Thomas Weir of Seneca, South Carolina, didn’t know if he would make it to the Billy Graham Library on Monday.
He, along with his wife and some friends, had talked about visiting over the past several months and almost postponed the trip because the weather forecast didn’t look good for the Charlotte area.
But God gave them more than good weather for traveling and walking the Library grounds. And Weir got a big surprise when he walked up to the guest services desk and received the 1 millionth ticket for the Journey of Faith tour.
Cheers erupted as Tom Phillips, Billy Graham Library vice president, introduced Weir to the other Library guests and presented him with several mementos and gifts to commemorate this special visit.
“This milestone comes from a calling,” Phillips said. “Many years ago Billy Graham felt a calling (to share the Gospel). Now here we are, welcoming our 1 millionth visitor at the Billy Graham Library, a continuation of his ministry.
“For us it is a time of celebration,” Phillips said. “And we are glad to honor this one in a million—the person who is the 1 millionth person to walk through the Journey of Faith tour—as well as the others who have made up that million.”
Since the Billy Graham Library’s opening in June 2007, more than 27,000 of the 1 million people who heard the Gospel through the Journey of Faith have made spiritual decisions. Some have rededicated their lives to Christ, others have sought assurance of their salvation, and many have accepted Christ for the first time.
“It’s a pleasure to be the millionth visitor here. It says a lot about this place,” Weir said. “It’s very meaningful to share this moment with my wife and friends during this holiday season. It’s such a special gift. I’ll never forget it.”
Weir went on to explain that he and Linda, his wife of 47 years, have revered Billy Graham over the years, even before they were Christians. He said his most special memory of Billy Graham’s ministry was when a Crusade was held in Moscow after the Iron Curtain fell. He remembers the Russian Red Army sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” that day.
“I respect him so much,” Weir said of Mr. Graham. “He’s the evangelist for the evangelist. He’s been the pastor to many presidents and has preached the Gospel all around the world.
“And now, it’s neat to be here and be part of the history of this place. I hope to enjoy today and rejoice in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
You can know the peace that only Jesus can bring. Receive the gift of eternal life this Christmas season.
