Ninety-three year old evangelist Billy Graham was admitted to the hospital Saturday, where he is being treated for bronchitis. News accounts mentioned that he is looking forward to going home in a few days and continuing work on various ministry projects. One of those is completing the manuscript for a new book to be released next spring.

Like many of you, I prayed for him when I heard he had been hospitalized. I also remembered an experience from my past. When I was a teenager and a relatively new believer, I wrote a letter to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. I shared my testimony and asked a couple of questions. The reply I received continues to inform my opinion of the man and the ministry God created through him.

It was not a form letter. Instead it was multipage letter from either a volunteer or staff member in their home office that answered each of my questions and provided encouragement to me as a young believer. Three books were also included, one being “The Art of Personal Witnessing” by Lorne Sanny. This small paperback book with a white cover was the first book on evangelism I ever read.

This early experience with his ministry convinced me of the genuineness of Billy Graham. In the years since, my opinion has not changed.

Pastor Steve Hogg