Well, yes, we’re talking about Franklin Graham, the son of the famed Billy Graham. The fourth of five children born to evangelist Billy Graham and Ruth Bell Graham, Franklin, now 65, was born William Franklin Graham III on July 14, 1952. The story of Franklin Graham’s life has been deeply influenced by his father’s extraordinary ministry and the legacy of evangelism and humanitarian work carried on by the Graham family.
I want to tell you today about Franklin Graham and his life, and how he continues his father’s mission.
Early Life and Family Background
Born and raised to a closeknit Christian family, Godly parents in the Appalachian Mountains outside Asheville, North Carolina, Franklin Graham excelled in sports. A childhood spent raised in a log home with the deeply held Christian values of his parents guided him.
He was the son of Billy Graham, a preacher globally recognized, and Ruth Bell Graham, who supported Billy’s ministry all the while raising his five children. After the strong Christian environment, Franklin was rebellious during his youth. “There was always the issue of his identity and he would disengage from other people’s expectations that being Billy Graham’s son created,” his sister told us.
Spiritual Transformation
Franklin Graham’s faith journey was not an easy journey. In 1974 while he was on a trip to Jerusalem, Franklin had a transforming spiritual experience. At this point he surrendered unto Jesus Christ his whole life. This was a point of turning for Franklin away from living a life of rebellion and towards living a more ministerial one.
To solidify his spiritual foundation he later pursued theological studies and was ordained in 1982 by Grace Community Church, Tempe, Arizona. His new found faith and his new found dedication to pray the Gospel would soon lead him to leadership positions that defined his life.
Ministry and Leadership
Leading Samaritan’s Purse
Franklin Graham assumed leadership of Samaritan’s Purse, a global humanitarian organization started by Bob Pierce in 1979. Under Franklin’s leadership, the organization has broadened its efforts to respond to emergency relief, medical assistance, and to help develop millions of people world wide. This led to programs like Operation Christmas Child, the shoebox gift program which delivers gifts to children in need, becoming a cornerstone of Samaritan’s Purse’s mission of meeting human needs in Jesus’ name.
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaim God’s truth and demonstrates God’s love on behalf of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Franklin joined the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in 1995 as vice president and became president and CEO in 2001 in succession of his father. Through this role, Franklin picked up from Billy Graham his mission of reaching out to millions of people worldwide with the Gospel. Right up until the present day, he has been organizing evangelistic events, writing books, utilizing modern media to reach new audiences.
In recent years, one of Franklin’s more notable achievements was his global Decision America tour in which he encourages people to put their faith and prayers in God. After he took over from his father, you could see his commitment and pledge to the heritage, to continue his father’s legacy into the 21st century.
Honouring Billy Graham’s Legacy
On February 21, 2018, Billy Graham passed away — and Franklin Graham was candid about the impact his father had. He credited the deep spiritual foundation his father gave him, and the sense of responsibility he has to continue Billy’s mission he spent his life living.
Franklin has also reflected on his father’s impact, saying, “I just miss him.” I think of him.” Billy Graham’s work not only touched lives around globe, but his commitment to BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse will help his work continue to do so.
When it came to staying true to the legacy of the man who was always referred to as ‘The Preacher,’ yet bringing his own style of leadership to the position Franklin has embraced the challenge in a way that marries evangelism with real hands on humanitarian outreach.
A Connection between Franklin and Billy Graham
Franklin Graham inherited his fathers’ passion for ministry, but has also made his own distinct path within the evangelical movement. His life is tributary to the power of faith bring transformation to a person and the essence of carrying on the lessons and the values of those who have gone.
Franklin’s work extended from the Graham family commitment to ministry to the Lord and helping those in need with their ministry through Samaritan’s Purse and their BGEA ministry.
Conclusion
Not only is Franklin Graham Billy Graham’s son, he is his spiritual successor. As a rebellious youth, to a pivotal spiritual transformation and leadership role in global ministries, Franklin has spent his life continuously following in his father’s footsteps.
Today, Franklin Graham’s work reaches millions of people through evangelism and humanitarian aid, ensuring that the legacy of Billy Graham continues to thrive. For more on Franklin Graham’s life and contributions, check out his biography and his page on Wikipedia.
Arthur Clark “A.J.” is a professional student at the University of Alaska Anchorage, specializing in Project Management, dedicated to mastering organizational strategies and achieving excellence in dynamic project execution.
