September 8, 2025
God proved his love on the Cross. When Christ hung and bled and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’ – Billy Graham.
In 2002 someone shared the Gospel with me and for the first time I understood why Jesus had to die – because of my sin! But alongside that truth came the revelation that God loved me enough to give up his son’s life to save mine! That changed everything! God took my broken life and resurrected it because of Jesus!
My life changed forever because someone was willing to share the Gospel with me, through the power of the Spirit and I was born again!
Since then, evangelism has stirred my heart deeply and when I hear and meet a fellow Evangelist, there is joy in my heart over their declaration and passion for the truth. We may not all carry the title of Evangelist with a capital “E,” but we are all called to be a light and share the Gospel with others regardless.
Recently, I had the incredible honour of interviewing one of the world’s most renowned Evangelists, Reverend Franklin Graham during his visit to the UK for the God Loves You Tour.
The grandeur of the occasion hit me as we approached the Marriot Hotel in Canary Wharf, marveling at several blacked-out cars at the entrance, along with men in suits. There was a sense of anticipation as people gathered inside preparing for the event the following day.
The moments before the interview began, I was nervous. In light of him being so well known, my prayer before the interview was simple: that I would see him as a brother in Christ, and that God would speak through our conversation.
Rev Graham was ever the gentleman, smartly dressed and surrounded by a very supportive team. It was quite freeing as an interviewer to ask questions that I knew would not faze him, such as, “Has the Gospel been compromised in Europe?” and “When God called you to be an Evangelist were you apprehensive because of your father’s legacy?” His answers were clear, and he spoke with the authority he has in Christ. It was refreshing to meet someone so sure of what they needed to say and to declare it without compromise.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When I think of the mission of Billy Graham it was like that of the Apostle Paul, he preached Christ Crucified! As Billy Graham himself said: “The message I preach hasn’t changed…the gospel hasn’t changed.” That legacy has continued through his son Franklin and his grandson, Will.
“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children is not money or other material things accumulated in life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” – Billy Graham
Yet unlike taking on the family business, Franklin did not inherit this call from his earthly father, but rather his heavenly father. It was not a given that God would extend Billy’s legacy to his child and then grandchild, but He has. In his autobiography, Rebel with a cause, Franklin writes:
“There was one thing I was never going to do – no way; preach at a crusade! Just being Billy Graham’s son creates plenty of comparisons; I don’t need to go looking for more…There was only one “problem.” In the late 1980s, I became increasingly convinced that God was calling me to evangelism. The thought sent shivers down my spine.”
Yet God’s call persisted, and obedience triumphed over fear.
His first evangelistic event in 1989 marked the beginning of a global ministry. He emphasised that while event preaching is absolutely necessary, so is his own witness to others on a personal level.
He may have had the opportunity to speak to so many people across the world, but his heart is for the individual – The one in the crowd who is in need of a saviour. One story in particular impacted me: At one of his first events no one publicly came forward to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour! Years later he met a man who had been saved at home after that event, under deep conviction from the Holy Spirit. It’s a powerful reminder that God called him to be an Evangelist and share this amazing Gospel, but it is God who does the saving!
In the midst of a church that has compromised on moral issues his message is clear, stand! A heart cry for the church to stand on The Truth of the Gospel. Not being swayed by the different agendas of today but grounded and unmoved in the truth of God’s saving love being declared to all who have fallen short and calling them to turn in repentance to Jesus. He powerfully declared if people take issue with that then “take it up with God!”
Let’s pray for God’s blessing over evangelists like Franklin Graham and for the many others doing faithful work in prisons, clubs, schools, and communities. The attack is real, but so is the harvest.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest… to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Matthew 9:37-38
So be encouraged. Be bold. The Gospel has not lost its power. And let’s be real, right now would be the ideal time for you – yes, you – to share it!
September 8, 2025
