Graham carries impact into his 80s

By: JAMES CURRAN - Staff Writer | Thursday, November 18, 2004 9:51 PM PST ∞

PASADENA ---- In the shadows of the stage that spread the width of the football field at the Rose Bowl, a golf cart slowly carried a frail preacher up to a microphone. The cart didn't stop near the microphone, but up against it so that the Rev. Billy Graham wouldn't have to walk so much as an extra step to speak into it Tuesday.

"I apologize for being crippled," Graham said, clutching a walker to steady himself. "I'm thrilled and honored to be here."

Despite health issues ---- he broke bones from two falls within the last year ---- that have postponed the Billy Graham Crusades at the stadium until this weekend, the chance to hear the evangelist is arguably the biggest faith event in Southern California this year.

Considering the condition of the North Carolina-born Graham, 86, this could be the last opportunity people from the area will have to see in person the man who has made such an impact on faith in the nation that President George H.W. Bush referred to him as "America's pastor."

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which opened today and will last through Sunday. His other crusade this year, in Kansas City, Mo., in October, attracted about 155,000 people. In addition, his last California crusades, held in San Diego, drew about 270,000 people. His last crusades in the greater Los Angeles area, held in Anaheim in 1985, drew 536,600 people, according to Graham officials.

"If we have 5,000 people, I'll be happy," Graham said. "If we get 50,000 people, we'll be happy. There have been thousands of people praying for the meetings here in Los Angeles and of course, so many people have been praying for a spiritual awakening in their town."

Graham spoke briefly and took no questions from reporters Tuesday, leaving on the cart soon after his statement. An official said Graham's health is improving. Another added Graham's health would not diminish the impact the event will have on the region.

"There is no greater city in the world than Los Angeles, and there's no city with greater need in the world than Los Angeles," said the Rev. Lloyd Ogilvie, the former chaplain of the U.S. Senate and Honorary Crusade Chair.

Historical impact

Ogilvie, who currently serves as pastor emeritus of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, said Graham's work ---- his first Southern California crusade in the area was held in 1949 ---- makes him the greatest evangelist since the apostle Paul.

"I believe that," Ogilvie said.

"Dr. Graham has preached the Gospels in every continent in the world," he added. "His message ---- the mere magnitude of the outreach of his crusades. ... He has reached more people than any other man."

Through crusades, television, radio, films and books, Graham's preachings have reached 185 countries and territories and an estimated 210 million people.

In comparison, Paul wrote 14 epistles in the New Testament.

"I would concur (with Ogilvie) in terms of impact," said the Rev. Gary Nelson, pastor of Calvary Chapel of Temecula Valley. "Paul reached his world in that day, but the known world then was small. Graham reached his world in this day. If you went from sheer numerical data, (Graham is), but Paul didn't have access to satellites.

"You know how they do a list of significant people for a time period? If you would do a list for the 20th century, Billy Graham would be in the top 10 ---- not just in people of faith, of all people, absolutely."

Local influence

Nelson said Graham made a profound impact on his personal life, even when he was stationed 90 miles south of Saigon, serving in the military during the Vietnam War.

Nelson said he had already dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. His wife, Marcella, was back in California, wondering what had gotten into him.

"It was a tough period for both of us," Nelson said Wednesday. "When I became a believer, I would write her and tell her about things. She would break down and say to her mom, 'I think he's flipped out.' I prayed very seriously about it."

Nelson said a friend took Marcella to the Billy Graham Crusades at Anaheim Stadium in 1969. Crusade officials said 20,336 people made commitments to Christ at that event. Nelson said Marcella was one of them.

When he found out, it didn't matter to Nelson that he was in a war zone.

"It was a great day," Nelson said.

National impact

Nelson said Graham has been an influence on presidents for the past 60 years. Graham is considered a friend of the Bush family.

Graham hinted Tuesday that the death of President Reagan made this event particularly important. He visited former first lady Nancy Reagan in October.

"His death set a spiritual tone in this country," Graham said, but "I'm not going to get involved in politics. I want to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Officials were asked if Christians feel the Bush administration owes them for supporting his re-election campaign. Exit polls suggested a primary motivation for votes was "moral values."

"They've been very good friends, but we don't feel (President Bush) owes us anything," said Cliff Barrows, the music director for the Billy Graham Crusades.

Southern California crusades

Although Graham started his career in the deep south, Crusade officials say his career took flight with Southern California events. This weekend's event will be his ninth campaign in the Los Angeles area, more than any other city in the world, and his 28th in California, more than any other state.

Officials say the 1949 event, a tent revival at the corner of Washington and Hill streets in Los Angeles that lasted longer than three weeks, caught the attention of famed media magnate William Randolph Hearst. The event made news across the country, and Graham became a household name who was eventually awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"(Coming back), this does bring back a host of memories for all of us," Barrows said.

As for this event, officials say more than 20,000 volunteers from 1,400 churches are helping the nonprofit organization. Concerts will be held throughout the event, with Michael W. Smith and The Katinas performing tonight. More bands will perform Saturday, which has been split in half ---- the morning portion geared for children and the evening for teens and young adults. Jars of Clay and Marcos Witt will perform Sunday.

Nelson said that Calvary Chapel of Temecula Valley is too far from Pasadena to contribute as volunteers, but believers from the area will be headed to the event.

Graham will speak to conclude the day's events, save the Saturday morning portion.

In addition, crusade officials make a habit of targeting a specific community need to help alleviate. The crusade's Love-in-Action group has targeted hunger as the local need, and needy individuals and families will be fed.

Admission is free.

Contact staff writer James Curran at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2627, or jcurran@californian.com.