The evangelist and "pastor to the presidents" Billy Graham turns 95 years old on Thursday. After traveling the world and preaching the Gospel for six decades, all he wanted for his birthday was the chance to share the message of Jesus with his home continent one more time.
Related Link: What is Billy Graham's Hope for America?
Over 28,000 churches across the United States will tune in to Billy Graham's My Hope America video program from Nov. 7-10th. Besides the churches, individual Christians are making preparations to open up their homes, or another gathering place, to invite neighbors to watch the 30-minute video featuring life-changing testimonies and Billy Graham's message, and then invite them to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior.
This Thursday through Sunday, more than 500 television stations will air Graham's 30-minute program, "The Cross,"as the evangelistic outreach My Hope with Billy Graham culminates in every state, province and territory in the U.S. and Canada.
"The Cross" will be broadcast on 115 network television stations from Honolulu to New York City, along with 20 national Christian networks and 370 individual Christian TV stations.
A Spanish version of the video will also be broadcast on several national and local channels.
But the most widely viewed showing is expected to be the nationwide broadcast on Fox News (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) Thursday, November 7. Fox News will re-air the program at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT Sunday, November 10, as well. The video will also be available on DVD (order online) and streaming online.
The program description writes, "Evangelist Billy Graham has preached about the cross to millions of people around the world - and now he brings the timeless message of hope and redemption in Jesus Christ to America once more. 'With all my heart I want to leave you with the truth that He loves you and wants to forgive you of your sins.'"
In the My Hope America's statement, it offered statistics of the actual conditions of 100 average neighbors that starkly contrasts most people's idea of average American community of white picket fences, manicured lawns, and two cars in the garage.
The ministry urges Christians to follow the example of Apostle Matthew in inviting people into his home to meet Jesus (Matthew 9:9-10). While many people may be nervous about sharing their faith, the ministry shared how ordinary people have used "My Hope" to help impact lives in a way they never thought possible.
Franklin Graham, CEO of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, said, "The most important part of My Hope America is prayer. Make a list of those you hope to invite and start praying for them right now. This is the key.
"The fact that each of us may have friends and family who will one day die and spend eternity separated from God in Hell ought to keep us up at night. It ought to break our hearts. This November brings a fantastic opportunity for you to make a difference in their lives," he said.
"America has turned its back on God. We see people everywhere who claim to know God but do not live for Him. The only thing that will turn this nation around will be a spiritual awakening, sparked and fanned into flame by the Holy Spirit of God.
God says, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Those who are interesting can sign up for trainings. More information can be found on My Hope America's website.
