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Commentary: Remembering Billy Graham

Well-known evangelist's faith was inspiring
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Joyce Hoey is a longtime Mountain View Albertan columnist. File photo

I was saddened all over again to read of the second anniversary of the passing of Billy Graham, a well-known evangelist in a ministry that has been ongoing for more than 70 years.

Billy Graham’s ministry played a large role in my young life. That was the time of the huge crusades throughout the world, televised across Canada and right into our nearest neighbour’s old log house.

We didn’t have a television initially and I recall many times that we watched and heard the gospel, sitting quietly on the worn linoleum floor in that rustic setting.

Dad must have heard of the broadcast on the radio. No doubt we listened to the radio programs frequently, but it is the televised crusades that I remember.

Cliff Barrows was the music director and I watched in fascination as he led the mass choir and the assembled congregation with inspired energy.

Our own little country church of 20 to 30 souls sang a cappella in four-part harmony, beautiful but fairly subdued. With the leading of Mr. Barrows, we sang along with gusto.

George Beverly Shea, a renown soloist, sang every night of each crusade, just prior to Rev. Graham’s message. According to Mr. Barrows, Billy Graham had said that he couldn’t preach until Mr. Shea had finished singing.

These three godly men and their extended team brought the good news of the gospel to the world during their changing generations.

We had learned those lessons in Sunday school under the leadership of mom and grandma but the convictions were re-enforced and strengthened as I listened to Billy Graham.

His message was always simple, clear and consistent, that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

During that time, many Christian movies were produced by the ministry.

Our Youth for Christ Centre in Sundre often hosted the movies, giving us opportunity to invite our friends and neighbours to come and hear as well.

It was during these events, along with hearing many other evangelistic speakers in my early teens, that my faith in God grew.

I’ve watched a multitude of Gaither Homecoming gatherings and was blessed to hear George Beverly Shae and Cliff Barrows in interviews and in song. Their passion for the gospel and their love of Christ inspired me.

I sometimes sign into Facebook and tune in to a Billy Graham message, rebroadcast for all to hear.

A recent video showed him in his last years, clearly suffering from advanced age and illness; his message was still clear.

According to his son Franklin, Billy Graham never wanted the focus to be on himself. His life was all about God.

Joyce Hoey is a longtime Mountain View Albertan columnist.

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