In Memoriam: Rev Billy Graham, 1918–2018

In loving memory of evangelist Rev Billy Graham, 1918–2018.

 

Hear him preach at the 1978 Billy Graham Crusade in Singapore. According to the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCSS), some 337,000 Singaporeans and others from nearby countries, heard him preach over five nights at the former 55,000-seat National Stadium, and 19,631 people came forward for counselling. [1]

God also used him to revive churches in Singapore and to raise many of the present church and ministry leadership. Read about a current Grace Baptist Church elder who came to know Christ through the Crusade. Rev Naomi Dowdy, the senior pastor of Trinity Christian Centre from 1976 to 2005, said: “The impact Dr Graham left among the church of Singapore at that time showed us that unity among the various Christian denominations was possible and still carries on today in our nation.” [2]

The Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore (EFOS), which was formed shortly thereafter, noted that in its history “the unprecedented support of 237 churches for the Singapore Billy Graham Crusade crystallized the growing unity among the churches into this well-defined fellowship of Christians committed to propagating the Christian gospel on a national level.” [3]

For further readings on the Rev Billy Graham’s ministry and impact in Singapore:

• Chilton, Ann Marie. “Tens Of Thousands In Singapore Open Homes To Share Christ.” Stories, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 24 December 2008.
• Teo, Lemuel. “Singapore: Generations On Fire.” SELAH, 6 August 2017.
• Thirst Collective. “Singapore Church Leaders On The Passing Of Billy Graham.” Salt&Light, 21 February 2018.
• Wong, Christina. “A Millennial’s Thoughts On The Billy Graham Crusade In Singapore, 1978.” Thir.st, 22 February 2018.

Footnotes:

1. NCSS, “Remembering Billy Graham (1918-2018).”
2. The Straits Times, “Christians In Singapore Remember Evangelist Billy Graham’s 1978 Crusade As A Milestone,” 22 February 2018.
3. EFOS, “Birth And Growth Of EFOS.”

 

Video courtesy of Celebration of Hope 2019 (above) with a photo screenshot from the video (top).