Dear Friend,
The Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs
14:34, ESV). Without truth and godliness, there can be no real peace.
In America, we have experienced a tumultuous political season unlike any in my lifetime. The Bible tells us to pray for our elected officials. We must pray for President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and for other leaders across the US and around the globe, that they would look to God and ask Him for His wisdom and truth.
The current problems in our world remind us of how desperately people need the life-changing message of the Gospel. I know many are experiencing hardship, unexpected loss, anxiety, and fear. At the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), we are determined to invest the time and resources necessary to preach the eternal hope of Jesus Christ as long as God gives us the opportunity.
We have the privilege of taking the same Good News all around the world. God didn’t tell us to go only where it’s safe and secure. He just told us to go, and we’ve got to be willing. Yes, our world has problems. As believers, instead of hiding in fear, we can see these problems as opportunities to share the love and truth of Christ with a lost and hurting world.
As doors open, we are planning to hold evangelistic Festivals and Celebrations in many places. Currently, I am preparing to proclaim the Good News in Argentina, South Korea, Italy, Russia, Brazil, and in the United States. Millions around the world desperately need the Lord, and your prayers and gifts make it possible for them to hear His Word.
Around 2,500 churches are working with BGEA for a large evangelistic event in South Korea at the Seoul Olympic Stadium. The United States has 50,000 troops stationed near the capital, and we are also planning a military outreach leading up to the Festival. Please be in prayer for this opportunity and the preparations.
The Milan Festival is scheduled to take place about 60 miles from Cremona, Italy, where Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains ministered last year at the Samaritan’s Purse emergency field hospital. More than 350 area churches are working together for this outreach. And we are also preparing for a Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, 29 years after my father held a historic Crusade in Moscow.
My son Will is hosting an online Celebration in February from Tifton, Ga. Please pray that many will watch the webstream and be transformed by the Gospel message. Later this year, he is planning outreaches in West Virginia, South Dakota, Iowa, and Canada.
Of course, all of our events are contingent on each state or country’s current COVID-19 safety measures. Please pray with us that these doors will remain open, and pray God will draw many men and women to Himself.
During recent natural disasters and the pandemic, the Lord has given us opportunities to share His love with hurting people. BG-RRT chaplains recently deployed to minister to patients and staff at the Samaritan’s Purse emergency field hospitals in Caldwell County, N.C., and in Los Angeles County, Calif. A spike in COVID-19 cases in these regions has caused hospitals to be overwhelmed. BGEA is ministering alongside medical staff, offering the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ with many patients who are alone or afraid.
Please pray for these chaplains, as well as ones still ministering to storm-devastated areas in Alabama and Louisiana.
This year our law enforcement ministry is expanding to reach more officers and their spouses in cities across America. Our appreciation dinners and retreats acknowledge the unique challenges these men and women face and point them to the truth, comfort, and security found in God’s Word. In addition, we give them spiritual resources such as a Bible and Scripture-based books like Words of Wisdom, a devotional featuring Psalms and Proverbs.
Our world continues to reject Biblical truth. The US House of Representatives recently announced a set of changes to its official rules to enshrine so-called “gender inclusive” language, and stop the use of “noninclusive” words, including father, mother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, husband, and wife.
The Bible says God “created them male and female” (Genesis 1:27, HCSB), and it is foolish to try and remove the gender designations ordained by Almighty God. This is shaking a fist in the Creator’s face, trying to deny His authority.
Our world is in a deep crisis because many people in power are rejecting the truth of God’s Word and are trying to force their beliefs on the rest of us. I’m concerned we won’t even recognise our nations in a very short time.
King David wrote, “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever” (Psalm 19:8–9, ESV). Unless we as a people return to God’s standards, we will plunge into further chaos and trouble.
I’m thankful that in a world of problems, the Lord never changes, and He has promised to always be with His people. I’m also grateful for friends like you who partner in this ministry. Thank you for your heart to offer the hope and comfort of Jesus Christ.
May God richly bless you,
Franklin Graham | President
Stories from our PRAYER LINE
SHE NEEDED HELP | Sylvia* called distressed and crying, remembering the suicide of her grandson a few years ago. She was the one who found him and had tried to revive him. When our representative, Jane, discussed the Gospel with her, Sylvia admitted she did not know Christ and was not sure she would go to Heaven. Jane carefully shared the plan of salvation with her and many Bible verses of encouragement, and Sylvia decided to pray to invite Jesus Christ into her life. At the end of their conversation, Sylvia said she now felt both grief and joy at the same time, rather than the complete hopelessness she has felt for the past few years.
I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT GOD | Stephanie* called our prayer line and said, “I’ve been thinking about God and feeling like I should be closer to Him.” When she saw Franklin on television inviting people to pray and receive Jesus Christ into their lives, she prayed with him. Our prayer line representative shared more about the Gospel using our booklet “Steps to Peace With God,” to make sure she understood the message. They talked for a few minutes about how important it is to pray and read the Bible daily. The trained representative showed her how to use our church locator tool to find a Bible-believing church in her area, and Stephanie requested that we send her follow-up discipleship materials from BGEA so she could grow in her new walk with the Lord.
*names changed to protect privacy
Want prayer or someone to talk to? Get in touch with us here.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
God works through people like you to change the world by the power of the Gospel.
SHARE THE HOPE AND HEALING OF JESUS CHRIST: Your contribution in support of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team helps make it possible for crisis trained chaplains to bring comfort in Christ’s Name to hurting communities and broken lives.
PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS THROUGH FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS: Though people search everywhere, life-changing truth is found only in Jesus Christ. While travel and gatherings are restricted, we are doing live stream evangelistic events online. As soon as the virus is under control, we are prepared to launch into a full schedule of outreaches across the globe. When you give a gift for BGEA Festivals and Celebrations, you help give people in cities across the country or places around the world the opportunity to hear the Gospel message of God’s eternal love.
HELP IN A VARIETY OF WAYS: The Gospel changes lives—now and for eternity. When you designate a gift for Where Most Needed, it is available for immediate ministry opportunities and needs, including the personnel, resources, materials, equipment, and support services vital to carrying out our work of sharing the Gospel around the world.