President Trump Reflects On Billy Graham's Impact On His Life

March 2, 2018

Billy Graham’s final column: “By the time you read this, I will be in heaven”

 

Rep. (USA) Paul Ryan 

"My father said to me, come on son," continued Trump. "Let's go see Billy Graham at Yankee stadium, and it was something very special."

"In those moments when we felt weak in spirit, when our country was on its knees, he reminded us, he convinced us, that is exactly when we find our grace and strength," said Ryan.

 "I think this speaks a lot, for this long line, and the people that are traveling a long ways to Charlotte and to here just to walk by to pay respects to this man who changed the world. He literally changed the world," declared Dawn Stewart, who attended many of Rev .Graham's crusades."He never wanted attention for himself, always pointing people to the Lord, just a pattern of integrity, and goodness to follow after, especially if you wanted to go into the ministry, just a great man," Vickers told CBN News. 

Posted by Ambassador T. Brikins

Abigail Robertson, CBN News

WASHINGTON – It was a historic moment on Capitol Hill when lawmakers put politics aside for a day to honor America's pastor, Rev. Billy Graham.

Graham is the fourth US citizen to lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda, and the first faith leader. It is a rare honor only bestowed on three other people, including two Capitol Police officers killed in the line of duty and civil rights icon Rosa Parks.

"Everywhere he went Rev. Graham delivered the same beautiful message: God loves you," President Donald Trump told congressmen at a memorial service inside the Capitol Rotunda Wednesday.

Rev. Graham preached the Gospel to millions of people throughout his lifetime, including a young Donald Trump.

"My father said to me, come on son," continued Trump. "Let's go see Billy Graham at Yankee stadium, and it was something very special."

Frederick Christ Trump Sr. was an American real estate developer, primarily in New York City, and father of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. 

The idea to bring his body to Washington first came from Graham's North Carolina congressman, Patrick McHenry, who suggested it to House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-WI.

"With the significant contribution Rev. Graham made over his lifetime to American presidents, to politicians of both parties, to world leaders, I thought it was only fitting and right that we pay that last honor," said McHenry.

Ryan told CBN News it was an easy decision to make.

"We got together and decided this is obviously something we should do," said Ryan. "Between Mitch (McConnell), the president, myself, and Patrick McHenry we made that decision very quickly."

Rev. Graham's family joined the president and lawmakers for a memorial service after the casket arrived in Washington. Speaker Ryan said if there was ever an American worthy of this honor, it's Rev. Graham.

"In those moments when we felt weak in spirit, when our country was on its knees, he reminded us, he convinced us, that is exactly when we find our grace and strength," said Ryan.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, described Graham as a remarkably humble man who just wanted to share the Good News with as many souls as he possibly could.

 "Billy Graham lifted up our nation, not because he occupied the spotlight so masterfully, but because he knew he wasn't the one who belonged in it," said McConnell.

Following the memorial service, Franklin Graham and other members of the family greeted many of those who waited in long lines to say farewell to the famed evangelist.

"I think this speaks a lot, for this long line, and the people that are traveling a long ways to Charlotte and to here just to walk by to pay respects to this man who changed the world. He literally changed the world," declared Dawn Stewart, who attended many of Rev .Graham's crusades.

Rodney Vickers, a longtime Billy Graham fan, agreed.

"He never wanted attention for himself, always pointing people to the Lord, just a pattern of integrity, and goodness to follow after, especially if you wanted to go into the ministry, just a great man," Vickers told CBN News.

Rev. Graham's body now heads back to North Carolina for Friday's funeral, which President Trump and the first lady are expected to attend

Billy Graham preached around the globe, but felt at peace in this tiny mountain town

By Bruce Henderson The Charlotte Observer

               

Shortly before his death, Billy Graham approved the following response as his final My Answer column.

Q: Mr. Graham, how would you like to be remembered? — D.F.

A: I hope I will be remembered as someone who was faithful — faithful to God, faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and faithful to the calling God gave me not only as an evangelist, but as a husband, father and friend.

I’m sure I’ve failed in many ways, but I take comfort in Christ’s promise of forgiveness, and I take comfort also in God’s ability to take even our most imperfect efforts and use them for his glory.

By the time you read this, I will be in heaven, and as I write this I’m looking forward with great anticipation to the day when I will be in God’s presence forever.

I’m convinced that heaven is far more glorious than anything we can possibly imagine right now, and I look forward not only to its wonder and peace, but also to the joy of being reunited with those who have gone there before me, especially my dear wife, Ruth. The Bible says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

But I won’t be in heaven because I’ve preached to large crowds or because I’ve tried to live a good life. I’ll be in heaven for one reason: Many years ago I put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to make our forgiveness possible and rose again from the dead to give us eternal life. Do you know you will go to heaven when you die? You can, by committing your life to Jesus Christ today.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Anne Graham-Lotz prays her father's will will spark ''Revival'' in the Church.

Additional Editing by Ambassador T. Brikins