The Lakes Evangelical Church

Billy Graham, who is he?

Posted on 10. Jun, 2009 by Ian Mears in Missionaries, Seniors

This year is the 50th Anniversary of Billy Graham’ visit to Sydney conducting, without doubt, the most significant evangelistic Crusade this State has known. He encountered a good deal of suspicion and skepticism even within the Christian community but left, after a 2 week crusade, having united the Denominations in evangelism in a way they had not known before. Hundreds were converted every night. Its impact was so great it was the subject of the nightly news and morning papers. Gradually even the media swung around, at minimum with respect and in some cases, admiration. A recent ABC TV review of his contribution remarked on his extraordinary contribution and continued respect. Dr Stewart Piggin of Macquarie University in a study on Revivals around the world argues that the ’59 Crusade was the nearest NSW has ever come to a Revival.

Many Christians today attribute their conversion to the ‘59 Crusade including Christian leaders like Dr Peter Jensen, archbishop of Sydney. Moore College and many theological colleges had almost double the number of enrolments as a result of the Crusade and the graduates continue to minister around the world today. Missionary societies had more candidates than they had ever known. Even here at the Lakes there are people, like Betty & Jim Clark and Ian Mears, who were converted in the 59 Crusade.

Billy Graham is now over 90, still witnessing for Jesus Christ, and with a reputation, unlike some TV evangelists, untarnished after much media scrutiny. Thank you Billy Graham for telling us the gospel of Jesus Christ, challenging us to repent and believe. Thank you God for changing so many lives, using his faithful preaching.

Tags: evangelism