International

Billy Graham preaches "last sermon"

Billy Graham

NEW YORK: Despite illnesses that have diminished his once powerful voice and left him frail, the Rev. Billy Graham (86), vowed to preach each night of his final American crusade. He kept that promise on Friday night, the start of a three-day event at a city park that marks the completion of his six decades of mass meetings. Before a crowd of about 60,000, Mr. Graham took the stage using a walker and leaning on his son and successor, the Rev. Franklin Graham, who stayed nearby in case his father was unable to go on. But the ailing Mr. Graham was able to stand during his nearly 30-minute sermon. The audience gave Mr. Graham a standing ovation when he stood to speak. Mr. Graham is suffering from fluid on the brain, prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease. He uses the walker due to a pelvic fracture and is largely confined to his home in Montreat, North Carolina. He had said previously that the rally ``will be the last in America, I'm sure.'' Mr. Graham has preached to more than 210 million people in 185 countries. He has been sought out by U.S. Presidents and leaders worldwide and, more than any other religious figure, has come to represent the American Evangelical movement.

— AP

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