The Last Crusade

"This one thing I do, forgetting all else." Paul the Apostle

The music is brighter and the sermons are shorter. Other than that, Billy Graham's "last" evangelistic crusade in New York was the same as the first one I attended as a youth in Puerto Rico. Consistently, for more than 50 years, Graham has preached the same sermon.

"God loves you. God sent His Son to die for you. No matter how far you may have turned away from Him, His gift of grace includes full forgiveness. Accepting His gift will change everything about your life. It will give your life Hope and Meaning. Come. Please. Accept Him today."

I heard the sermon in 1955, on a ball field in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. And I've heard it again, and again, and again on soccer fields, football stadiums, and basketball arenas around the world. It is always the same. Different illustrations. Different musicians. Different locations. Different translators. Same message. Same results.

When Graham asks for commitment, the stands begin to move as dozens, then thousands of people stream down onto the field to publicly accept the gift and commit their lives to Christ.

I've stood on the stadium grass, helped folks fill out the commitment cards, and prayed with them through their tears. God has used Graham's crusades to populate many of the rooms in His home.

Graham could have become a successful politician, actor, counselor, salesman, or one of a thousand other jobs. Instead, he chose to preach Christ.

Graham could have become the international advocate for the unborn child, for the environment, for women's rights, or anything else. Instead, he chose to preach Christ.

When tempted to become rich or famous, Graham said no. And God made him famous and kept food on the table.

When tempted to spend all his time with other followers of Christ, Graham said no. And God sent him to the White House. Many times.

Some of the best, and worst, of the world's citizens have had their pictures taken beside Billy Graham. All of them have listened to him speak, personally and passionately about Jesus. All have listened as Graham invited them to give their lives to Christ. Many have said, "YES!"

Billy Graham doesn't remember using the words, "I could have."

The one word he remembers best, is "Come."

"This one thing I do, because I can do no other." Billy Graham the Evangelist

Dick Duerksen
Assistant Vice President
Mission development
Florida Hospital