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George W. and Laura Bush Make History at Billy Graham Library

December 20, 2010 - President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, made history at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC.

Former president George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush appeared at the Billy Graham Library December 20 to sign copies of their respective memoirs, Decision Points and Spoken From the Heart.

President and Mrs. Bush were greeted by Franklin Graham when they arrived at BGEA headquarters around 10:30 this morning. Afterward, they had a private lunch and prayer with Billy Graham and Franklin and Jane Graham. Franklin then took the Bushes on a private tour of the Billy Graham Library. Afterward. Mr. Graham joined the former president and first lady briefly in the Library to receive signed copies of both Bushes' books and pose for photos.

A thousand people braved chilly December weather for their chance to speak to the former first couple, many having arrived before sunrise and some having driven hundreds of miles for the opportunity. Among those in line were a World War II veteran and several active duty military personnel.

“When I sat down write my memoir, I decided to take an nontraditional approach. Rather than providing an exhaustive chronological account of my life and years in office, I wanted to give readers a glimpse of the presidency from my perspective,” said President Bush. “That meant focusing on the most demanding and important part of the job–making decisions.”

One of the decisions points he discusses is the decision he made to follow Christ, and how Billy Graham was greatly used in that decision.

“He made it clear that the path to salvation is through the grace of God,” Bush says of Billy Graham in the first chapter of Decision Points. “And the way to find that grace is to embrace Christ as the risen Lord—the Son of a God so powerful and loving that He gave His only Son to conquer death and defeat sin.”

Topics covered by Bush in his memoir include: his decision to quit drinking at age 40, his run for the United States presidency, the factors involved in choosing his cabinet members, the events of September 11, 2001, the war on terror and the financial crisis.

In Spoken From the Heart, Laura Bush chronicles bright and dark defining moments in her life, from her wedding to “Midland’s most eligible bachelor” to a devastating high school car accident that left a friend dead. Readers can also learn about the seasons of her life as a first lady, both of Texas and the United States, and get a glimpse of her role as a human rights advocate.

Watch Greta Van Susteren's Interview with Billy Graham on FOX News:

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28 Comments

Lwitiko says 1.6.2011, 01:36 a.m.

My name is Lwitiko Katule from Tanzania, East Africa, I was watching Bill Graham on Trinity Broadcasting Network(TBN) and it was real amazing to see how powerful the Gospel is when Billy Graham is preaching. I am born again, but listening to Billy Graham, something new and special got into my heart. Hallelujah

John says 1.4.2011, 4:00 p.m.

I grew up a nominal catholic and my father was the same. My wife told me she caught my father watching Billy Graham and he said thats a real christian man. I am a christian now and I have my hope that my father accepted Christ while watching Billy on tv that night. I love him and his son Franklin and have the utmost respect for them and their ministry. May the Lord continue to bless that amazing family. God Bless

MARILYN says 12.29.2010, 12:45 a.m.

I'm hoping to someday in the not too distant future visit the Billy Graham Library. I used to watch his shows on TV when I was a young married mother of two. They really were inspirational. I pray that Billy will have a chance to preach once again.....At 92 I do not know how he keeps going, but I know the good Lord is watching over him, and so is his beloved wife who awaits his coming so they can be together again. All in God's time. Blessings, Marilyn ST.Helens Oregon

Lea says 12.28.2010, 1:58 p.m.

Your lights never waver. Praise God for all 3 of you continue His work.My friend N I sang in Dr Graham's choir in STL Mo. in the 60's. We continue to support you and the gift shoeboxes. God bless N give you a successful 2011. Prayers for Dr Graham's continued healthy life. God bless you all.

billy says 12.28.2010, 1:45 p.m.

Two icons from differant worlds, Billy Graham from the Godly (Spiritual World) and President George W Bush from the earthly world used each others strenths that kept this country uprighte! Since their departure from Our' presence, the world as we known it, will be no more!

Randy says 12.28.2010, 11:15 a.m.

In 1985 as a lost sinner, I heard Billy Graham on my television. It was as if he were only speaking to me, as what he said described my lost condition, of which I was not proud of. I wanted a way out and Billy presented that way very clearly - only through Jesus! That night, with my eyes full of tears, I was on my knees as Dr. Graham led me in a prayer for my salvation. That night in October 1985 I became a child of God! Thank you Dr. Graham for leading me to Christ!

Henry says 12.28.2010, 11:11 a.m.

It was Jehovah God's message delivered through Billy Graham some 40 years ago that caused me to accept Jesus as my Lord. Thank you Billy for being faithful to the LORD's calling upon you and thereby planting hundreds of thousands into the Kingdom of our Lord.

Marjorie says 12.27.2010, 1:46 p.m.

President Bush made a decision to follow Jesus Christ. God knows it is hard to publicly confess the Lord Jesus in a world of nonbelievers. But once we do that we are on solid ground no matter what happens in this world. Thank you Lord Jesus for sending Billy Graham to us to keep the reall message front and center in our lives. Christmas is all about JESUS.

Arnold says 12.26.2010, 8:13 p.m.

Dr. Graham was a great inspiration in making my personal commitment to Jesus Christ, and continues this day to glow as a Light of Faith. I am currently reading President George W autobiography. He is certainly one of America Greatest Leaders. Both are honorable men. God Bless America...

Ann says 12.26.2010, 6:21 p.m.

I too am so thankful for men like Franklin and Dr. Graham, George W. is a candle in this dark world also. May you continue to witness, thankful I am, and always will be, thank you!

ELLIE says 12.26.2010, 04:00 a.m.

Thank God for Men like Billy Graham and Presisdent George W. Bush and also for such a lovely lady - Laura Bush.

Mary Ann says 12.25.2010, 12:52 a.m.

God Bless Billy Graham and all of his staff, God bless President Bush and his family too!

Dr. Nation says 12.25.2010, 00:20 a.m.

My salvation and call to the ministry is the result of listening to Billy Graham. Thank you for you faithfulness to the Word.

Justen says 12.24.2010, 8:47 p.m.

I look up to people like Billy Graham, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. I had the pleasure of serving under the President during some of the toughest times this country has faced since WW2. I served in Iraq and now work in Afghanistan and if it weren't inspirational stories from people like Mr. Graham, the President, and his wife, I wouldn't be here today. Thank you all and may God continue to bless your lives. In the famous words of Todd Beamen and the Mr. Bush, "Lets Roll!" But "Lets Roll" with God.

Jusu says 12.23.2010, 9:30 p.m.

I did all I could to visit the library to see two of my most favorable people in the world but it didn't materialized. My admiration for President Bush and the Rev. Billy Graham is so strong that my heart was with the two as I worked less than 5 minutes away from the scene but without a permission from my boss. May God continue to bless these two great men and their families.

Karen says 12.22.2010, 3:23 p.m.

What great examples we have in both the Graham and The Bush families. Thank you.

Timmy says 12.22.2010, 2:17 p.m.

Once a Catholic, now a Christian. Thank God for Rev. Billy and his crusades!!

ELIUD says 12.21.2010, 04:28 a.m.

Praise be to GOD almighty, big thanks to Billy Grahams ministry for good work i have heard and seen especially in Africa!....

Maharani says 12.21.2010, 03:34 a.m.

Two faith giants the world will always treasure, both now and in the future. Congratulations both!

Tally says 12.21.2010, 00:37 a.m.

I'm so grateful for the President and Mrs. Bush! My dad received Christ while watching me sing in the Crusade choir at the Cow Palace.

NADEEM HAMID GILL FROM PAKISTA says 12.20.2010, 10:16 p.m.

God richly bless the USA and His true preachers. I am very much blessed when I read this event happening. The most outstanding words uttered during this visit are these''“He made it clear that the path to salvation is through the grace of God,” Bush says of Billy Graham in the first chapter of Decision Points. “And the way to find that grace is to embrace Christ as the risen Lord—the Son of a God so powerful and loving that He gave His only Son to conquer death and defeat sin.”

Susana says 12.20.2010, 9:53 p.m.

Thank you G.W. for leading us with Gods grace and for speaking out about your faith. I've been unemployed, had to put my mom in a nursing home and had a broken leg, so I am kinda busy. I hope the library has your book so I can read it or get it in audio. I would love that. I respect you and Laura very much, and I have seen the Holy Spirit in your life's actions and in the way that you have led our country. You are very much the gentleman and I appreciate the hard work and decisions you made for us. AMEN

Donna says 12.20.2010, 8:12 p.m.

Thank God for Mr. Billy Graham and his influence on mankind from farmer to Presidents. Only eternity will show the far reaching effects of the Graham family.

Todd says 12.20.2010, 7:22 p.m.

I was blessed to shake our Presidents hand today at the Library, I am in awe of how God has used President Bush and Dr. Graham.

Lorna says 12.20.2010, 5:52 p.m.

May God continue to bless Dr. Billy Graham. As a young teen in the early 50's I sang in his crusade choir in Toronto, Canada. What a blessing to nightly hear him present the gospel so clearly and to see hundreds come to know Christ as the program ended. Little did I know then I would end up serving for 18 years in Youth For Christ, a ministry where Dr. Billy was the first staff member. I have always had the utmost of respect for him and am so thankful he stayed true to God's word and lived a life that went along with his teaching. I count it a privilege to have been a prayer supporter of his ministry.I haven't read the books yet by President Bush and Laura but intend to do so. I followed his presidency with great interest and regularly prayed for him while in office. May God bless them in their retirement years.

Sandee says 12.20.2010, 4:59 p.m.

Praise the Lord for Billy Graham and President Bush and Laura! I will never forget seeing Billy Graham and the team at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles approx 43 years ago...God is good!

Patricia says 12.20.2010, 4:18 p.m.

Saved at a Billy Graham 50 years ago and still praising the Lord. God Bless you Billy

TERAL says 12.20.2010, 4:10 p.m.

God bless President Bush and his beautiful wife Laura! I have read Laura's book and found her vulnerable and very down to earth! I have President Bush's book in audio and it is great to hear his story in his own words. I haven't finished it yet.