The influence of the Graham family is worldwide. “Well, of course it is,” you might be thinking to yourself.
It’s no revelation to anyone that the ministry of Billy Graham has touched lives all over this beautiful globe. He has traveled extensively, preaching to the people of many nations.
The impact of the Grahams, however, is not limited only to Billy himself. Franklin has followed in his footsteps, proclaiming the Gospel to the nations, including this weekend’s festival in Taipei, Taiwan. His son, Will, travels as well, hosting celebrations and keeping up the tradition begun so many years ago by his grandfather.
One of the primary joys of witnessing these festivals and celebrations firsthand is the opportunity to hear the stories of ordinary people. While Billy and Franklin often make headlines meeting with presidents and kings, those who know their hearts know that they do what they do simply to help change lives. We’re talking the lives of regular individuals, whose stories and testimonies may never appear splashed across a TV screen or on the cover of People magazine.
But these stories are truly at the core of what the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association exists to do, so it’s our privilege and honor when we come across the untold legacy of the Graham family. These are just a few that we’ve encountered while in Taipei.
True Love, Precious Love
Two nights ago, as the Taipei Festival kicked off, we spoke with an elderly lady named Janice. Sixty-seven years old, Janice is originally from the west-central Taiwan city of Taichung. During her life, Janice has encountered multiple struggles. Her father was diagnosed with cancer at a time when treatments for this disease were rare. She also lost a brother to cancer, while she herself developed a tumor later in life.
“I faced terrible circumstances, since my General father had cancer. The doctor said he only had three months to live. I was so horrified. I was so hopeless. In that time, I was just a graduate from junior high. Since I loved my father so much, I was eager for true love, precious love.”
Yet in the midst of this turmoil, Janice discovered the joy and hope that comes from walking with Jesus.
“I really knew that I had to find if there is a God. He could give me true love and eternal life. If I had [that], I could face any difficulty.
“I went to the church and I sat in the back. I was thinking that if I didn’t want to listen anymore, I could just quietly go out. But actually, I was so attracted by the sermon from the pastor. I think it was the second time there, I heard Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16: ‘God so loved the world!’ I thought, ‘Oh Lord, You so loved the world even more than my father?’
“I really loved my father. But I couldn’t do anything. So the pastor starts calling, ‘Anybody want to go in front of the altar? Come!’ The aisle was so long! But I really needed this true love and eternal life. But I said okay, there is no other way but to go up. I went in front of the altar and I prayed with the pastor. I still remember my first prayer. Years later, I still remember. I’m still touched by the love of God, of Jesus Christ. I said, ‘Lord, I really don’t know You much. But I know one thing: You are my only Savior and You are the God.’ I invited Him into my heart. After that prayer, all of the burdens of my heart…I felt so peaceful.”
Though she’s not actively working at this weekend’s festival, Janice’s church provided many volunteers. She also recalled, with great fondness and appreciation, Billy’s trip to Taiwan in 1956.
“I still remember thinking: ‘Lord, you really love your Chinese people here.’ We were still in a period of difficulty. But he brought hope! It was the Gospel, the really good news from heaven.”
Youth Of The Nation
Ruth Bell Graham was not just a hidden face behind the scenes of Billy’s ministry. She was a powerful and feisty Christian woman who influenced those around her for the better. She was a mother, wife, writer and fervent follower of Jesus.
Though she entered the public eye as Billy’s beloved, the impact of her own ministry had begun years earlier, as the daughter of missionaries in China. During part of her time in China, Ruth befriended a man named James R. Graham Jr. (no direct relation to the rest of the Graham family). Dr. James Graham later founded Christ’s College right here in Taipei.
Throughout the years, Ruth and Billy personally donated to the college and as an organization, BGEA has given funds as well. Franklin spoke at Christ’s College on Friday morning and we had the chance to talk to some of the students about their lives, hopes and dreams.
Tracy, a freshman student, told us that while being a Christian isn’t a requirement to attend, the staff of the college encourage it. She also shared that, “My parents aren’t Christians, but I’m becoming a Christian.”
Though she’s only partway through her first year, Tracy has already experienced much in her young life.
“A few years ago, I was diagnosed with encephalitis, inflammation of the brain. The doctor said I was a vegetable. But I’m here! Actually, after being in a coma for thirty-three days, the doctor said that if I did come around, I’d be disabled mentally or physically, but I’m totally fine. I thought coming back, ‘there is something here for me.’ I’m still looking and searching.”
The college provides a safe environment for the students, one that allows them time for fellowship and fun. While one young man confided that he thought the rules were “rather strict,” he also thinks that they are good, as they demonstrate that the school truly cares for their wellbeing.
In keeping with the Christian foundations of the college, Annie explained that spiritual times of reflections are central to growth.
“We have nightly devotions, Monday through Thursday. 30 minutes. Everybody sits down with their roommates and pray, sing songs, share our feelings. I think it’s a good time, personally, to all get together. We share our stories with Christ, about Christ, everything. I think our faith grows, through sharing stories and the Bible together.”
And what of Franklin and his words of encouragement?
“He’s very convincing and powerful… I like that he’s using love to help take care of others.”
