OUR ONLY HOPE IS IN THE LORD

Dear Friend,

Does God answer prayer?
As a nation, we have seen a resounding yes! For several years, the United States has been on a slippery slope, in danger of losing our freedoms of religion and speech—including our right to share Biblical truth and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the public square. Beginning in 2016 in all 50 states on our Decision America Tour and then again in 2020 during the Prayer March we held in Washington, D.C., with over 100,000 people attending, we have been calling on believers to ask God to preserve these precious rights and our ability to proclaim the Good News—and He has answered! While this is only the beginning, I thank the Lord for the new incoming administration and for officials across the U.S. who will fight to protect our Constitution and our freedoms. When President Donald Trump is inaugurated in January, he will take the reins of a nation in trouble, and we need to pray for him and for all of our leaders. No matter who you voted for, the greatest thing you can do is pray. The Lord is the only hope for our nation. Only He can change the human heart and turn things around on a national level.

May God richly bless you,

Franklin Graham

President & CEO

Although hurricanes Helene and Milton are no longer in the national spotlight, families across Western North Carolina and Florida are still hurting. It has been heart breaking to see the total devastation from these massive storms. We have been ministering in communities across the Southeast, from Florida’s Gulf Coast to remote communities deep in the
Appalachian Mountains. Our Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are serving alongside Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief workers, offering a listening ear, prayer, and God’s promise that “the Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, ESV). Many of our chaplains talk to individuals who have lost everything—homes, cars, livelihoods, and even family members and friends. In the midst of overwhelming destruction, many have found hope for eternity by receiving Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Maria* is among these new brothers and sisters. She met a couple of our chaplains when she went to pick up clean water from a church in Buncombe County—one of the worst-hit areas in North Carolina. Our chaplains helped her load the water into her car and then asked if they could pray for her. She explained that she missed her family in Mexico and was struggling with the challenges of recovering from Helene. As they prayed, Maria wept. She was overwhelmed with gratitude—and with conviction from the Holy Spirit.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we hosted a Law Enforcement Appreciation Retreat for officers and their spouses in California. This two-day event was designed to give these brave men and
women a getaway from the intense pressure of their calling, to rest, enjoy each other’s company, and hear powerful Biblical encouragement from experienced speakers. We praise God for the 175 who attended. Lewis* and Jenny* were among those who left the retreat with changed hearts. Lewis serves as an officer, but the burden on his heart was his own 27-year-old son. The couple walked forward when one of our speakers gave an invitation to respond to the Gospel. They told one of our staff members that they were deeply concerned for their son, who is addicted to drugs. Our chaplain was able to minister to the couple in a special way, since he lost his own son to an overdose. The three talked for some time and prayed together—and then Lewis and Jenny said they wanted to fully surrender their lives to the Lord in repentance and faith. After the retreat ended, Lewis shared that the time away “helped me make a decision to turn to Christ.” Please pray for this couple, their son, and all those who attended the retreat.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to once again share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through short TV spots. I just recorded a new ad that will air soon on national networks. Each time these spots are broadcast, thousands of people from all walks of life across our nation call our toll-free Billy Graham 24/7 Prayer Line at 1-855-255-PRAY (7729). Some are desperate to talk or pray with someone, while others are ready to respond to the Gospel by surrendering to the Lord in repentance and faith. We give God all the glory for each person He calls to Himself through this ministry. You are helping change the lives of people around the world through your prayerful support and none of this work would be possible without friends like you. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, I’m so grateful for you—and I pray that you and your family will have a joyful holiday, remembering the many blessings of the Lord in your life.