to spread his message of hope to millions of people across the
globe; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham's sermons were translated into 48
languages to be shared with nearly 215 million people in 185
countries since he began his ministry in October 1947; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham provided personal guidance and
religious counsel to nearly all of our nation's presidents in
the last century, as well as to many other political and
influential leaders; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham guided our nation through many
critical moments in history, including reading from Scripture at
the funeral services for President Richard Nixon, leading a
prayer service for the victims of 9/11 at the National Cathedral
and traveling to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to offer
prayer and support for those affected by the disaster; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham adamantly opposed segregation and as
such is lauded for breaking with tradition by refusing to preach
to racially segregated crowds, proclaiming that Christianity is
not for one race, gender or ethnicity, but for all; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham's upstanding morals and strict
ethical standards allowed him to oversee a ministry nearly
untouched by infidelity, financial fraud or other scandals; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham appeared on Gallup's annual list of
most admired men and women 61 times since 1955; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham received the Presidential Medal of
Freedom from President Ronald Reagan in 1983 for his
inspirational leadership in spreading the Gospel to every corner
of the globe; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham authored more than 30 books, hosted
his own radio program (Hour of Decision) and various television
20180SR0287PN1568 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30