William Graham American religious and public figure, minister of the Baptist Church. Date of Birth: 07.11.1918 Country: USA

Content:

1. Early Life and Conversion
2. Education and Ordination
3. Evangelistic Ministry
4. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
5. "My Answer" newspaper column, published in numerous newspapers.

Early Life and Conversion

William Franklin Graham Jr. was born on a farm near Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 7, 1918. Raised in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Graham's early life was marked by his father's strict religious upbringing and his aversion to alcohol instilled by an incident involving beer.

In 1934, Graham committed his life to Jesus Christ during a series of evangelistic sermons by Mordecai Ham. Following his high school graduation in 1936, he enrolled in Bob Jones College in Tennessee but found its theology too legalistic. He later transferred to the Florida Bible Institute.

Education and Ordination

In 1937, Graham entered Wheaton College in Illinois, where he met his future wife, Ruth Bell. He graduated in 1943 and was ordained as a minister of the Southern Baptist Convention. He briefly served as pastor of a rural church in Western Springs, Illinois.

Evangelistic Ministry

In 1949, Graham planned a three-week evangelistic campaign in Los Angeles. However, the meetings were so successful that they lasted for eight weeks, propelling Graham into national prominence. He served as President of Northwestern College in Minnesota from 1948 to 1952.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

In 1950, Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) with headquarters in Minneapolis, later relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. The BGEA included various outreach programs:

"Hour of Decision," a weekly radio broadcast airing worldwide for over 50 years.

Mission television specials broadcast in prime time in the U.S. and Canada.

"My Answer" newspaper column, published in numerous newspapers.

"Decision" magazine, the official publication of the association.
World Wide Pictures, a film company that has produced over 130 films.
Legacy and Recognition

Throughout his career, Graham served as a spiritual advisor to several U.S. Presidents. He was awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize in 1982. Billy Graham passed away on February 21, 2018, at the age of 99. He left behind a legacy of faith, hope, and love that continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Religious figure

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