Dear Friend,
Our country has experienced a tumultuous political season unlike any in my lifetime. The Bible tells us to pray for our elected officials. We must pray for President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and for other leaders on the national, state, and local levels, that they would look to God and ask Him for His wisdom and truth.
We need healing. The division in our country is as great as any time since the Civil War. I am calling on Christians to unite our hearts together in prayer for America, for our neighborhoods, cities, and states. Pray for peace, healing, reconciliation, and unity nationwide.
>> Can America be united again? Read more from Billy Graham and Franklin Graham.
The Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34, ESV). Without truth and godliness, there can be no real peace.
The current problems in our world remind us of how desperately people need the life-changing message of the Gospel. I know many are experiencing hardship, unexpected loss, anxiety, and fear. At the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), we are determined to invest the time and resources necessary to preach the eternal hope of Jesus Christ as long as God gives us the opportunity.
Moving ahead in this new year, we are continuing to produce new Gospel TV spots to air nationwide, and we thank God for the amazing ways He’s working. Because of your gifts and prayers, we’ve been able to answer more than 330,000 calls to the prayer line from people who want to receive Christ or pray with a team member.
We have the privilege of taking the same Good News all around the world. God didn’t tell us to go only where it’s safe and secure. He just told us to go, and we’ve got to be willing. Yes, our world has problems. As believers, instead of hiding in fear, we can see these problems as opportunities to share the love and truth of Christ with a lost and hurting world.
As doors open, we are planning to hold evangelistic Festivals and Celebrations in many places. Currently, I am preparing to proclaim the Good News in Argentina, South Korea, Italy, Russia, Brazil, and here at home in the United States. Millions around the world desperately need the Lord, and your prayers and gifts make it possible for them to hear His Word.
>> A look at upcoming BGEA ministry events around the world
Around 2,500 churches are working with BGEA for a large evangelistic event in South Korea at the Seoul Olympic Stadium. The United States has 50,000 troops stationed near the capital, and we are also planning a military outreach leading up to the Festival. Please be in prayer for this opportunity and the preparations.
The Milan Festival is scheduled to take place about 60 miles from Cremona, Italy, where Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains ministered last year at the Samaritan’s Purse emergency field hospital. More than 350 area churches are working together for this outreach. And we are also preparing for a Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, 29 years after my father held a historic Crusade in Moscow.
My son Will is hosting an online Celebration in February from Tifton, Georgia. Later this year, he is planning outreaches in West Virginia, South Dakota, Iowa, and Canada.
>> Watch a replay of Will Graham’s message from Tifton, Georgia
Of course, all of our events are contingent on each state or country’s current COVID-19 safety measures. Please pray with us that these doors will remain open, and pray God will draw many men and women to Himself.
During recent natural disasters and the pandemic, the Lord has given us opportunities to share His love with hurting people. BG-RRT chaplains recently deployed to minister to patients and staff at the Samaritan’s Purse emergency field hospitals in Caldwell County, North Carolina, and in Los Angeles County, California. A spike in COVID-19 cases in these regions has caused hospitals to be overwhelmed. BGEA is ministering alongside medical staff, offering the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ with many patients who are alone or afraid.
Please pray for these chaplains, as well as ones still ministering to storm-devastated areas in Alabama and Louisiana.
This year our law enforcement ministry is expanding to reach more officers and their spouses in cities across America. Our appreciation dinners and retreats acknowledge the unique challenges these men and women face and point them to the truth, comfort, and security found in God’s Word. In addition, we give them spiritual resources such as a Bible and Scripture-based books like Words of Wisdom, a devotional featuring Psalms and Proverbs. You can be a part of this much-needed ministry through your prayers and gifts.
Our world continues to reject Biblical truth. The House of Representatives recently announced a set of changes to its official rules to enshrine so-called “gender inclusive” language, and stop the use of “non-inclusive” words, including father, mother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, husband, and wife.
The Bible says God “created them male and female” (Genesis 1:27, HCSB), and it is foolish to try and remove the gender designations ordained by Almighty God. This is shaking a fist in the Creator’s face, trying to deny His authority.
Our country is in a deep crisis because many people in power are rejecting the truth of God’s Word and are trying to force their beliefs on the rest of us. I’m concerned we won’t even recognize this nation in a very short time.
King David wrote, “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever” (Psalm 19:8–9, ESV). Unless we as a people return to God’s standards, we will plunge into further chaos and trouble.
I’m thankful that in a world of problems, the Lord never changes, and He has promised to always be with His people. I’m also grateful for friends like you who partner in this ministry. Thank you for your heart to offer the hope and comfort of Jesus Christ.
May God richly bless you,
Franklin Graham
President
