WHEREAS, William Franklin “Billy” Graham II has been a monumental force for the Gospel of Jesus Christ for sixty-three years as the founder, chairman, and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; and
WHEREAS, George Beverly Shea went to be with his Lord on April 16, 2013, at age 104, having sung to more people in person than anyone else in history as the featured soloist with the Billy Graham evangelistic crusades; and
WHEREAS, Clifford Burton Barrows, who led music for the Billy Graham crusades and hosted “The Hour of Decision” radio and television programs, celebrated his 90th birthday on April 6, 2013; and
WHEREAS, The Billy Graham team shared the Good News of God’s love with nearly 215 million people at more than four hundred crusades, missions, and evangelistic rallies in North America and around the world, and with more than two billion people via their radio and television ministry, leading millions to a personal relationship with Jesus; and
WHEREAS, Billy Graham will celebrate his 95th birthday on November 7, 2013; and
WHEREAS, In conjunction with his 95th birthday, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is partnering with churches across the United States and Canada to present “My Hope” with Billy Graham, a neighborhood-focused outreach event designed to share the Gospel with millions of people; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That in celebration of his 95th birthday, the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Houston, Texas, June 11–12, 2013, express our profound appreciation for the evangelistic zeal, the missionary spirit, and the personal integrity of Billy Graham and his team; and be it further
RESOLVED, That churches in the Southern Baptist Convention be encouraged to participate in and pray for the “My Hope” campaign in the autumn of 2013; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That following the example of Billy Graham, George Beverly Shea, and Cliff Barrows, we encourage all Christians in the United States and Canada to reach their friends, neighbors, and co-workers with the Gospel of Jesus Christ during the “My Hope” campaign.