Most Christians of my vintage know of this mighty man of God. It is estimated he reached over 100 million people in his lifetime and was a spiritual advisor to American presidents.

In 1959, Billy Graham and his team held crusades in Australia and New Zealand for four months. Overall attendance was three million people.

Billy Graham was heard on radio, television or in cinemas and read about in metropolitan newspapers. Statistics revealed that 146,000 people walked forward at Crusade meetings to ask Jesus Christ to forgive their sin and accept Him as their Saviour.  My mother was one of those.

So did this large response to Jesus Christ make a difference? In the next couple of years alcohol consumption reduced, crime was down and so were births outside of marriage. Businesses reported many repayments of bad debts. Burglars handed in their tools of trade. Even a revolver was handed in!

A Sydney District Court magistrate reported a 50 per cent drop in alcohol-related crime. Theological colleges had increased enrolments as lives were impacted.

Franklin Graham, Billy Graham’s son, has just concluded a three-week crusade in Australia, travelling to the capitals and many country towns. He came in more challenging times. Crime is off the charts, marriages are few, drugs are in epidemic proportions.

Regardless, this lovely man of God spoke the same message to the thousands who attended each venue. “God loves you. Sin has separated you but that can all change tonight. Jesus, God’s Son paid the price on the cross for all your mistakes, guilt and shame. All you need to do is repent of your sin, thank Jesus for dying for you and ask Him to be Lord of your life.”

As Franklin called for people to go forward, hundreds streamed forward.  More than 50 per cent were under age 25; the fatherless generation who were about to meet a loving Heavenly Father.

Friends, we all need the Saviour of our souls but you don’t need to attend a crusade. Sitting in your living room having a cuppa or walking your dog you can decide to ask Jesus to forgive your sins and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour. God loves you and He is longing for you to come to Him. He created you for eternity.

Pam Sammut, Pastor, Tenterfield Community Church