The Bible says that government has been ordained by God Himself.
“For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God … for [the one who is in authority] is God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:1, 4, ESV).
In just a few days, we in the United States have the privilege of electing the people who will serve in office for the next several years. Since we believe this is one of the most important elections in our lifetime, my father and I have taken a strong stand in the past few months to encourage voters to support candidates on the national, state, and local levels who embrace biblical values.
My father watches the news every day, and he is deeply concerned about the enormous moral issues facing our country. That’s why your vote on November 6 is so critical.
This is a crucial hour for our nation. Above all, this is a time for deep, intercessory prayer on behalf of our great country, which is in grave danger unless we repent of our sins and turn back to the God of our fathers. The Bible says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
When America’s leaders actively promote and legislate immorality, restrict the religious freedoms that our country was founded on, and are openly hostile to men and women of faith, then I believe we are ripe for God’s judgment.
So pray and then vote on November 6, asking God for His mercy and grace upon our land. There’s still time to turn from our wicked ways so that He might spare us from His wrath against sin.
As I write this letter, I am preparing to leave for South Sudan, where I will preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in Juba, the capital city. The threat of Islam is all around this new nation, which has suffered from persecution and civil war more than any other country I know of over the past three decades.
Hundreds of pastors attended the evangelism and discipleship classes that we always conduct months before a Crusade. They were greatly encouraged in their faith. Some of them had previously gone through a Bible school led by my friend Sami Dagher, who is the pastor of a thriving church in the Middle East and who spoke at our Amsterdam conference several years ago.
The president of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, plans to attend. I’ve known him for many years—he’s even visited our offices in North Carolina. When I saw him last April, I invited him to the Crusade, and he was very pleased to learn of our plans.
Our Rock the Lakes Festival in Buffalo and Rock the River in Ottawa drew tens of thousands of young people to hear Christian rock bands and the preaching of the Gospel. Hundreds came to saving faith—even in pouring rain—as the Holy Spirit used the Word of God to convict of sin and righteousness. It was powerful. We give God the glory.
Just about one year from now—in November 2013—we will be holding one of the largest evangelistic events ever in this country, My Hope with Billy Graham. My father believes God has allowed him to live this long—he will be 95 then—so that he can participate in this massive undertaking to bring the Gospel to our nation using television, Internet, training, and partnership with local churches.
This could be America’s last call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, who is coming again one day very soon to save His own and to judge those who don’t know and worship Him.
Keep us in your prayers as we approach the last months of the year—we depend upon the Lord for strength and wisdom. Your support of our work of evangelism around the world is greatly appreciated. When the Gospel is preached to all the world, then the Lord will come.
Thank you and God bless you,
Franklin Graham
President
