William Franklin Graham III, commonly known as Franklin Graham, has dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and providing relief to those in need. As the son of the renowned evangelist Billy Graham, Franklin has made a significant impact through his leadership in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse.
Evangelical Outreach in 2024
This year, Franklin Graham has traveled extensively, sharing the message of God’s love and forgiveness in various cities around the world. His journey has included stops in Mexico City, Mexico; Krakow, Poland; ten cities along the U.S.-Mexico border; Birmingham, England; and Glasgow, Scotland. Thousands have attended these events, finding hope and encouragement through his sermons. Later this year, he plans to visit Naples, Italy, and Can Tho, Vietnam.
Leadership of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Appointed as CEO of the BGEA in 2000 and president in 2001, Franklin Graham has been instrumental in guiding the organization to address current moral and social issues. Through his role, he encourages Christians to uphold Biblical values and engage with societal challenges. He also serves as the editor-in-chief of Decision magazine, providing a Biblical perspective on contemporary issues and events.
Humanitarian Efforts with Samaritan’s Purse
Graham’s commitment to humanitarian work was solidified in his early twenties during a mission trip to Asia with Dr. Bob Pierce, founder of Samaritan’s Purse. This experience led him to focus on aiding those affected by war, famine, disease, poverty, and natural disasters. He joined the Board of Samaritan’s Purse in 1978 and became its president in 1979. Under his leadership, the organization has provided relief in over 170 countries and territories, including responses to the Ukraine conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola outbreak, and numerous natural disasters.
Personal Background and Family
Franklin Graham was born on July 14, 1952, in Asheville, North Carolina. He is the fourth of five children of Billy Graham and Ruth Bell Graham. Despite the expectations that came with his family name, Franklin’s personal journey to faith was marked by a period of rebellion before he committed his life to Jesus Christ at age 22. He chronicled this transformation in his autobiography, Rebel with a Cause.
Franklin and his wife, Jane Austin Cunningham Graham, married in 1974 and have four children: Will, Roy, Edward, and Cissie. They also have thirteen grandchildren. The family resides in Boone, North Carolina.
Publications and Honors
Franklin Graham is an accomplished author, with numerous publications to his name. His works include Rebel With a Cause, Living Beyond the Limits, and Through My Father’s Eyes. He has received several honorary doctorates and awards, including the William Booth Award from The Salvation Army and the 2014 Watchman Award from the Family Research Council.
Conclusion
Franklin Graham’s life and career are a testament to his unwavering dedication to evangelism and humanitarian aid. Through his leadership roles at the BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse, he continues to make a profound impact, spreading the Gospel and providing critical relief to those in need worldwide.