Billy Graham Evangelistic Association facts for kids
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, often called BGEA, is a Christian group that helps people learn about the Christian faith. They do this through TV, radio, and special events. They also help people after disasters. The BGEA runs the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina. They also have the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Contents
History of the BGEA
How the BGEA Started
The BGEA was started in 1950 by a famous speaker named Billy Graham. It began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and later moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.
Sharing Messages Through Media
For over sixty years, the BGEA broadcast a radio show called Hour of Decision. In August 2018, after Billy Graham passed away, the BGEA launched the Billy Graham Channel on SiriusXM. This channel broadcasts Billy Graham's sermons.
Leadership and Events
Today, Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son, is the president and CEO of the BGEA. He and his son, Will Graham, often lead special events. These events are similar to the large gatherings Billy Graham was known for.
Online Outreach and Publications
In 2011, the BGEA started an online project called "Search for Jesus." This project shares the Christian message with people around the world. They use websites in many different languages. The BGEA says that over 50 million people have visited these websites since 2011.
The organization also creates a television special each month. These specials are shown on TV stations across the United States and can be watched online. The BGEA also publishes Decision magazine every month.
Global Projects
In 2002, the BGEA began an international project called "My Hope." For this project, Christians invite friends and family to their homes. They watch a national TV program featuring Billy or Franklin Graham. The program is translated into their local language. The BGEA states that this project helped more than 9.8 million people make decisions for Christ.
Billy Graham and his ministry also helped start Christianity Today Magazine. They also helped create the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization.
The Billy Graham Library
The BGEA's main office in Charlotte is home to the Billy Graham Library. This library was officially opened on May 31, 2007. Former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton attended the dedication. After Billy Graham's death, former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump visited the library to pay their respects.
See also
- List of Billy Graham's crusades
