Billy Graham: America's Most Famous Preacher Prepares for 93rd Birthday

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Sunday, November 06, 2011

Billy Graham has recently published a book discussing old age and death as the famous evangelical nears his 93rd birthday on Monday.

“I fought growing old in every way,” writes Graham in Nearing Home, a book that covers quotes from Scripture as well as personal advice. His career has spanned six decades, and he has penned thirty books total. Discussing his resistance welcoming old age, Graham expresses he avoided thoughts about death up until now.

“I faithfully exercised and was careful to pace myself as I began to feel the grasp of Old Man Time. This was not a transition that I welcomed, and I began to dread what I knew would follow,” Graham shared in the book.

In recent times Graham has been less active in public ministry but millions of Americans recognize him as one of the most famous preachers of all time. Although he harbors deep convictions about the eternity that awaits human beings, Graham discusses fears while maintaining focus on Jesus Christ.

“We were not meant for this world alone,” writes Graham. “We were meant for Heaven, our final home.”

Graham first became pastor of the United Gospel Tabernacle while attending Wheaton College in 1939. He briefly served the Village Church in Western Springs, Illinois, near Wheaton, before joining the armed forces. A case of the mumps prevented his military career, and Graham was hired as the first full time evangelist of Youth for Christ International (YFCI).

In 1949, Graham conducted a series of revival meetings in Los Angeles, which is considered to be the time he became a national religious figure. According to his staff, Graham has influenced over three million people to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior.