2018 saw the passing of Billy Graham who, for over 60 years, shared the good news of the gospel in person with more people than anyone in history. His team embraced the new technologies of film, television, radio, video, and in later decades the internet to reach the world. Amplified speakers allowed him to speak to huge crowds with over 1 million attending a single service in South Korea. A 1996 television broadcast is estimated to have reached as many as 2.5 billion people. Though famous for filling stadiums to and beyond capacity, Graham always directed all credit to his Lord, and not his own doing.
From the 1940s until his last TV and video broadcast message "Heaven: Are you ready?" in 2014, the North Carolina farm boy was devoted to his calling even in failing health.
A man of integrity and character, he was admired by secular, religious and spiritual audiences alike. Graham was on Gallup's list of most admired men and women 61 times, more than any man or woman in history. His counsel was sought across the world. He wrote 33 books, many of which became best sellers.
I had the privilege of meeting several people who through the decades met Dr Graham, including a health caretaker and a daughter of an atheist man whom Graham personally called at her family’s request. They all had similar stories. They said he treated me like I was the only person in the world at that time, not a just another grain of sand on the beach. Those testimonies coincide with Graham's own remarks during his 2013 message The Cross when he shared that when he preached before the large audiences he didn't see them as a crowd, but rather individuals.
Since we are in the media field, it is interesting to look back at this era and how Graham’s team used our field on a large scale. It’s neat to look back at the old microphones and cameras they used. Even the zoom lens was a relatively new tool. Graham candidly recalled the new B&W TVs where they watched static with excitement. He talked about the new airplanes and advancement of automobiles and quickly embraced color TV for their broadcasts when it came about.
Thank you all and happy 2019!
Billy Graham: A life remembered
From the 1940s until his last TV and video broadcast message "Heaven: Are you ready?" in 2014, the North Carolina farm boy was devoted to his calling even in failing health.
A man of integrity and character, he was admired by secular, religious and spiritual audiences alike. Graham was on Gallup's list of most admired men and women 61 times, more than any man or woman in history. His counsel was sought across the world. He wrote 33 books, many of which became best sellers.
I had the privilege of meeting several people who through the decades met Dr Graham, including a health caretaker and a daughter of an atheist man whom Graham personally called at her family’s request. They all had similar stories. They said he treated me like I was the only person in the world at that time, not a just another grain of sand on the beach. Those testimonies coincide with Graham's own remarks during his 2013 message The Cross when he shared that when he preached before the large audiences he didn't see them as a crowd, but rather individuals.
Since we are in the media field, it is interesting to look back at this era and how Graham’s team used our field on a large scale. It’s neat to look back at the old microphones and cameras they used. Even the zoom lens was a relatively new tool. Graham candidly recalled the new B&W TVs where they watched static with excitement. He talked about the new airplanes and advancement of automobiles and quickly embraced color TV for their broadcasts when it came about.
Thank you all and happy 2019!
Billy Graham: A life remembered
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