Franklin Graham Announces Ambitious Preaching Schedule for 2007

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 7, 2007—Entering the new year, evangelist Franklin Graham is ready to embark on another busy schedule that's packed with opportunities to preach a message of hope to people here in the United States and around the world.

Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), has announced that he will conduct eight evangelistic festivals in 2007: Panama; Norfolk, Va.; Binghamton, N.Y.; Ukraine; Ecuador; Korea; Tacoma, Wash.; and Hong Kong.

Graham, 54, has now conducted 119 crusades, or "festivals," around the world since 1989. Last year, he spoke in person to more than 673,645 people during festival events in Manila, Philippines; New Orleans; Angola Prison (La.); Mobile, Ala.; Baltimore; Quito, Ecuador; Winnipeg, Canada; and Okinawa, Japan.

As the BGEA continues to utilize technology to expand the reach of messages by Billy and Franklin Graham, its effectiveness continues to increase.  For example, through an international television program called My Hope, where a Graham crusade is televised nationwide and trained families invite neighbors into their homes to view the broadcast, more people indicated, in writing, making a personal decision to put their faith in Jesus Christ during 2006 than during the organization's past 50 years combined.

Next spring, the Billy Graham Library will officially open to the public and will commemorate more than 50 years of the ministry of Mr. Graham and the BGEA. Much like a presidential library, this 40,000 square foot facility will ultimately house the personal papers of Billy Graham, as well as many exhibits, multimedia displays, films, photographs, and interactive experiences for visitors.  Admission will be free. "As with everything we do," said Franklin Graham, "this library will point people to the Christ my father has preached about throughout his life."

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