GRAHAM BEGINS "THE LAST CRUSADE"

This weekend will mark the end of an era in American religion, as the Reverend Dr. Billy Graham begins what is being noted as his last USA "crusade" in the city where he came onto the national scene, New York City.

Billy Graham has become over the past six decades one of the best known and highly respected Christian leaders in the world. Many people call Dr. Graham "America's Preacher" because of his long tenure, multimedia ministries, and his ability to minister to ten American presidents from all ends of the political spectrum.

While many so-called Christian leaders talk more about politics and which candidate or party their followers should support, Billy Graham has for the most part shunned political activism in order that the focus can be kept on his message...following the teachings of the Bible and saving souls for Christ. However, he did note during an interview with Brian Williams for NBC Nightly News --- which broadcast from the crusade site in Queens --- that he is a Democrat.

Graham was a pioneer in using media for his ministry. His weekly "Hour of Decision" radio programme and prime time television specials --- which often ran over three nights and highlighted excerpts from his various crusades --- were extremely popular for many years. His evangalistic association started it's own motion picture studio, World Wide Pictures, to produce films to advance the ministry's work.

Dr. Graham also was a pioneer in accountability for religious organizations as one of the founders of the Evangalical Council for Financial Accountability in 1979.

When the last strains of "Just As I Am", the hymn that is traditionally sung when Graham gives the invitation for those who want to accept Jesus Christ as their saviour, are played on Sunday, a part of Americana will be gone, returning to the mountains of North Carolina to live his remaining days in peace. May God bless him.