Billy Graham was taken to Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina with severe chest congestion. Family spokesman Mark DeMoss said the former televangelist was treated for a similar ailment earlier this month. DeMoss said Graham is expected to return home before the end of the week.
On November 7, Graham celebrated his 95th birthday with more than 800 guests. During the celebration, the respected evangelist presented what may be his last sermon. The sermon was part of a film presentation titled The Cross.
In an interview with WND , Graham said our society is “adrift morally and spiritually.” He explained that the answers to life’s toughest questions “can only be found in the Gospel.”
During the sermon, Graham encouraged his followers to repent and prepare for the resurrection.
In addition to the sermon, The Cross included music and personal testimonies from rapper LaCrae Moore and singer Lacey Sturm.
Billy Graham was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1918. He was ordained as a minister by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1939. Four years later, he received his first appointment as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Western Springs, Illinois.
In 1950, Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and began a radio program titled Hour of Decision .
As reported by CBS News , the beloved minister drew record crowds during his live sermons. By 1960, the faithful were filling entire baseball stadiums to hear him speak.
Former Presidents Richard Nixon, G.H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton , consider the minister a friend and a confidant. His relationships with US presidents led to the nickname “Pastor to the Presidents.”
Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for his work including recognition by the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
In addition to his ministry, Graham published numerous articles and books about the Christian faith. His most recent book, The Reason for My Hope: Salvation , reached the top three on Amazon’s Christian Faith list.
Billy Graham is well-respected across the nation and worldwide. His compassion and integrity are legendary.
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