More than 170,000 calls have flooded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) Prayer Line since mid-March. Unlike most things, the ability to pray isn’t restricted by COVID-19.
The need has been tremendous. From March 17—just four days after the United States declared a national emergency—to now, the calls haven’t stopped.
Many people phone in after hearing a TV or radio ad.
In the midst of all the bad news they’re getting, Franklin Graham, president of the BGEA, is giving them some Good News.
“God can give you peace,” Franklin Graham said in a recent ad. “Through the middle of this turmoil, this storm we find ourselves in, He can not only calm the storm, but He can guide and direct you.”
The evangelist has called for Americans to pray for peace during some of the most turbulent times in recent history.
The pandemic. Racial unrest. Rioting.
To many, the world seems to have fallen off its axis—spinning out of control.
>>Watch this one-minute video from Franklin Graham on finding peace.
Trained, caring prayer line volunteers are ready to answer the need and engage with callers one-on-one.
>>Volunteer to pray and encourage others on the Billy Graham Prayer Line.
Though the reason for every call is unique, each person is listened to and encouraged through prayer and God’s Word. There’s encouragement for addiction, Christ’s forgiveness for guilt, assurance of faith and even joy in brokenness.
Recently, Lisa* phoned the Billy Graham Prayer Line saying she didn’t want to live anymore. She’d lost her job, was broke and had numerous physical problems. The prayer line volunteer explained how to find peace with God in even the hardest circumstances. Lisa wanted that and turned all of her worry over to Christ when she prayed to follow Him.
Before the call ended, she talked about the new calm and joy she felt after surrendering her heart and problems.
A young man, Andrew*, called to join the family of God. His own family is Hindu, but Andrew said he wants to study the Bible and start a personal relationship with Christ. His goal is to become a pastor.
Emotionally spent, Ashley* was crying so much she couldn’t talk when she called in. She was wracked with guilt over her poor decisions and how they’d affected her family. Ashley felt guilty for marrying a man who later started abusing her children and mother.
After listening, the volunteer comforted Ashley, telling her the Bible says God would forgive her sins “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). Ashley wanted that forgiveness and prayed to rededicate her life to the Lord.
“I tried to help her to a place of hope,” the volunteer explained.
*Names have been changed for privacy.
Searching for peace? You can find it through Christ. Start here.
>>Share these resources with anxious friends and family.
