By Agencies – News of the death of renowned Rev. Billy Graham has made shockwaves across much of the United States and religious world alike. Graham, who’s sermons were broadcast in churches around the country, died Wednesday morning at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, his nonprofit organization announced. He was 99.
But Graham was also an influential voice at the top levels of the political world for decades. His relationship with American presidents dated back to Harry Truman. He was close to Richard Nixon and George H.W. Bush, and President George W. Bush has credited a talk he had with Graham in the 1980s with inspiring his faith in God and helping him quit drinking.
Graham was also close to Ronald Reagan and was, according to the Los Angeles Times, one of the few people who was invited to visit him as his Alzheimer’s symptoms worsened. Politicians whose spiritual lives were touched by Graham were quick to respond to the news of his death Wednesday.
Praise God for the life and message of Billy Graham. I have loved him since I was a small boy. He is with Jesus.
— Jack Graham (@jackngraham) February 21, 2018
The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham has always been and will always be a hero in our home. Next to my own father, Reverend Graham was the most humble and gracious man I ever knew. I am honored to call him a friend and a mentor. Victoria and I will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/8kkj3kYRJo
— Joel Osteen (@JoelOsteen) February 21, 2018
While it was sad to hear the news of Billy Graham passing, I am rejoicing that he is now home in heaven. Billy was a great man of God who made a tremendous impact all over the globe. His love for people and integrity had a great impact on my life and so many others! pic.twitter.com/m1KshXeSw4
— Joyce Meyer (@JoyceMeyer) February 21, 2018
Today we celebrate heaven’s great reception of a mighty man of God—Billy Graham. We are confident he received the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 1918-2018 pic.twitter.com/HZS0q2HueE
— Kenneth Copeland (@CopelandNetwork) February 21, 2018
Statement by former President George H. W. Bush (41) on the passing of evangelist Billy Graham at the age of 99. pic.twitter.com/2WtZQ5uVam
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) February 21, 2018
The Great Commission is as simple as it is clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”. Few men in history have received that instruction as humbly, or carried it out as diligently, as Reverend Billy Graham.
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) February 21, 2018
God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ’I love you.’ – Billy Graham #welldonegoodandfaithfulservant pic.twitter.com/oXu57xPGoV
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham was, in my view, the most important evangelist since the Apostle Paul. He preached Christ, not himself, not politics, not prosperity. When many saw evangelicals as just so many Emer Gantrys, he carried unimpeachable personal integrity.
— Russell Moore (@drmoore) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham was filled with the love of Christ and shared His good news around the world. I’m profoundly grateful for his life. pic.twitter.com/hMiL5JNJ9W
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) February 21, 2018
Saddened by the loss of Evangelist Billy Graham. He led an impactful life, touching so many people with his spiritual teachings. He will be deeply missed.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) February 21, 2018
