Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
Sorry for the lateness of Today's meditation, but I am struggling with a sinus problem, and had trouble getting up this morning. As soon as I booted up the computer, I saw the news that Rev. Billy Graham has passed away. I would like to share two memories I have of this good man.
In 1982, the Billy Graham Crusade (and YES! we can still say that word "Crusade"!) came to Boston for a week of services at Boston University's Nickerson Field, an outdoor venue near Kenmore Square in Boston. My little sister and I decided that we would like to be in the Choir signed up. Although there was adequate public transportation, we eschewed that in favor of riding two-up on a rather small and well-used 1978 Honda CB350 Motorcycle. We were required to attend a four hour rehearsal with the renowned Cliff Barrows, whose job it was to train 3000 diverse, untrained vocalists into a professional choir. The rehearsal was wonderful, exhilarating, and inspiring, and I learned a few techniques which I STILL teach to my vocal students.
The Big Week went off without a hitch, with night after night of beautiful music, testimony, and wonderful preaching by Dr. Graham. Hundreds of People came forward, and I remember that each one was directed to ministries nearby for continued nurturing in their new faith. This was not "hit and run" evangelism, as some have alleged over the years. On the last night, it rained, but it didn't matter. As every other night before, my sis and I donned our helmets, and she hopped on the bike behind me and we rode the wet, dark, streets of Boston back to our homes in Roslindale (about 12 city miles away) It was an blessing that I will never forget.
The other memory of Billy Graham was actually that of my Mom, who never watched the Crusades on TV, nor did she think much of him. However, after attending my Brother-In-Law's Graduation from Gordon-Conwell Seminary, Mom couldn't speak highly enough about him. Dr. Graham had been the Keynote Speaker at the Ceremony, and had spoken much longer than his allotted time. However, the audience couldn't get enough of him! Mom sat riveted to his speech for the entire time, and I think it may have changed her perspective on life.
Anyway, Thank You, Billy Graham for enriching our lives in this way, Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant of Christ!
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
The Greatest Of these is Love
God Bless America!
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS