Dear Friend,
As we close out 2016 and begin a new year fresh, I want to say thank you for the support you have provided through your prayers and your financial gifts. I look back over the year and thank God for the incredible opportunity to go to all 50 states, stand on the capitol steps, share the Gospel, and call tens and tens of thousands of people to prayer. It was amazing. Never did we dream there would be such a harvest of souls at these rallies. We wouldn’t have been able to do this without you standing with us. And yes—God answers prayer!
The need for prayer for our nation didn’t end with an election, a new administration in Washington, or a new year. America still needs the message of “repentance that leads to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10, ESV). We are looking at going back to all 50 states in the next few years. In May we will start with the Decision America 2017 Tennessee Tour, going to four cities—Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jackson, and Memphis. And then in the fall, we will go to seven cities across the Lone Star State with the Decision America 2017 Texas Tour. These are one-night events, saturating each region with the hope of the Gospel and a call to prayer and repentance.
This is a time of both great opportunity and tremendous challenge for our nation. By the time you read this letter, we will be preparing for the inauguration of a new president who has a clear vision for America’s future. As Christians we have a responsibility to pray for our president, vice president, and new leadership in Washington, that they will look to Him for wisdom and direction. The Bible directs us that “prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made … for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1–3).
In addition to Decision America 2017, we have a full slate of Crusades across North America and around the world. In February I will hold a Crusade in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This island, a U.S. territory, is facing an epidemic of drug abuse, corruption, and poverty. Will you be praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and that hearts there will be open to the Gospel? “It is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16).
Hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. and around the world told us that they made a life-changing decision for Christ during 2016 as a result of the ministries of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. We thank God for each and every one—and we give Him the glory! We couldn’t do this work without your faithful prayers and gifts. I am deeply grateful for your partnership in the Gospel. May God use you in His service in this new year!
P.S. If you have been praying for someone you care about who needs to come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, I urge you to keep on praying and not let up. We cannot know when someone’s heart will be ready, but God does know, and He is faithful.
