. To be sure, Graham's health is playing a part in the decision his son Franklin Graham told the Associated Press. "My father feels like his time and day for that is over," Franklin Graham said. "But...