In
anticipation of a nationwide evangelism event this November to coincide
with his 95th birthday, renowned preacher Billy Graham released a
letter through his association this week in which he says that America
needs a spiritual awakening more than ever before.
"If ever there was a time this country needed the intervention of God, it is now," writes Graham in the letter published
on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website. "We can and
should pray for America as a whole, but remember that when God sets out
to change a nation, He begins by changing people. It starts with
individuals."
Graham said that there are a lot of things that his
health and strength no longer permit him to do, but that there are still
many things he can do, "and one of them is pray." He writes that he is
praying fervently for "a fresh spiritual awakening in America."
The
"My Hope America with Billy Graham" project that will culminate in
November with a video/TV special will feature new footage of Graham
giving an evangelistic message. BGEA encourages participants to reach
out to people they already know and engage in meaningful conversation
and connections as a catalyst for sharing the hope and love found in a
relationship with Jesus Christ.
While one-on-one conversations
will be the root of this relationship evangelism outreach, there will be
special evangelistic programs available in a wide range of formats
including TV, DVD and Internet that people can share to reinforce the
message. The programs will feature life-changing testimonies and
powerful messages from Billy Graham.
The first evangelistic program was released in March entitled Defining Moments.
It features the stories of three individuals – illusionist Jim Munroe,
NFL player David Tyree and musical artist Lacey Sturm – who found
success in their careers yet were still searching for hope. The second
program in the series – Lose to Gain –
was released in June. It follows the stories of skateboarder Brian
Sumner, comedian Michael Jr. and young professional Shannon Culpepper,
each searching for something this world ultimately couldn't provide.
These
programs, along with additional programs under development, and
Graham's message, will serve as the evangelistic thrust behind the
implementation of the project in November, says BGEA.
"Along with
all the encouraging visits from grandchildren and great-grandchildren
this summer, I've had a video camera crew helping me tape, from my home,
the things I feel strongly that God is leading me to say to America,"
writes Graham. "Please pray that God will work in the completion of this
program and that He will use it in a mighty way.
"You can invite
people you know to watch the program with you in November. Ask God to
touch their hearts as they watch. Thousands and thousands of believers
in every part of the country are preparing to do that."
Graham
encourages each Christian to make sure their pastor knows about the My
Hope America project. More than 16,000 churches in all 50 states have
signed up to participate so far. He also asks people to sign up for the
outreach project as an individual.
"This is a huge undertaking,
but we strongly believe the outreach and all needed materials should
remain free of charge to those who participate," states Graham. "We are
trusting God for the financial resources, and we are asking Him to lay
it on your heart to help with a generous and sacrificial gift for My
Hope America.
"Most of all, we ask for your prayers and
participation so that the hope of the Gospel can touch not only people
across the nation, but people you personally know and care about."
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