Library Archive Update

Dear Friend,

You are pointing people from all over the world to the Good News of Jesus Christ through your support of the Billy Graham Library. Thank you for helping make this Gospel outreach possible.

As I write, we are preparing to welcome our 2 millionth visitor to the Library. We give God all the glory for every person who has had the opportunity to “hear the word of the gospel and believe” (Acts 15:7, ESV). In the past 12 months, a little over 700 have told us that they made a life-changing decision for the Lord during their visit.

We are also grateful for the chance to equip more men and women for the work of evangelism through the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center. Since the center opened two years ago, many students, researchers, pastors, and other leaders have drawn timeless, Biblical wisdom from my father’s sermons, notes, and other records.

Please pray for the Lord to continue working through the Library and the Archive and Research Center. Join us in asking God to draw people to faith in Jesus Christ—and to call others to boldly witness for Him in their communities.

Your prayers and gifts are crucial to this ministry, and I am grateful for you.

May God richly bless you,

Franklin Graham | President & CEO

*Names and photos changed to protect privacy

At the Last Minute …

Jamal* finished taking The Journey of Faith tour at the very end of the Library’s hours. He came out of the tour shortly after 5 p.m. and met one of our team members, Henry. The two talked for a few minutes, and it was clear that Jamal didn’t know the Lord—but he was open to hearing more about the Gospel message he heard on the tour. Henry used our “Steps to Peace With God” booklet to show him that “salvation belongs to the Lord” (Psalm 3:8, ESV) and the Holy Spirit worked in his heart. Jamal prayed to receive Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Henry presented him with a new Bible and talked to him about how to begin his walk with the Lord. Before Jamal left, he said that when he arrived at the Library, he didn’t know why he was there—but now he knew it was a divine appointment. We praise God for this new brother. Please lift him up to the Lord in prayer.

From a Delayed Flight to a Life-Changing Decision

Chen’s* flight home to Shanghai, China, was delayed, and he decided to drive down the parkway near the airport. He saw the sign for the Billy Graham Library and stopped by for a visit. During The Journey of Faith tour, he was interested to hear about Ruth Bell Graham’s childhood in China. After he finished the tour, he made his way to the Graham family homeplace where he met two of our team members. Together, they talked about the Gospel and Chen followed along closely. He did not know the Lord, but the Holy Spirit worked in his heart as he heard the truth of the Good News. Chen said a heartfelt prayer of repentance and faith as he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Our team members gave him a new Bible and talked to him about everything he can do to grow closer to the Lord—read God’s Word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. Will you pray for Chen?

Husband and Wife Go From Hopelessness to Joy

Lori* was so upset by the time she finished The Journey of Faith tour that her hands shook as she tried to fill out a decision card in the prayer room. When one of our team members, Donna, approached her and offered to help, Lori began to cry. She was so grateful for the opportunity to talk to someone and immediately began to pour her heart out. Lori shared that she was experiencing one hardship after another—her husband had recently cheated on her, they were both struggling to find jobs, and they were worried they would soon be homeless.

Lori said that she thought she was a Christian, but after hearing the Gospel message on the tour, she now knew she was not. Donna talked to her more about how to have a relationship with the Lord, and Lori bowed her head in prayer to place her faith in Him. Donna gave her a new Bible and some materials to help her grow—and then urged her to spend time in God’s Word every day. As their conversation ended, Lori’s husband, Tim,* walked over. He was holding back tears and explained that he had just rededicated his life to Jesus Christ. We praise God for what He did in their lives! Please ask Him to heal their marriage and fill them with hope for the future.

He Was Ready to Follow Jesus

Isaiah* recently visited the Library with his family. The 12-year-old finished the tour, then met with one of our team members, Mike, in the prayer room. Mike chatted with Isaiah and his dad for a few minutes before the conversation turned to faith. Isaiah’s parents are believers—but he was clear that he didn’t have a personal relationship with the Lord. He said that he wanted to change that. His dad asked him if he was sure, and he said he was ready to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Mike asked Isaiah’s dad if they could talk more about the Gospel, and he agreed. Mike used “Steps to Peace With God” to explain what it means to pursue “righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:21, ESV), and then Isaiah prayed earnestly in repentance and faith. Mike presented Isaiah with a new Bible and took pictures of him with his family, so they could always remember the day.

‘The constant ... was his dedication to the Gospel’

Every week, students and researchers spend time at the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center, studying Billy Graham’s decades of sermons, correspondence, and other records. Ben Potter, a local graduate student, was among those who recently visited. He was writing his dissertation on how the evangelist’s faith influenced how he lived—and preached—during some of the historic turning points of the 20^th century. During his time at the center, Ben expressed how helpful the materials were. “I was impressed not only by the quality resources that were available, but also by how much the staff genuinely cares and were super helpful and interested in my project,” he said. “This was definitely one of the best archive experiences I’ve ever had.” But the impact of his research went far beyond academics. Ben shared that Billy Graham’s example inspired him to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. “The constant with Graham was his dedication to the Gospel. That’s inspiring and helped me in my faith.”

“

God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

”

—1 THESSALONIANS 5:9, ESV

Be a part of what God is doing

PRAY: God touches lives and changes hearts daily through the Library's ministry. Your prayers are a key part of this, and we are grateful.

VISIT: Nearly 2 million people have visited the Library since it opened in 2007. Plan your own visit to the Library this year—and bring others with you.

GIVE: As Billy Graham did throughout his ministry, the Library continues to share the Gospel with each person who steps onto the property. Your financial gifts keep admission to the Library free, enabling thousands to hear the Good News.

JOIN: Become a Friend of the Library who partners in this ministry through faithful prayer and a regular monthly gift of $20 or more. For member benefits or to join today, visit BillyGrahamLibrary.org/Friends.