Billy Graham’s work as a pastor to presidents is coming to an end, but he is praying for Barack Obama as the nation’s next leader begins his work, Graham’s son said Friday on the ailing evangelist’s 90th birthday.
Franklin Graham said in an interview that his father’s mind remains sharp even as his body continues to fail. But the preacher who has counseled every president beginning with Eisenhower is not in line to mentor Obama.
“My father feels like his time and day for that is over,” Franklin Graham said. “But he would certainly like to meet (Obama) and pray with him.”
God has blessed His wonderful servant. I had the privilege to be a member of a Gospel Team when the word came the Billy Graham Evangelical Association needed help in a Hollywood Bowl meeting in Los Angeles (Summer of 1951 I think). I had a chance to meet Billy and First Mate Bob. After his message the invitation was given for people to come forward, kneel, and call upon the name of the Lord for Salvation. Dozens came forward. I suddenly realized how I was needed and with God’s help was given a chance to lead some people to Christ as we knelt together before Him. I’m willing to forecast that when it is time for Billy Graham to go he will have a Bible in his hand. I do not believe Billy’s work will ever be over when I consider that those who knelt with and believed have gone on and continued to work for the Lord.