A new exhibit at the Billy Graham Library entitled “Rooted in Prayer – Biblical Truths for Everyday Living” opens May 16 and shares a glimpse into the heart of a ministry grounded in prayer.

A new exhibit at the Billy Graham Library entitled “Rooted in Prayer – Biblical Truths for Everyday Living” opens May 16 and shares a glimpse into the heart of a ministry grounded in prayer. 

“Prayer is simply talking to God,” said Billy Graham in Rooted in Prayer: A Personal Prayer Journal. “The most important thing I can say about this is that God wants you to talk to Him.” 

“From his humble beginnings on a dairy farm, to the national stage praying with presidents and world leaders, Billy Graham was often noted as saying the three most important things to do were, ‘Pray, Pray, Pray,’” said Tom Phillips, vice president of the Billy Graham Library. “Prayer has been, is, and will continue to be the most integral element of Mr. Graham’s ministry. In this exhibit, visitors can see how God was woven into every piece of the ministry from staff prayer time and international Crusades, to the Grahams' daily devotion time spent focusing on God’s Word as a family.”

For more than 70 years, Billy and Ruth Graham, Franklin Graham, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) made certain that prayer was included in every element of their ministry. In this exhibit, visitors can see memorabilia from historic events including Billy’s personal diary used during the 1957 New York Crusade; a clock and watch used by the Grahams in Amsterdam in 1986; a lanyard, program and a copy of the prayer given by Graham at the Indianapolis 500 in 1999; Billy’s sermon notes from the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance following 9/11; prayer cards, brochures and letters from multiple Crusades; photos and more. 

Special resources available to visitors include brochures on how to pray for friends and loved ones and “praying on the spot” – a method used throughout the years by Billy Graham and original members of the BGEA Crusade team that placed sticker dots on watches, toothbrushes, mirrors and anywhere they would see it often to remind themselves every time that they saw the dot to stop and pray.

Today, BGEA relies on prayer. 

• Billy Graham Library volunteers are available to pray with guests and a room is set-aside specifically to allow visitors a quiet place to spend time in prayer.

• Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are trained to respond in the aftermath of disasters to minister and pray with those affected by tragedy.

• My Hope America with Billy Graham encourages people to pray for their friends, family, neighbors and colleagues.

• Franklin Graham Festivals and Will Graham Celebrations have teams who spend months praying for the cities, communities and people involved with those events

The “Rooted in Prayer” exhibit runs through the end of June. Admission to this exhibit and admission to the Billy Graham Library is free.

About the Billy Graham Library

The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 700,000 visitors from around the world. The Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Library is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events, or to schedule a group tour, please visit BillyGrahamLibrary.org. 

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 21 – Billy Graham Crusades soloist George Beverly Shea, who passed away Tuesday, April 16, at the age of 104, was remembered today in a public memorial service at Anderson Auditorium in Montreat, N.C.

“This man’s life can be summed up in a few simple phrases,” said Dr. David Bruce, who offered the Scripture reading and meditation during the service. “The twinkle in his eye, the praise on his lips, the song in his heart, the length of his days and the joy of his Lord.”

Beginning as the soloist for Billy Graham Crusades in 1947 in Charlotte, Shea sang with Billy Graham for nearly 60 years, until Graham’s final Crusade in 2005 in New York City. Shea remained active with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), singing at Franklin Graham Festivals in Charleston, S.C. (2008), and Knoxville, Tenn. (2008); Will Graham Celebrations in Paducah, Ky. (2007), and Gastonia, N.C. (2006); and events at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C.

The event was attended by nearly 1,000 friends and family, including Billy Graham, Franklin Graham and other associates of the ministry. During the service on Sunday afternoon, Cliff Barrows, longtime music director for Billy Graham Crusades, offered memories from decades of ministry alongside George Beverly Shea.

“For more than 70 years, I had the privilege of introducing ‘America’s Beloved Gospel Singer,’” said Barrows. “And, oh, how the people would listen. Billy Graham said he’d rather hear Bev sing than anybody. So would we all.”

Barrows continued, “We knew that whatever took place on the platform before Billy Graham spoke, in every city we visited, that Bev would be used by the Spirit of God to prepare the hearts of the people for the message and he would prepare Billy’s heart to preach that message.”

Shea was born on Feb. 1, 1909, in Winchester, Ontario, Canada, where his father was a Wesleyan Methodist minister. Between Crusades, radio, and television dates in many countries, he sang at hundreds of concerts and recorded more than 70 albums of sacred music. At age 23, he composed the music to one of his best known solos, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”

Shea was the recipient of 10 Grammy nominations, a Grammy Award in 1965, and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy organization in 2011. He was also a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Shea will be laid to rest on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte during a private ceremony on Monday, April 22. The Billy Graham Library and grounds will be closed to the public and will reopen for visitors on Tuesday, April 23.

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MONTREAT, N.C., April 17, 2013  – The life, music and ministry of George Beverly Shea will be celebrated during a funeral service on April 21 at 3 p.m. at Anderson Auditorium in Montreat, N.C. Shea passed away Tuesday at the age of 104.

The service will be open to the public, and doors will open at 1:45 p.m. Parking for the service will be available at various locations in Black Mountain, N.C. Signage and attendants will be present to direct traffic flow. Shuttle buses will bring guests to the funeral service and back to the lot after the service. Shuttle service will begin 1:30 p.m. and will end one hour after the conclusion

The funeral service will be televised live on UNC-TV.

Shea will be laid to rest on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte during a private ceremony on Monday, April 22. The Billy Graham Library and grounds will be closed to the public during this service and will again be open for visitors on Tuesday, April 23.

“Bev was one of the most humble and greatest Christians I have ever known,” said Billy Graham in a statement. “He has set an example and has been a role model of what a Christian ought to be. His contribution to my ministry cannot be measured in human terms.”

Often referred to as “America’s beloved gospel singer,” Shea was born in Winchester, Ontario, February 1, 1909, where his father was a Wesleyan Methodist minister. Shea became a part of the Graham team in the 1940s, first through radio and then as part of the evangelistic ministry that was launched to national prominence during the 1949 Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angeles.

Over the years, Shea sang hundreds of concerts and recorded more than 70 albums of sacred music. He was the recipient of ten Grammy nominations, a Grammy Award in 1965, and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy organization in 2011. In 1978, Shea was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, and in 1996 he was elected to the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He also wrote the music to “I’d Rather Have Jesus” and other widely sung hymns.

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George Beverly Shea, 104, of Montreat, North Carolina, soloist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), died Tuesday, April 16, 2013, following a brief illness.

Since George Beverly Shea first sang for Graham in 1943 on the Chicago radio hymn program, “Songs in the Night,” Shea has faithfully carried the Gospel in song to every continent and every state in the Union. Graham’s senior by ten years, Shea devotedly preceded the evangelist in song in nearly every Crusade over the span of more than one-half century.

Shea was the recipient of ten Grammy nominations, a Grammy Award in 1965, and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy organization in 2011. He was also a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame (1978), and was inducted into the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame in February 1996. Shea was also inducted into the inaugural class of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists’ “Hall of Faith” in 2008.

“I first met Bev Shea while in Chicago when he was on Moody Radio,” said Billy Graham. “As a young man starting my ministry, I asked Bev if he would join me. He said yes and for over 60 years we had the privilege of ministering together across the country and around the world. Bev was one of the most humble, gracious men I have ever known and one of my closest friends. I loved him as a brother. My prayer for his wife, Karlene, and his children, Ron and Elaine, is that God will strengthen them during this time.” 

Born in Winchester, Ontario, Canada, where his father was a Wesleyan Methodist minister, Shea’s first public singing was in the choir of his father’s church. Between Crusade, radio, and television dates in many countries, he sang at hundreds of concerts and recorded more than 70 albums of sacred music. At age 23 he composed the music to one of his best known solos, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”

“Even though Bev was 10 years older than my father, he never acted his age,” said Franklin Graham. “He was absolute fun to be with. Bev was one of the most gracious and unassuming men I have known. He was always encouraging and supportive, a man of deep faith and strong commitment to Jesus Christ.” 

Shea is survived by his wife, Karlene, and his children from his first marriage, Ronald and Elaine. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Erma, who died in 1976.

Ron, born in 1948 in Chicago, graduated from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Ill., in 1971. For more than 30 years, Ron has been an associate in Crusade ministry through the BGEA, assisting in preparatory work for evangelistic crusades involving Mr. Graham and more recently for Franklin Graham’s ministry. He is married to the former Kathy Ford.

Funeral Information

Shea’s public, televised funeral service was held at Anderson Auditorium in Montreat, N.C., on April 21. 

Shea was laid to rest on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte during a private ceremony on April 22. 

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Hearts are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Rick Warren's youngest son Matthew who died on April 6. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick and Kay at this time of deep sorrow and anguish. We have assurance from the Lord Jesus Christ the all sufficient Comforter that God through His power will strengthen them (2 Corinthians 12:9).  The Bible promises that "in times of despair and affliction, God comforts His own" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Franklin Graham   

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 5, 2013 – Cliff Barrows, original Billy Graham Crusade Team member, longtime music director and host of Hour of Decision, will turn 90 on Saturday, April 6.

Born in 1923 in Ceres, Calif., Barrows was just 22-years-old when he joined Billy Graham in his early ministry days at Youth for Christ, and he has served as an integral part of BGEA since its inception in 1950. Barrows recently said about his time of ministry with Graham, “I have tears of joy and gratitude to the Lord for the privilege of working with such a man who cares so deeply about people, who has a passion for saving souls, and who, over the course of his long life, has given his heart to the world.”

In addition to his other roles, Mr. Barrows also hosts several events each year at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C., entitled SeniorCelebrations with Cliff Barrows and Friends.

The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., is inviting guests to sign a birthday banner to offer Mr. Barrows personal greetings and well wishes on his birthday. The banner will be available through April 10. The Billy Graham Library is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events please visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org.

The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove will host SeniorCelebration with Cliff Barrows and Friends: “Thy Kingdom Come!” featuring Philip Ryken and Marty Goetz April 15-17. Information about this event and the complete 2013 events schedule can be found online at www.thecove.org. For the latest information on availability and pricing call (800) 950-2092.

 About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; The Billy Graham Library; The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, N.C.; SearchforJesus.net, an Internet evangelism project reaching thousands of people for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BGEAnews.

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The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove will hold its first 2013 SeniorCelebration event April 15-17, hosted by legendary Billy Graham Crusades music director Cliff Barrows. Barrows will be joined at the event by Philip Ryken, president of Wheaton College, and Marty Goetz, a Messianic Jew and popular praise and worship musician.

“We are looking forward to another year of life-transforming Bible teaching in our SeniorCelebrations at The Cove this year,” said Barrows. “With more and more challenges facing our seniors, this time of encouragement and fellowship will be a great reminder of God’s faithfulness and the power of His Word. Our times of worship will be joyous as we, once again, lift our hearts in praise.”

Cliff Barrows, who has led congregational singing and Crusade choirs around the world, has said, "The Christian faith is a singing faith, and a good way to express it and share it with others is in community singing."

Hymn-based worship is a central component for SeniorCelebrations, which also include enlightening workshops and inspiring teaching from leading Bible scholars, all designed with seniors (ages 55 and up) in mind.

The three-day event is the first of four SeniorCelebrations taking place at The Cove in 2013. Other events will be held May 20-22, Aug. 5-7 and Sept. 9-11. Barrows will host each event and will be joined by various musicians and Bible teachers.

Other Upcoming Events for Seniors:

• SeniorSalt Impact Hymn Sings: March 12, June 25 and Oct. 7: These events include collective singing of traditional hymns, along with Scripture readings and a gourmet buffet-style lunch.
• SeniorSalt Impact events: June 4 and Nov. 4: These day-trip opportunities include the showing of a full-length film, followed by a Cove staff-led time of discussion and a gourmet buffet-style lunch.
• SeniorSalt Carol Sings: Daily Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19: Carol Sing events include a gourmet buffet-style lunch, devotional message and a time of singing beloved Christmas songs.

For more information about these, and other, events, view the complete events schedule online at www.thecove.org. Call 800-950-2092 for the latest information on availability and pricing. The Cove offers financial assistance for those who qualify.

About The Cove: 

Nestled in the scenic mountains of Asheville, N.C., the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove offers guests a unique and serene experience for purposeful growth through Bible training; in-depth seminars; personal spiritual retreats; concerts; programs for seniors, women and church or ministry leaders; and many other inspirational events throughout the year. The Cove is also available for group events for Christian churches and nonprofit ministries looking for a conference and retreat center. Facilities can accommodate small groups, such as board meetings and church staff retreats, as well as large groups up to 450 guests. For more information, call 800-950-2092 or visit www.thecove.org. You can also connect with The Cove on these social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Charlotte, N.C., March 13, 2013 – This fall, two of the nation’s largest Christian media companies will join together to support the My Hope America with Billy Graham evangelistic campaign that is networking thousands of churches and individuals across the United States, equipping them to share the Gospel in their communities this fall.
 
Thomas Nelson Publishers will release The Reason for My Hope: Salvation, the latest book by Billy Graham, this October. At the same time, Capitol Christian Music Group will release a companion album, executive produced by Michael W. Smith and featuring some of the most popular artists in Christian music. The new project will include new songs written from the themes of the book and performed by artists such as Kari Jobe, Michael W. Smith, Darlene Zschech, Lacey Sturm and many others.
 
“Music has been a great part of my father’s ministry from the very beginning. Here at almost 95 years of age, my father is trying to reach this nation one last time with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Franklin Graham, President and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “This project can help build this program and get the word out. This is a tremendous effort, and I’m so grateful.”

“The entire Capitol Christian Music family is thrilled to be working closely with Thomas Nelson to create new songs and timeless recordings that reinforce the important themes in the forthcoming book and honor the legacy of Reverend Graham and the message he has preached for more than 70 years,” commented Bill Hearn, president and CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group.

“My life is richer because of Billy Graham,” said Michael W. Smith. “I’ve had the honor of singing at a number of his Crusades and Franklin Graham Festivals, and I’ve witnessed the power of the Gospel as countless lives have been changed through BGEA’s ministry. I’m thrilled to be a part of this collaboration as it prepares the way for this nationwide evangelistic outreach in the U.S.”

Billy Graham’s forthcoming book comes on the heels of his best-selling “Nearing Home,” which was named 2012 Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). The release of The Reason for My Hope: Salvation will cap a year that has seen Billy Graham’s vision of the evangelistic campaign My Hope America with Billy Graham take shape. The book will be one of his most definitive works focusing entirely on the transforming power of salvation through Jesus Christ.

“For over 70 years, Billy Graham has encouraged the world like no other,” says Matt Baugher, Senior Vice President and Publisher at Thomas Nelson Publishers. “He has always clearly exhibited two remarkable yet simple traits - a walking example of God's unconditional love toward others and a man saved by grace. It is this platform on which he built his entire ministry and it is this foundation on which his latest words ring as true as ever. In The Reason for My Hope: Salvation, Billy Graham once again brings an important message of salvation to the world, with his accessible writing style and words of truth. As his publisher, it is our deep honor to once again partner with this man who continues to be incredibly strong in mind and spirit.”

The music and literary projects will have a massive presence in the market through joint retail, radio, TV, Internet, direct to church and social media campaigns.

For more information on My Hope America with Billy Graham visit www.myhopewithbillygraham.org.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available,  including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; The Billy Graham Library; The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, N.C.; SearchforJesus.net, an Internet evangelism project reaching thousands of people for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BGEAnews.

Media Contact:

Brent Rinehart
(704) 401-2119
brinehart@bgea.org

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ASHEVILLE, N.C, March 12, 2013 – Blue Ridge Broadcasting, Inc. (BRB) of Asheville, N.C., has entered an agreement with International Baptist Outreach Missions, Inc. (IBOM) of Asheville, N.C., to sell WFGW-AM, Black Mountain, N.C., pending approval of the Federal Communications Commission. The purchase price is $78,000.

This will be the second radio station for IBOM, a teaching, missions and media ministry led by Dr. J. Wendell Runion. IBOM has operated Asheville station WKJV-AM since 1996.

“Blue Ridge Broadcasting’s ministry today is built upon the legacy of Billy Graham and WFGW. As God has been growing BRB’s outreach both regionally and globally, we believe WFGW’s greatest future potential is in the care of fellow Christian communicators like Dr. Runion and the IBOM team who are committed to impacting the Asheville community with locally-based ministry,” said Jim Kirkland, executive director of BRB.

BRB owns and operates two other stations. BRB’s flagship station, 106.9 The Light (WMIT-FM), Black Mountain, N.C., serves Asheville, Charlotte, Hickory, Greenville/Spartanburg, and the Tri-Cities of Virginia and Tennessee. Purchased in 1963, 106.9 The Light has the 12th largest FM coverage area in the U.S. BRB’s other station is 106.7 The Light (WLYT), Norris, Tenn., which serves Knoxville and vicinity.

About Blue Ridge Broadcasting: Blue Ridge Broadcasting (BRB), a non-profit organization, is a listener-supported ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. BRB was founded by Billy and Ruth Graham in 1962. The organization operates from its location at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C. For more information on Blue Ridge Broadcasting’s stations 106.9 The Light and 106.7 The Light, visit www.thelightfm.org.

Media Contact:
Brent Rinehart
(704) 401-2119
brinehart@bgea.org

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ASHEVILLE, N.C., March 11, 2013 — The Cove is offering several events in the coming months specifically designed for women. These events offer opportunities for women to gather with each other, share in conversation and hear from popular speakers on topics that are important to them.

“Ministering specifically to women is an important part of what we do here at The Cove,” said Jill Gottenstrater, promotions manager for The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. “We have received such wonderful feedback on our women’s events – from the free Bible studies at the beginning of the year to our women’s luncheons. We are looking forward to these upcoming opportunities to join with ladies from across the region in refocusing on growing together in our relationships with God.”

Women’s Spring Luncheon, April 18, 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
The Women’s Spring Luncheon at The Cove is an opportunity for women to gather together and enjoy an afternoon of conversation, music and a gourmet meal. Guest speaker Kendra Graham, wife of Cove Executive Director Will Graham, will offer an inspiring message. Cost is $29 per person and reservations are required.

Women’s Day Away: “Simply Irresistible – Being a Contagious Grace Giver,” May 2, 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Women’s Day Away at The Cove is designed to help women reenergize and refocus. Popular Bible teacher and author Lisa Harper will speak on the topic of growing closer to Jesus and reflecting His heart to the world around you. Harper is the former director of Focus on the Family’s women’s ministry and she is a popular speaker on the Women of Faith tour.

Other Upcoming Women’s Events:

• April 4-5: Author and international speaker Gail MacDonald will lead a special seminar for ministry wives entitled “Becoming an Intentional Woman in Erratic Times.”
• Sept. 14: The Cove will be a host site for the Living Proof Live simulcast with Beth Moore. The event, streaming live from Reading, Pennsylvania, will feature inspiring music and perspective from God’s Word from renowned author and Bible teacher Beth Moore. Registration is $49 per person and includes lunch and materials.
• Nov. 23: The Cove will offer another Women’s Day Away event. Led by popular speaker and author Jennifer Rothschild, the topic will be “Filling in Your Missing Pieces: Real Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense.”
• Dec. 8: The Women’s Christmas Luncheon at The Cove is a popular event that fills up quickly. The cost is $29 per person and includes lunch, festive music and an inspiring message by longtime Cove Bible teacher, Jane Derrick.

For more information about these, and other, events, view the complete events schedule online at www.thecove.org. Call (800) 950-2092 for the latest information on availability and pricing. The Cove also offers financial assistance for individuals.

About The Cove: Nestled in the scenic mountains of Asheville, N.C., the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove offers guests a unique and serene experience for purposeful growth through Bible training; in-depth seminars; personal spiritual retreats; concerts; programs for seniors, women and church or ministry leaders; and many other inspirational events throughout the year. The Cove is also available for group events for Christian churches and nonprofit ministries who are looking for a conference and retreat center. Facilities can accommodate small groups, such as board meetings and church staff retreats, as well as large groups up to 450 guests. For more information, call (800) 950-2092 or visit www.thecove.org. You can also connect with The Cove on these social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Brent Rinehart
(704) 401-2119
brinehart@bgea.org

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