When we hear of Billy Graham, we think of a man who was kind, compassionate, wise, passionate to teach God's Word, and loyal to his family. We think of someone who was hard-working and devoted to living a life with an eternal perspective, a man who has impacted all of us in one way or another.
Billy Graham was definitely a great example, and his legacy continues. Since his passing, his son has received honor and recognition for his father's great work; however, Franklin Graham's ministry has been completely overlooked.
In response, I decided to check out the Billygraham.org website to learn what has been left unsaid. Franklin Graham has been the President of Samaritan's Purse since 1978. He runs Operation Christmas Child and responds to people - after earthquakes, wars, hurricanes, famines, floods, etc. - to take care of them in their most desperate times. His mission is to care for the physical and spiritual needs of individuals. In September 2017, after Hurricane Irma and Maria, his organization brought tarps, blankets, water filters, and 1500 generators (and each one had enough power to charge a cell phone, refrigerator, and provide lighting!). The Rapid Response Team, which is a part of Samaritan's Purse, has responded to over 20 countries on six continents since 2001.
Billy Graham and Franklin Graham's ministries look completely different. Billy responded to his call to speak at stadiums around the world and to minister to presidents during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. He taught in a world where people knew that they needed to hear the Gospel, and they accepted the Bible as truth.
Franklin Graham cares for people in a world that does not know the truth. They did not grow up hearing the Bible taught in their homes, and many do not believe that there is a source of truth. His ministry looks different from that of his father's. It seems as though God sends some people to be encouragers to the nations and others to rebuke those who are falling away. Billy Graham was an encourager, and Franklin Graham, at times, rebukes the nation that is falling away. He posted an article recently on Facebook that stated that $543,700,000 from tax payer dollars in 2016-2017 went to Planned Parenthood. During that time, they performed 321,384 abortions. That is a nation that needs to find truth.
It takes one person with a vision and a mission for doing God's work and many caring people to carry it out to make a difference. I believe that Billy Graham's legacy and Franklin Graham's ministry can help us to have hope and help out this hurting world.
Thanks for reading!
~Melissa Seng
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