Ministry Monday: The Billy Graham Library

Recently, Mr. The King and I had the opportunity to visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC. It was the last day of our vacation, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to the library or not. I felt bad because most of our trip was spent doing things that interested me, and I want my hubby to get to do something that he was interested in (libraries and museums and such are not his thing). However, he insisted that we go to the Billy Graham Library. He felt that I would regret it if we didn't go, since I had been talking about going there for months. I am so glad that he was so thoughtful and willing to sacrifice, because the Billy Graham Library turned out to be an amazing experience for both of us.



The Billy Graham Library
Photo by King's Queen


From the outside, the library and surrounding prayer garden takes your breath away. It is such a beautiful place! I could have spent hours walking the grounds, taking pictures, and reveling in the peace that permeates the air! You can feel the spirit of God there, as if you have entered a sanctuary...a place of spiritual rest.



Photo by King's Queen

 I wasn't sure what to expect inside the library, but what I found was an inspiring story of faith, courage, perserverance, and hope. It wasn't a place to pay homeage to Billy Graham, the Great Evangelist and Missionary. Instead, it was a place that told a story of how God can use the ordinary to do His extraordinary work. It was a place that spoke of hope for all mankind through the message of redemption.

This is what the library's website has to say about it's history and purpose:

History of the Library

“An ongoing Crusade ...”

Until the vision for the Billy Graham Library was explained in these terms, Billy Graham was against the idea of a library bearing his name, so adamant was he against anything that would detract from the message he has preached for more than 60 years—a message that points to Christ alone as the way to God and away from any human strategy or effort to gain salvation.

When the concept of the Library was described to Mr. Graham as a “Crusade” that would continue for generations to come, he reconsidered. “When it was presented as an ongoing ministry and that people would have the opportunity to be won to Christ, I changed my mind,” he said.

In line with Mr. Graham’s wishes, the Library’s core experience is the Gospel and the transforming power it has on a life that says yes to Jesus Christ.

Built on the same property as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, right off of Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte, N.C., the Library is organized around the themes of “The Man,” “The Ministry,” “The Message,” and “The Mission” with the message being pre-eminent: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The ministry is taking that message to the ends of the earth. The Journey of Faith focuses on what God did in the life of a young farm boy who grew up in rural North Carolina, committed his life to Jesus Christ at a local revival and, through God’s grace manifested in him, became what many consider “America’s pastor” and evangelist to the world.

Reminiscent of Billy Graham’s upbringing on a dairy farm on the outskirts of Charlotte, the Library building is styled after a dairy barn, and his boyhood home has been restored a short walk from the main Library building. The entrance to the Library is in the shape of a cross, a visual reminder to visitors that it is only through the Cross of Christ that we can be reconciled to God.

The Highlights of the Visit

For me, the highlights of the visit were the meaningful quotes and scriptures that covered the walls, as well as the media presentations that featured Billy Graham answering hard questions of faith and giving meaningful messages of hope! It was also very special to get a glimpse of Billy's relationship with his late wife, Ruth Bell Graham. He honored and respected her as his faithful partner in ministry and as his main spiritual advisor. They had a love and respect for each other that was so admirable and inspiring, that it touched me and moved me to ask God to help me develop that kind of deep spiritual relationship with my husband!

I also found it both ironic and inspiring that Billy Graham got his start in radio ministry! It is encouraging for me to think that the little radio program that my husband and I started 2 years ago, could be the beginning of a greater calling that God has on our lives. I pray that we will let the Lord guide our life and our ministry according to His purpose and plan, just as Billy and Ruth did. 

The thing that probably moved me the most at the Billy Graham Library was visiting Ruth Bell Graham's grave in the Memorial Prayer Garden. I can't think of a more beautiful place to be buried! The garden was so lovely and peaceful that I didn't want to leave, and the inscription on Mrs. Graham's grave was such a comfort and inspiration to me.

I dare say that there is not one us who can not relate to that feeling of being permenantly under construction! Mrs. Graham understood that life for each of us is a journey of redemption and transformation. She understood that our human nature would hold us back from completion and perfection, and she looked forward to the day that God would finish His work in her. However, she also took joy in the journey and lived her life with the hope and expectation of wonderful things to come. What a legacy!