'Heaven,' A New Film from My Hope with Billy Graham, to Debut Next Month

Churches across U.S. Making Plans to Use Never-Before-Seen Message from Billy Graham to Reach Out in Local Communities CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 8, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is making its final preparations in advance of the debut of the new film called "Heaven," which will release on Nov. 7 coinciding with Billy Graham's 96th birthday. In addition to the never-before-seen message from Billy Graham - filmed last year from his home in Montreat, N.C. - the program includes the impactful stories of writer and speaker Laurie Coombs and Los Angeles firefighter Cheyane Caldwell. "We are excited about the release of this new film called 'Heaven' next month," said Steve Rhoads, vice president of My Hope 2014 with Billy Graham. "We are offering this as a resource for evangelism to the local church and Christians nationwide to help them simply share Jesus in their communities." Over the last several months, area coordinators have been spread across the nation, encouraging local pastors in their efforts to reach people with the Gospel. Though only one month remains until the new film is released, there is still time for churches and individuals get involved in My Hope. "We are asking God to move in the hearts of people across the country," added Rhoads. "But, it begins as Christians everywhere pray specifically for people they know who need to hear this message of hope." Churches and individuals are encouraged to get started, like thousands of others have already done, by ordering a free copy of "Heaven" and beginning to pray and prepare for an event in their community.  For more information on My Hope, including tips on how the free My Hope resources can be used, visit www.MyHopewithBillyGraham.org. About  My Hope Beginning in 2002, My Hope has been implemented in 59 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. More than 305,000 churches and 4 million individuals have participated, and more than 10 million salvation and rededication decisions for Jesus Christ have been recorded. About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BGEAnews.

Christianity Today Announces 'The Behemoth,' a Magazine that Marvels at God's Creation

CAROL STREAM, Ill., July 31, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christianity Today, the media ministry founded by Billy Graham in 1956, announced today its most daring publication to date in The Behemoth. This ad-free, biweekly publication aims to help people behold the glory of God all around them, in the worlds of science, history, theology, medicine, sociology, Bible, and personal narrative. The digital magazine is available on the iPad through an app in the iTunes store or on any device through the responsive website at BehemothMag.com. The Behemoth gets its provocative name from the biblical beast God uses in the book of Job that forces Job to stop asking questions but simply marvel at God's creation. Managing Editor Ted Olsen says, "We want to look at God's creation, God's history, God's people, and the glorious study of God," he says. "In these and future articles, more than anything else, we want to behold. Not exhort, scold, theorize, pontificate, but simply marvel." And The Behemoth does so in many ways--the first issue contains articles on the physics of baseball, the martyrdom of English Reformation leader Thomas Cranmer, and musings from Swiss theologian Karl Barth. Ted concludes, "Wonder has a way of leading to both humility and praise. And if The Behemoth does that for our readers, we've accomplished our purpose." Like the elements of God's creation it describes, The Behemoth is a unique project for Christianity Today. Designer Jennifer McGuire says "The Behemoth is unique in its responsive website and app, so it will work on any size device really well." In terms of the actual design, McGuire says, "This was a fun site to design. With the concept of this digital magazine, imagery is huge (no pun intended), so we wanted to make sure that every article had a powerful, evocative photograph that would draw you in. And we chose beautiful, contemporary fonts that are designed for comfortable reading on screen, that give it a simple, clean look." The first issue is free to all readers, and is available on the iPad and at BehemothMag.com. Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry that equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God. With its vision to see the church grown up into the fullness of Christ, the ministry reaches more than 3.5 million people every month through a wide range of digital and print resources.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Launches School of Evangelism Online Training

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Launches School of Evangelism Online Training

Intensive School of Evangelism Online Curriculum the First Course Available as Part of New Billy Graham Online Evangelism Training Ministry

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 20, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) recently launched an intensive 12-part online training course titled School of Evangelism Online. The course draws from more than 60 years of evangelistic outreach to impart practical information and strategies for reaching the world with the Gospel, and is the first title available under the banner of the BGEA's new training ministry titled Billy Graham Online Evangelism Training.

"God has blessed the BGEA through the decades, and given us the opportunity to proclaim His love, forgiveness and hope to multiple generations," said BGEA Vice President Will Graham, who oversees online training. "As we've focused on this one singular mission, we've developed a wealth of information and practices that we are excited to offer to others who desire to make an impact in their community."

The course of study for School of Evangelism Online includes four separate courses, and each course contains three lessons. The four courses focus on 1) Preparation; 2) Proclamation; 3) Power; and 4) Preservation. Included in the curriculum are sermon messages from Billy Graham, introductions and details from Franklin and Will Graham, and videos from well-known Christian leaders such as John Stott, Ravi Zacharias, Ron Hutchcraft and Greg Laurie.

School of Evangelism Online will give participants practical strategies for proclamation evangelism, with an emphasis on evangelistic preaching and preparing their churches for follow-up with new believers.

"For years we have held Schools of Evangelism around the world, but we also recognize that many people don't always have the money or time that is required to travel a great distance and sit in a classroom for several days in a row," said Graham. "We're always seeking ways to utilize every effective means available to us to spread the Gospel. The Billy Graham Online Evangelism Training program helps us make the information more accessible and meets a great need for those who haven't been able to attend one of our previous schools."

The course is available online at www.BillyGrahamOnlineTraining.org. There is a cost of $99 for the 12 lessons. After enrolling, students will have 180 days to work through the course of study at their own pace. All required materials are furnished for the course, and no additional purchase of books or materials is needed.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; The Billy Graham Library; The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, N.C.; SearchforJesus.net, an Internet evangelism project reaching thousands of people for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BGEAnews.

Christian Newswire

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Launches Internet Evangelism Outreach

CHARLOTTE, N.C. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has introduced a new Internet evangelism initiative to reach people online with the Gospel. The program was launched in its beta form in late April, and thousands have already viewed an online Gospel presentation and indicated making a commitment to Jesus Christ.

"Every day, people are searching online for answers," said Preston Parrish, executive vice president of ministry for the BGEA. "In their time of need, we are presenting the only hope we have in this world -- the hope found through a relationship with Jesus Christ."

In the coming months, trained volunteer "E-counselors" will be available to chat online with spiritual seekers in an effort to lead even more people into a relationship with Christ. In addition, "Discipleship Coaches" will offer follow-up training to those who have made a commitment and encourage them in finding a church in their area.

The program is an extension of BGEA's commitment to proclaim the Gospel by every effective means available and equip others to do the same. Billy Graham pioneered the use of radio, television and motion pictures to spread the Gospel around the world. Today, BGEA continues in the spirit of innovation through the use of the Internet and social media.

"Today's generation lives on the Internet," said Parrish. "Much like our historic strategy of going where the people are -- into stadiums, civic arenas and public gathering areas -- we are doing the same as we reach into cyberspace with the Good News of God's love, and His offer of forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Christ."

How it Works:
When individuals enter phrases like "What Happens When I Die?" or "Why am I Here?" in popular search engines, BGEA's Internet evangelism project will direct them to relevant web pages that address the questions the inquirer is asking and offer the hope of the Gospel as the ultimate and true solution to their need. The "searcher" can make a commitment to Jesus Christ, or will be able to chat with an "E-counselor" to learn more. For more information on the Internet evangelism project, visit www.SearchForJesus.net. On the site, visitors will see how the program works, as well as real-time commitments being made around the world.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; Dare to Be a Daniel, a youth evangelism training project; My Hope World Evangelism Through Television; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at Twitter.com/BGEAMediaPR

Billy Graham Celebrates 93rd Birthday Following Release of 30th book, 'Nearing Home'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Evangelist Billy Graham will turn 93 on November 7, following the release of his 30th book, "Nearing Home," through which he shares personal autobiographical reflections and wisdom on growing old.

"All my life I was taught how to die as a Christian, but no one ever taught me how I ought to live in my latter years," Mr. Graham wrote. "I wanted to share some of the things I have learned about this stage in life with others, as the aging process is something most of us will experience."

While working on the book consumed much of his focus during the previous year, Mr. Graham still found time to spend with family members, sharing his life and thoughts with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as he encourages others to do with their own families.

"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith," he added.

As he has done throughout his career spanning more than 60 years, the evangelist practices what he preaches, and is careful to spend as much time as possible with his family, lunching weekly with son, Franklin; regularly getting together with his daughter, Gigi, who lives near by; and receiving others when they come to visit.

On occasion Mr. Graham also hosts old friends and Christian leaders he has known through the years. "I always enjoy visiting with those who come to see me, and I hope that I am able to encourage them in some way as they have been a great encouragement to me."

Still interested in world events, Mr. Graham spends time each day watching the news headlines and discussing newspaper articles with staff, family and friends. His daily Bible reading and prayer time remain a priority, and he receives regular visits from his pastor to pray together and discuss biblical passages and spiritual matters.

Part of Mr. Graham's studies is devoted to future projects such as the prospects of additional publications or the opportunity for ministry via the Internet. "I am amazed at the wonders of technology and am grateful for the ways in which we are able to use it to share the Gospel around the world," Mr. Graham said. "I look forward to seeing how God may still be able to use me to serve Him in these latter years."

Editor's Note: For those who would like to send personal birthday greetings to Mr. Graham, they are encouraged to do so on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ReverendBillyGraham or on Twitter using the hashtag #happybdaybillygraham.

Gaithers Film Homecoming Tent Revival Special at Billy Graham Library

"It's the perfect place for us," says Bill Gaither

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 9, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Southern gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither, along with the "Homecoming" friends - more than 100 gospel artists - were in Charlotte last week to film the Gaither Homecoming Tent Revival special at the Billy Graham Library.
"It's a perfect place for us," said Bill Gaither about the Billy Graham Library.
The Gaither Homecoming Tent Revival special is reminiscent of early tent revival meetings, much like the "Canvas Cathedral" in Los Angeles where Billy Graham gained worldwide recognition in 1949. In fact, the Gaither event aimed to recreate the atmosphere of that historic crusade, with its large tent and standing-room only crowd.
Photo: The taping of the Gaither Homecoming Tent Revival special at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. High-resolution images and video b-roll are available upon request.
"A lot of our folks grew up singing in tent meetings," Gaither continued. "Going through the Library and seeing one of the exhibitions is that of the old tent in Los Angeles brought back those memories for us."
"Music has always been a very important part of the Billy Graham Crusades. In fact, the Vocal Band has sung at the last 10 or 12 Crusades, including the last one in New York City," said Gaither. "And, so to have an entire evening, singing songs about Jesus, singing songs about the cross, singing songs about invitation, I think is a great thing."
Before the event, private tours were given of the Billy Graham Library to the participating artists. The group was able to see depictions of various scenes from Billy and Ruth Graham's life, including a replica of the "Canvas Cathedral" from the 1949 Los Angeles Crusade.
Bill and Gloria Gaither were joined by legendary gospel music artists The Crabb Family, Michael English, David Phelps, Guy Penrod, Mark Lowry, The Gatlin Brothers, Buddy Greene, Larnelle Harris, The Nelons, The Martins, The Isaacs, longtime Billy Graham Crusade soloist George Beverly Shea and musical director Cliff Barrows, plus many more.
During the program, Bill Gaither presented 102-year-old George Beverly Shea with a commemorative copy of Billboard magazine, which has listed a Gaither Homecoming special with George Beverly Shea as #3 on its chart of best-selling music videos.

Visit www.gaither.com for more information about the Gaither Homecoming Tent Revival special, including the complete artist list. Future announcements about air dates and the availability for purchase will also be found on the website.

About the Gaithers
The Gaithers, who will celebrate 50 years of marriage next year, have been in the gospel music industry for more than 40 years. The couple spent the first several years of their married life juggling teaching jobs, writing, singing, recording and publishing. By 1967, they were making music full time.

By 1991, Bill had formed a group called the Gaither Vocal Band and had been performing with them for several years. He pulled together some of his gospel music heroes to record a song for what he thought would be their final album. What took place that day was very special, and it was captured on video. Thus, the "Homecoming" series was born.

Over the decades, the Gaithers have won top honors in gospel music, including more than two dozen Dove awards, several Grammy awards, and receiving the Gospel Music Association's "Songwriter of the Year" distinction multiple times.

Many of the songs sung in churches today were written by Bill and Gloria Gaither, including: Because He Lives, There's Just Something About That Name and He Touched Me. In fact, together, the Gaithers have penned hundreds of gospel songs still used in worship settings today.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association directs a wide range of domestic and international evangelism ministries, including: large-scale Festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; Dare to Be a Daniel, a youth evangelism training project; My Hope World Evangelism Through Television; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, offering the hope of Jesus Christ in the midst of tragedy; and many others. Visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at Twitter.com/BGEAMediaPR