On June 3, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association launches its second installment of the My Hope America with Billy Graham evangelistic campaign program series. Billy Graham addresses human desires – and how to gain what you need, not what you want most – in “Lose to Gain,” which airs online at www.billygraham.tv and on Christian networks.

What do you want most? What would you give up to gain what you need most?

On June 3, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association launches its second installment of the My Hope America with Billy Graham evangelistic campaign program series. Billy Graham addresses human desires – and how to gain what you need, not what you want most – in “Lose to Gain,” which airs online at www.billygraham.tv and on Christian networks. See what happens when three people get everything they thought they wanted but learn they can gain so much more.

Pro-skateboarder Brian Sumner, comedian Michael Jr. and young professional Shannon Culpepper each wanted something different – success; laughs; love. Each was living a life that met their dreams, but then it all fell apart.

“We go on in our pleasures thinking they’re going to last forever,” says Billy Graham in a classic message included in the program. “The whole country is on a quest for something. We want something. We don’t know quite what it is. It’s elusive. All of a sudden you’re faced with it, just for an instant. It’s just a moment in which it seems that it’s not all put together. Then you forget about it and you go on, but it’s there and it will grow through the years.”

Professional skateboarder Brian Sumner was living the American dream. Raised in Liverpool, England, he came to the US, and at 19-years-old he joined the Tony Hawk Skate-park Tour. Making money, having endorsements and kids across the country imitating him – wanting to be him – was just the beginning. “I gained everything, but I had no clue about anything,” says Sumner. “I started thinking, ‘Does any of this matter?’ ”

Michael Jr. had success in the Midwest as a comedian and decided to try his luck in New York City. He was invited to perform with legendary comedians George Wallace and Jerry Seinfeld. “I was making people laugh,” he says. “It gave me a false sense of me being okay. I was just as lost at the person using drugs every day.” He committed to reading the Bible and recalls the point in the book of Matthew where Jesus died on the cross. “I didn’t know where I would be the next day, but I knew what I was going to be aiming for; whatever Jesus wanted me to do.”

Growing up without a consistent father figure in her life, Shannon Culpepper looked for attention from guys. She met a successful man to whom she became engaged. “I thought I found the love I was always looking for. Because I never had that, I just settled – for a lot less.” Quickly, their relationship turned from bad to worse. Culpepper began reading a book on Christianity and realized that Jesus was real. “He was everything that I wanted. Except that it was eternal; and it was lasting; and it was real. “

In addition to “Lose to Gain,” other installments of the My Hope series including the initial program, “Defining Moments,” will all be available in various formats later this year as part of the nationwide My Hope America with Billy Graham evangelism effort. My Hope America with Billy Graham’s new evangelistic programs feature life-changing testimonies and powerful messages from Billy Graham. The movement encourages participants to open their doors and lives to people they already know – engaging in meaningful conversation and connections as a catalyst for sharing the hope and love found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“We need you to be a part of this program – My Hope with Billy Graham,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “We need you to open up your home. We need you to invite your family and your friends to get involved. Let’s tell them about Jesus.”

Learn more about My Hope America with Billy Graham and watch the current Billy Graham My Hope series program, “Lose to Gain,” online at www.billygraham.tv. Check your local listings for broadcast times in your area.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; The Billy Graham Library; The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, N.C.; SearchforJesus.net, an Internet evangelism project reaching thousands of people for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BGEAnews.

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The Billy Graham Library will welcome the Duggar family, featured on TLC’s reality TV show, “19 Kids and Counting,” for a book-signing on June 8 at 2 p.m.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Billy Graham Library will welcome the Duggar family, featured on TLC’s reality TV show, “19 Kids and Counting,” for a book-signing on June 8 at 2 p.m. 

”We’re delighted to welcome the Duggar family to Charlotte and the Billy Graham Library,” said Tom Phillips, vice president of the Billy Graham Library. “It’s refreshing to see a family that is highlighted in mainstream media stay grounded and focused on their beliefs. Their godly values are an inspiration to so many. We hope they will be a blessing to all those that attend the book-signing on June 8.”

The Duggars caught the eye of television producers in 2004 and made their debut in the documentary, “14 Children and Pregnant Again!” Today, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have 19 kids and the world is counting.

But as a family who doesn’t watch broadcast television, their younger children often don’t understand the fascination that follows them. “Our whole family loves meeting new people at book-signings and at other events,” says mom, Michelle. “Of course our viewers feel like they know all about our family because they have watched almost every major event in our lives on TV for the past 9 years.”

Despite their reality-TV popularity, the Duggars are focused on sharing the Gospel one-on-one through the various opportunities that their media success has brought them. “At churches and conferences, and through the media,” says Jim Bob Duggar, “our family has been given a platform to share [Biblical] principles with people around the world.”

That’s just what they set out to accomplish by penning their latest book, “A Love That Multiplies.” The New York Times best-seller focuses on how they use the Bible as the manual for life in raising their children, their relationships and their everyday principles. 

“We hope people see we are just normal people who struggle every day raising 19 kids. But our prayer is that people who see us on TV or read our books will be challenged to examine their own lives and realize that we each need a close relationship with God.”

The Duggars will be signing copies of their books (limit two per person) and greeting visitors at the Billy Graham Library on Saturday, June 8, from 2-4 p.m. Visitors are welcomed to bring copies their own books, or they can purchase “A Love That Multiplies” from Ruth’s Attic bookstore inside the Library. 

About the Billy Graham Library

The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 700,000 visitors from around the world. The Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Library is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events, or to schedule a group tour, please visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org. 

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Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team have deployed to Moore, Okla., the suburb of Oklahoma City that sustained a direct hit from a massive two-mile wide tornado Monday afternoon. Dozens of people were killed and many more are wounded or missing in the wake of the tornado.

Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team are being deployed to Moore, Okla., the suburb of Oklahoma City that sustained a direct hit from a massive two-mile wide tornado Monday. Dozens of people were killed and many more are wounded or missing in the wake of the tornado. 

“Our hearts are breaking for all of those in the path of this horrific tornado. Words can’t do justice to the pain that is being experienced in and around Moore,” said Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “Please pray continuously for all of those who lost loved ones, and for those who may still be trapped amidst the rubble.”

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is deploying in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, who is also president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Together the two ministries will seek to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted by the storm.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are also actively ministering in Granbury, Texas, following a deadly tornado there last week. Earlier in 2013, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployed to Petal, Miss., and Shuqualak, Miss., following tornadoes. The team also deployed to West, Texas, following the fertilizer plant explosion in April.

About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team: The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is a nationwide network of Christian chaplains across 48 states that are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. Since the ministry was launched in 2002, it has responded to more than 155 natural and man-made disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and shootings. For more information on the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, visit www.billygraham.org/rrt. For videos, photos and news articles from recent Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployments, visit www.billygraham.org/crisisresponse. Ministry updates and photo galleries are posted at www.facebook.com/BGRapidResponseTeam.

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A new exhibit at the Billy Graham Library entitled “Rooted in Prayer – Biblical Truths for Everyday Living” opens May 16 and shares a glimpse into the heart of a ministry grounded in prayer.

A new exhibit at the Billy Graham Library entitled “Rooted in Prayer – Biblical Truths for Everyday Living” opens May 16 and shares a glimpse into the heart of a ministry grounded in prayer. 

“Prayer is simply talking to God,” said Billy Graham in Rooted in Prayer: A Personal Prayer Journal. “The most important thing I can say about this is that God wants you to talk to Him.” 

“From his humble beginnings on a dairy farm, to the national stage praying with presidents and world leaders, Billy Graham was often noted as saying the three most important things to do were, ‘Pray, Pray, Pray,’” said Tom Phillips, vice president of the Billy Graham Library. “Prayer has been, is, and will continue to be the most integral element of Mr. Graham’s ministry. In this exhibit, visitors can see how God was woven into every piece of the ministry from staff prayer time and international Crusades, to the Grahams' daily devotion time spent focusing on God’s Word as a family.”

For more than 70 years, Billy and Ruth Graham, Franklin Graham, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) made certain that prayer was included in every element of their ministry. In this exhibit, visitors can see memorabilia from historic events including Billy’s personal diary used during the 1957 New York Crusade; a clock and watch used by the Grahams in Amsterdam in 1986; a lanyard, program and a copy of the prayer given by Graham at the Indianapolis 500 in 1999; Billy’s sermon notes from the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance following 9/11; prayer cards, brochures and letters from multiple Crusades; photos and more. 

Special resources available to visitors include brochures on how to pray for friends and loved ones and “praying on the spot” – a method used throughout the years by Billy Graham and original members of the BGEA Crusade team that placed sticker dots on watches, toothbrushes, mirrors and anywhere they would see it often to remind themselves every time that they saw the dot to stop and pray.

Today, BGEA relies on prayer. 

• Billy Graham Library volunteers are available to pray with guests and a room is set-aside specifically to allow visitors a quiet place to spend time in prayer.

• Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are trained to respond in the aftermath of disasters to minister and pray with those affected by tragedy.

• My Hope America with Billy Graham encourages people to pray for their friends, family, neighbors and colleagues.

• Franklin Graham Festivals and Will Graham Celebrations have teams who spend months praying for the cities, communities and people involved with those events

• Staff at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C., pray for each guest by name who attends one of their on-site programs including: in-depth seminars, personal spiritual retreats, concerts, programs for seniors, and more.

The “Rooted in Prayer” exhibit runs through the end of June. Admission to this exhibit and admission to the Billy Graham Library is free.

About the Billy Graham Library

The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 700,000 visitors from around the world. The Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Library is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events, or to schedule a group tour, please visit BillyGrahamLibrary.org. 

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 21 – Billy Graham Crusades soloist George Beverly Shea, who passed away Tuesday, April 16, at the age of 104, was remembered today in a public memorial service at Anderson Auditorium in Montreat, N.C.

“This man’s life can be summed up in a few simple phrases,” said Dr. David Bruce, who offered the Scripture reading and meditation during the service. “The twinkle in his eye, the praise on his lips, the song in his heart, the length of his days and the joy of his Lord.”

Beginning as the soloist for Billy Graham Crusades in 1947 in Charlotte, Shea sang with Billy Graham for nearly 60 years, until Graham’s final Crusade in 2005 in New York City. Shea remained active with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), singing at Franklin Graham Festivals in Charleston, S.C. (2008), and Knoxville, Tenn. (2008); Will Graham Celebrations in Paducah, Ky. (2007), and Gastonia, N.C. (2006); and events at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C.

The event was attended by nearly 1,000 friends and family, including Billy Graham, Franklin Graham and other associates of the ministry. During the service on Sunday afternoon, Cliff Barrows, longtime music director for Billy Graham Crusades, offered memories from decades of ministry alongside George Beverly Shea.

“For more than 70 years, I had the privilege of introducing ‘America’s Beloved Gospel Singer,’” said Barrows. “And, oh, how the people would listen. Billy Graham said he’d rather hear Bev sing than anybody. So would we all.”

Barrows continued, “We knew that whatever took place on the platform before Billy Graham spoke, in every city we visited, that Bev would be used by the Spirit of God to prepare the hearts of the people for the message and he would prepare Billy’s heart to preach that message.”

Shea was born on Feb. 1, 1909, in Winchester, Ontario, Canada, where his father was a Wesleyan Methodist minister. Between Crusades, radio, and television dates in many countries, he sang at hundreds of concerts and recorded more than 70 albums of sacred music. At age 23, he composed the music to one of his best known solos, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”

Shea was the recipient of 10 Grammy nominations, a Grammy Award in 1965, and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy organization in 2011. He was also a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Shea will be laid to rest on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte during a private ceremony on Monday, April 22. The Billy Graham Library and grounds will be closed to the public and will reopen for visitors on Tuesday, April 23.

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MONTREAT, N.C., April 17, 2013  – The life, music and ministry of George Beverly Shea will be celebrated during a funeral service on April 21 at 3 p.m. at Anderson Auditorium in Montreat, N.C. Shea passed away Tuesday at the age of 104.

The service will be open to the public, and doors will open at 1:45 p.m. Parking for the service will be available at various locations in Black Mountain, N.C. Signage and attendants will be present to direct traffic flow. Shuttle buses will bring guests to the funeral service and back to the lot after the service. Shuttle service will begin 1:30 p.m. and will end one hour after the conclusion

The funeral service will be televised live on UNC-TV.

Shea will be laid to rest on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte during a private ceremony on Monday, April 22. The Billy Graham Library and grounds will be closed to the public during this service and will again be open for visitors on Tuesday, April 23.

“Bev was one of the most humble and greatest Christians I have ever known,” said Billy Graham in a statement. “He has set an example and has been a role model of what a Christian ought to be. His contribution to my ministry cannot be measured in human terms.”

Often referred to as “America’s beloved gospel singer,” Shea was born in Winchester, Ontario, February 1, 1909, where his father was a Wesleyan Methodist minister. Shea became a part of the Graham team in the 1940s, first through radio and then as part of the evangelistic ministry that was launched to national prominence during the 1949 Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angeles.

Over the years, Shea sang hundreds of concerts and recorded more than 70 albums of sacred music. He was the recipient of ten Grammy nominations, a Grammy Award in 1965, and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy organization in 2011. In 1978, Shea was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, and in 1996 he was elected to the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He also wrote the music to “I’d Rather Have Jesus” and other widely sung hymns.

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George Beverly Shea, 104, of Montreat, North Carolina, soloist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), died Tuesday, April 16, 2013, following a brief illness.

Since George Beverly Shea first sang for Graham in 1943 on the Chicago radio hymn program, “Songs in the Night,” Shea has faithfully carried the Gospel in song to every continent and every state in the Union. Graham’s senior by ten years, Shea devotedly preceded the evangelist in song in nearly every Crusade over the span of more than one-half century.

Shea was the recipient of ten Grammy nominations, a Grammy Award in 1965, and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy organization in 2011. He was also a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame (1978), and was inducted into the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame in February 1996. Shea was also inducted into the inaugural class of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists’ “Hall of Faith” in 2008.

“I first met Bev Shea while in Chicago when he was on Moody Radio,” said Billy Graham. “As a young man starting my ministry, I asked Bev if he would join me. He said yes and for over 60 years we had the privilege of ministering together across the country and around the world. Bev was one of the most humble, gracious men I have ever known and one of my closest friends. I loved him as a brother. My prayer for his wife, Karlene, and his children, Ron and Elaine, is that God will strengthen them during this time.” 

Born in Winchester, Ontario, Canada, where his father was a Wesleyan Methodist minister, Shea’s first public singing was in the choir of his father’s church. Between Crusade, radio, and television dates in many countries, he sang at hundreds of concerts and recorded more than 70 albums of sacred music. At age 23 he composed the music to one of his best known solos, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”

“Even though Bev was 10 years older than my father, he never acted his age,” said Franklin Graham. “He was absolute fun to be with. Bev was one of the most gracious and unassuming men I have known. He was always encouraging and supportive, a man of deep faith and strong commitment to Jesus Christ.” 

Shea is survived by his wife, Karlene, and his children from his first marriage, Ronald and Elaine. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Erma, who died in 1976.

Ron, born in 1948 in Chicago, graduated from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Ill., in 1971. For more than 30 years, Ron has been an associate in Crusade ministry through the BGEA, assisting in preparatory work for evangelistic crusades involving Mr. Graham and more recently for Franklin Graham’s ministry. He is married to the former Kathy Ford.

Funeral Information

Shea’s public, televised funeral service was held at Anderson Auditorium in Montreat, N.C., on April 21. 

Shea was laid to rest on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte during a private ceremony on April 22. 

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Hearts are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Rick Warren's youngest son Matthew who died on April 6. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick and Kay at this time of deep sorrow and anguish. We have assurance from the Lord Jesus Christ the all sufficient Comforter that God through His power will strengthen them (2 Corinthians 12:9).  The Bible promises that "in times of despair and affliction, God comforts His own" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Franklin Graham   

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 5, 2013 – Cliff Barrows, original Billy Graham Crusade Team member, longtime music director and host of Hour of Decision, will turn 90 on Saturday, April 6.

Born in 1923 in Ceres, Calif., Barrows was just 22-years-old when he joined Billy Graham in his early ministry days at Youth for Christ, and he has served as an integral part of BGEA since its inception in 1950. Barrows recently said about his time of ministry with Graham, “I have tears of joy and gratitude to the Lord for the privilege of working with such a man who cares so deeply about people, who has a passion for saving souls, and who, over the course of his long life, has given his heart to the world.”

In addition to his other roles, Mr. Barrows also hosts several events each year at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C., entitled SeniorCelebrations with Cliff Barrows and Friends.

The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., is inviting guests to sign a birthday banner to offer Mr. Barrows personal greetings and well wishes on his birthday. The banner will be available through April 10. The Billy Graham Library is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events please visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org.

The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove will host SeniorCelebration with Cliff Barrows and Friends: “Thy Kingdom Come!” featuring Philip Ryken and Marty Goetz April 15-17. Information about this event and the complete 2013 events schedule can be found online at www.thecove.org. For the latest information on availability and pricing call (800) 950-2092.

 About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; The Billy Graham Library; The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, N.C.; SearchforJesus.net, an Internet evangelism project reaching thousands of people for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BGEAnews.

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The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove will hold its first 2013 SeniorCelebration event April 15-17, hosted by legendary Billy Graham Crusades music director Cliff Barrows. Barrows will be joined at the event by Philip Ryken, president of Wheaton College, and Marty Goetz, a Messianic Jew and popular praise and worship musician.

“We are looking forward to another year of life-transforming Bible teaching in our SeniorCelebrations at The Cove this year,” said Barrows. “With more and more challenges facing our seniors, this time of encouragement and fellowship will be a great reminder of God’s faithfulness and the power of His Word. Our times of worship will be joyous as we, once again, lift our hearts in praise.”

Cliff Barrows, who has led congregational singing and Crusade choirs around the world, has said, "The Christian faith is a singing faith, and a good way to express it and share it with others is in community singing."

Hymn-based worship is a central component for SeniorCelebrations, which also include enlightening workshops and inspiring teaching from leading Bible scholars, all designed with seniors (ages 55 and up) in mind.

The three-day event is the first of four SeniorCelebrations taking place at The Cove in 2013. Other events will be held May 20-22, Aug. 5-7 and Sept. 9-11. Barrows will host each event and will be joined by various musicians and Bible teachers.

Other Upcoming Events for Seniors:

• SeniorSalt Impact Hymn Sings: March 12, June 25 and Oct. 7: These events include collective singing of traditional hymns, along with Scripture readings and a gourmet buffet-style lunch.
• SeniorSalt Impact events: June 4 and Nov. 4: These day-trip opportunities include the showing of a full-length film, followed by a Cove staff-led time of discussion and a gourmet buffet-style lunch.
• SeniorSalt Carol Sings: Daily Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19: Carol Sing events include a gourmet buffet-style lunch, devotional message and a time of singing beloved Christmas songs.

For more information about these, and other, events, view the complete events schedule online at www.thecove.org. Call 800-950-2092 for the latest information on availability and pricing. The Cove offers financial assistance for those who qualify.

About The Cove: 

Nestled in the scenic mountains of Asheville, N.C., the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove offers guests a unique and serene experience for purposeful growth through Bible training; in-depth seminars; personal spiritual retreats; concerts; programs for seniors, women and church or ministry leaders; and many other inspirational events throughout the year. The Cove is also available for group events for Christian churches and nonprofit ministries looking for a conference and retreat center. Facilities can accommodate small groups, such as board meetings and church staff retreats, as well as large groups up to 450 guests. For more information, call 800-950-2092 or visit www.thecove.org. You can also connect with The Cove on these social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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