As Billy Graham gets ready to celebrate his 87th birthday next week, official word has come from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that his final large-venue crusade at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York in June was his last.
Graham, the friend and confidant of kings and presidents as well as one of America's most admired public figures, continues to enjoy quiet time at home in Montreat, N.C., for recuperation and reflection as he prepares to celebrate his birthday Monday.
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An announcement from the BGEA says that while the crusade phase of his evangelistic ministry may be over, Graham still finds plenty to do to fill his time.
In addition to participating in recent groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies at the BGEA headquarters in Charlotte, he has been working on a book and determining the best use of his remaining years.
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"Ruth and I have enjoyed our time together these last few months, and we both feel at peace about the decision to have the New York meetings be our last," Graham said. "We know that God can still use us to reach people with the Gospel message in other ways, and we look forward to seeing how He will do so."
Most recently, the Grahams have ministered to Hurricane Katrina victims and have offered their old home as shelter to a family from New Orleans. They also have given to relief efforts and have prayered for those who lost homes and loved ones.
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Although his public role with BGEA has diminished, Graham still serves as chairman of the BGEA Board of Directors and attends its meetings as often as his health allows.
In addition to these commitments, Graham looks forward to other ministry endeavors, preaching as opportunities allow and continuing the work of spreading the Gospel message.
Graham suffers from fluid on the brain, prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease. He uses a walker due to a pelvic fracture and largely is confined to his home.
His wife, Ruth Bell Graham, 85, was hospitalized several times in 2002 for health problems, including pneumonia, and remains in ill health.
