Billy Graham, Franklin Graham React to Passing of Oral Roberts

December 15, 2009

Tuesday, December 15, 2009. From his home in Montreat, NC, Billy Graham released this statement following the death of Oral Roberts:

“Oral Roberts was a man of God, and a great friend in ministry. I loved him as a brother. We had many quiet conversations over the years. I invited Oral to speak at one of our early international conferences on evangelism held in Berlin in the 1960s.

“Oral was preceded in death by his wonderful wife Evelyn, who I also knew and loved. She was a woman of God, and a powerful prayer warrior.

“Just three weeks ago, I was privileged to talk to Oral over the telephone. During the short conversation, he said to me that he was near the end of his life's journey. I look forward to the day that I will see Oral and Evelyn Roberts again in Heaven--our eternal home.”

Franklin Graham, President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, had this to say:

"I spoke to Oral Roberts' son, Richard, as soon as I learned of his father's passing, expressing my deepest condolences to his family. We talked about the tremendous legacies of both our fathers and the importance of continuing the work they were called to do - proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"Oral Roberts was loved and admired by millions of people around the world. I always appreciated the times when he went out of his way to befriend me. He invited me to speak at Oral Roberts University when I was just starting my ministry and was an encouragement to me.

"I thank God for his friendship and Godly example and his faithfulness in ministry. He will be greatly missed. Our love and condolences go to Richard and Roberta and their families."