Billy Graham Library Review: The Simple Message of The Gospel...

Billy Graham Library was one of the main venues that we wanted to visit after KLOVE Cruise 2024. In a sense, this trip to the US had become one where we could reconnect with God – whether through worship on KLOVE Cruise, visiting local churches (at Seacoast Church) or learning more about missionary work at Billy Graham Library. The other reason is also because Billy Graham had left an indelible mark in Singapore’s church history through his evangelical work in 1978 that had reached more than 337,000 people at the old National Stadium at Kallang. Hence, it was really cool to finally visit and retrace Billy Graham’s work and how God had worked through his life, influencing millions worldwide…

2bearbear at Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Graham Family Homeplace at Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Arriving at Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Entrance of Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Passing the gates at Billy Graham Library

The Billy Graham Library is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 am to 5pm but closed on Sundays. As we were slightly early, we waited outside the gates till they were opened. Parking and admission to the Billy Graham Library is free and that was great.

After we were parked, there were volunteer staff that guided us towards the Library itself. Next to the Billy Graham Library, you’ll also find the Graham Family Home, which we were to visit after doing the tour of the Library itself.

What We Learnt at Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Looking at the Billy Graham Library Map, there are a couple of main sections within. First and foremost, the Journey of Faith – an immersive experience of shows the journey of Billy Graham from boyhood to becoming a pastor, to preaching worldwide and even becoming pastors to presidents.

Then there’s Ruth’s Attic Bookstore where you can get some memorabilia and souvenirs. Next to it, there’s the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar where you can grab a meal as well. We started at The Journey of Faith with Bessie the Cow…

Bessie the Cow at the Billy Graham Library Charlotte

At the start of the Journey of Faith at Billy Graham Library

It is recommended to set aside about 1.5 hours for the Journey of Faith. There are stations that you’re led into, some with videos and some with displays and mostly self-guided. There was also a fusion with technology where Billy’s AI self gave an overview of the what was to be expected…

Billy Graham's AI giving an overview of the Journey of Faith at the Billy Graham Library — Billy Graham’s AI giving an overview of the Journey of Faith at the Billy Graham Library

My Life for Christ at the Billy Graham Library

“My Life for Christ” section started with a video of Billy Graham on how he gave his life to Christ. At a Florida bible institute, he was encouraged to go on to preach. He prayed for God’s will to do so and he started with the first and only church in Chicago and subsequently WCFL radio programme before leading youth for Christ and eventually full time ministry. He had accepted the bible as God’s word by faith, even though he had not yet completely understood it in its entirety.

Learning about Ruth Bell Graham at Billy Graham Library

Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth, was a daughter of missionaries in China. She had grew up in China and even briefly studied in Pyongyang. The couple met while studying in Illinois and she was to become Billy’s chief spiritual advisor. She was originally given the opportunity to serve in Tibet but she gave it up to support Billy. In his absence, Ruth would play the parental role where she would share Christian values with all 5 children, who are involved in Christian ministries today.

When asked, “Have you considered divorce?”, she would frankly reply

“Divorce, no. Murder, yes.” 😅 🤣

God had prepared 2 people from 2 sides of the world and when the time was right, brought them together.

Hour of Decision Radio at Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Recognising the importance of media to reach those who have not had the chance to hear the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Billy utilised the radio show – Hour of Decision to reach the masses. He said,

“If you want to have a fulfilling life, live by the bible. It is the rule, just as you need rules for basketball, soccer etc. you cannot reason it out, you need to believe by faith.”

For the rest of the Journey of Faith, we hear snippets of his message and his ministry worldwide…

Billy Graham's team (Billy Graham Library Charlotte) — Billy Graham’s team (Billy Graham Library Charlotte)

Wooden cross inside Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Billy Graham speaking at conferences worldwide

When he listened to these snippets of his video, we found his message to be so refreshing and yet so simple.

To believe simply by faith that Jesus, the Son of God had died and rose again for our sins. All we have to do, is simply believe in Jesus Christ and put our trust in Him!

He was clearly a great orator but the messenger had a real simple message from God. Would you be willing to take this step of faith?

Statue at Ruth's Attic Bookstore at Billy Graham Library Charlotte — Statue at Ruth’s Attic Bookstore at Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Ruth's Attic Bookstore at Billy Graham Library Charlotte — Ruth’s Attic Bookstore at Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Graham Brothers Dairy Bar at Billy Graham Library Charlotte

At the end of the Journey of Faith, there were also staff and volunteers present to pray for visitors. We also took the opportunity to share Billy Graham’s work in Singapore and they were also surprised that we made the journey all the way this time.

Ruth’s Attic Bookstore is where you’d be able to buy some souvenirs in support of the Billy Graham Library. We found the decor to be really unique – much like a library. There were books strewn across the top shelves which integrated to the books that were on display for sales. A beautiful look at the Billy Graham Library.

Map to the Graham Family Homeplace next to the Billy Graham Library

The Memorial Prayer Garden at Billy Graham Library Charlotte

Before heading over to the Graham Family Homeplace, we took time to visit the Memorial Prayer Garden at Billy Graham Library. Here you’ll find the burial sites for Billy Graham and Ruth Bell Graham; George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows, longtime members of the Billy Graham Crusade Team; and Billie Barrows, early crusade pianist and wife of Cliff Barrows. There were also volunteers here and we took time to thank them as well.

Interestingly, you’ll find the word 義 on the tombstone of Ruth Graham. Not only as a homage to her Chinese missionary roots but also to show that we are made righteous because of what the Lamb (羊) of God had done for me (我). This is what 義 means. Righteous.

To round up the visit, we headed over to the Graham Family Homeplace – where Billy had lived since the age of 9 till he left for college. Built in the 1920s by Billy’s father, the premise had now been meticulously restored. For the young Billy, it was also a home where they had indoor plumbing for the first time and that meant no more baths outdoors in the back porch.

Graham Family Homeplace next to Billy Graham Library - Dining Table — Graham Family Homeplace next to Billy Graham Library – Dining Table

Graham Family Homeplace next to Billy Graham Library - Living Room — Graham Family Homeplace next to Billy Graham Library – Living Room

Graham Family Homeplace next to Billy Graham Library - Work Desk — Graham Family Homeplace next to Billy Graham Library – Work Desk

Graham Family Homeplace next to Billy Graham Library - Kitchen — Graham Family Homeplace next to Billy Graham Library – Kitchen

From the visit to the Graham Family Homeplace, we could see that the “Tiffany” colours were already popular back then. When we shared this with the volunteers (that the colours were well chosen), they also winked and replied that Billy’s mother had great tastes as well.

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It was so surreal to have finally visited the Billy Graham Library. To see how his work has in turn delivered the gospel message to millions worldwide was amazing. We thank God for His servant Billy and we pray that more like Billy will be raised to continue sharing the good news of salvation with the millions worldwide, who may not have had the opportunity to hear the message today.

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