Dear Friend,
At Christmastime, we focus on God’s great gift of Jesus Christ. He left Heaven to become the sacrifice for our sins, so that by believing in Him we might have eternal life. The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NASB). Though the year 2020 will be remembered as one of tremendous turmoil and challenge, I’m thankful that as we set our minds and hearts on the Lord, we can stand firm in His promise, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6, ESV).
As we rejoiced in the One who is always the same, thousands came to Charlotte, North Carolina, to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas at the Library, which points people to the hope found only in Christ. Guests experienced the retelling of the Savior’s birth, complete with a live nativity. This was a great opportunity to bring family members to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, “who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4, NASB).
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a very lonely and stressful time for many. In December, we aired new Gospel spots on TV across the nation. In them I shared the simple plan of salvation and invited viewers to pray to receive Christ into their lives. He was born to give us real peace, and only He can fill the emptiness of our hearts, promising that He will never leave or forsake us. We continue to be grateful to God that thousands are calling our 24/7 toll-free Call Center asking for prayer and having questions about how to be saved from their sins.
We also hosted several Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinners at our headquarters in Charlotte during December. We held these free events in support of the law enforcement community, to acknowledge the unique challenges officers and their families face and offer them Biblically based hope and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We have been doing law enforcement events for years, but in 2021 we want to expand this ministry across the nation, going to cities that have been disrupted by social unrest and lawlessness. While problems in our cities have grown worse, the attitude toward police officers has declined dramatically. Officers have been devalued, discouraged, and demoralized by many people, including some city and state leaders. These brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and we want to show them our gratitude and offer help. Your prayers and gifts will make it possible for couples to attend some of these retreats in cities like Minneapolis, Portland, Kenosha, and Seattle.
We are happy to come alongside our nation’s officers and their families in this trying time. There is no charge for sworn officers and their spouses to attend, and your gifts help make it possible for them to participate.
>> Give to the National Law Enforcement Ministry
Our Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) just held a retreat for military chaplains and their spouses at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. The event was open to active duty, National Guard, and Reserve chaplains, and the couples experienced solid Biblical teaching from speakers and inspiring times of worship. Surrounded by beautiful Christmas decorations around the campus, there was also focused time for prayer, rest, and renewal.
One chaplain who attended the event said, “It was such a blessing to us—it refueled our emotional tank so we can get home and re-engage with our mission!” Thank you for giving to make this ministry possible.
As we move into a new year, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) is looking forward to even more opportunities to proclaim the life-changing power of the Gospel. In April, I am planning to hold a Festival in Ushuaia, Argentina, which is nicknamed “The End of the World.”
My son Will is also planning events in various cities across the United States and Canada. Please pray for the Lord to keep these doors open—and to open many more—and for the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts and minds to hear and receive the Good News.
Thank you for helping share the message of Jesus Christ with people in many places around the world. I pray that the Lord will bless you with His strength, hope, and peace in the coming year.
May God richly bless you,
Franklin Graham
President
