This story was compiled from Billy Graham: God’s Ambassador, which describes the life and ministry of Billy Graham through stories and pictures.
Q: What Was Billy Graham’s First Impression of Cliff Barrows?
A: He was a little unsure.
Billy Graham had been crisscrossing the country holding rallies for Youth for Christ when he found himself leading one close to home at the Ben Lippen School and Conference Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
The regular song leader was absent, however, so a fill-in was found—a young Californian named Cliff Barrows. Mr. Barrows and his new wife, Billie, were honeymooning in North Carolina.
According to Mr. Barrows, Billy Graham appeared hesitant to give the job to a newcomer who seemed to lack experience.
Mr. Barrows confirms Mr. Graham’s uncertainty when describing their first meeting in 1945—“When we met,” Mr. Barrows said, “Billy looked at me with a smile. He grabbed both of my hands and said, ‘No time to be choosy!’”
Though Cliff Barrows didn’t officially join Billy Graham’s ministry team until 1947, this rally was the start of a lifelong ministry and friendship, as they took the love of Christ around the globe for the next 60 years.
As music and program director for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) for decades, Mr. Barrows led congregational singing and Crusade choirs in one country after another. He also served as Program Director and Host for Hour of Decision radio program, broadcast across the globe for more than 60 years. Mr. Barrows remains active in the BGEA ministry today and continues as host of Hour of Decision Online.
