I have a soft spot in my heart for this man because he has had a PROFOUND impact on our family. After a long and fruitful life, he died on February 21, 2018, at the age of 99.
(Picture: Me at 17 years old)
It was his message over the airwaves in 1953 — when Billy Graham was doing a crusade in Detroit — that first brought my mom to Christ. She tells me even today at 100 years old that she fell to her knees in tears that day and asked Jesus to save her.
My dad — who died at 94 years old having been married to my mom for 73 years —followed her conversion and his life was totally changed. My mom and dad then brought us boys to a living and vibrant knowledge of Jesus Christ.
[Link to My conversion story with Billy Graham woven in]
Then when I was 17 years old Billy Graham had a huge impact on me — so much so that after hearing him on the radio in about 1969 I slipped out the back door of our country home and with my long hair and bell-bottom jeans walked down the dirt road with tears in my eyes. I said, “Jesus, I am only 17 years old but tonight I am giving my entire life to you!”
It was THE defining moment in my life. I have great respect and admiration for this good Baptist preacher and will someday in heaven look him straight in the eyes and thank him for reaching a rebellious 17-year-old kid for Christ.
In the family picture, I am on the top row left with the plaid jacket 
Below is a video of Billy Graham given shortly before his death. It was given to the scientists in Silicon Valley. He was fragile with age but his words are powerful, precise, and ever so pertinent to our society today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The post Billy Graham’s Early Influence on My Life & an Excellent Talk by Rev. Billy Graham appeared first on Defenders of the Catholic Faith.
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