Graham Billy - Billy: the untold story of a young Billy Graham and the test of faith that almost changed everything

Words of praise for Billy

Billy is a story of faith and the important role faith plays in making the right choices in life. It is also a love storynot only of Billy and Ruth Bell but of Billys love for God and Gods Word. Its the story of a young man who, by faith, accepted a call to preach, and lived his passion for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

GiGi Graham, daughter of Billy and Ruth Bell Graham

Billy offers fresh insights into the life of a towering presence in American life, a man who for 60 years has figured prominently in annual Gallup surveys of the Most Admired Men in the World. It is a solid historical account that speaks most like a novel with a continuous dialog that weaves the historical pieces together. The result is a book that beautifully captures the flavor of the times and the factors that shaped this remarkable servant of God.

George Gallup, Jr., Former President of the
Gallup Organization (Gallup Poll), Founder
of the George H. Gallup Institute

Choices matter. They are the hinges on which swing the doors opening or closing for the rest of ones life. On Billy Grahams early choices swung a future that has deeply affected us personally and seekers around the world.

Bill and Gloria Gaither, ASCAPs Gospel Songwriters of the Century

Billy Graham is a national iconan international treasure. This book is an inspiring read about how the foundations were laid in his life decisions to make him the man of God we all love and so deeply respect. A life well lived with incredible passion and integrity sets an example for each of us to reach for.

Dave Ramsey, New York Times Bestseller,
National Radio Host

Billy is a thrilling account of how God orchestrated every event in Billy Grahams life to prepare and lead him to become His ambassador to the world. Despite his worldwide fame, Billy Graham has retained a servants heart and has stayed true to his lifelong callingto lead others to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. His integrity and singleness of goal will motivate all who read this book to examine their own purpose in life. Billy is a guidebook for anyone who longs to experience an abundant, joyful, and purpose-filled life. It will inspire and encourage Christians and seekers alike.

Denise Jackson, NY Times bestselling author of
Its All About Him and The Road Home.

Here is a good book about a good man! Read about Billy Graham, an inspiration for America and the world.

George Foreman, World Heavyweight Boxing
Champion, Television personality, Entrepreneur

2008 by Solex/MATP Venture

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or otherexcept for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Thanks to Mark Sweeney & Associates, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135.

Page design by Mandi Cofer.

Thomas Nelson, Inc., titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail SpecialMarkets@ThomasNelson.com.

Note: This book is the unauthorized retelling of a true story and is based on actual events. Certain items have been adapted for dramatic effect, and some artistic license has been taken to assist in the flow of the storyline.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

McKay, William Paul.
Billy : the untold story of a young billy graham and the test of faith that almost changed everything / by William Paul McKay and Ken Abraham.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-8499-2067-7 (hardcover)
1. Graham, Billy, 1918 2. EvangelistsUnited StatesBiography. 3.
Templeton, Charles, 1915-2001Friends and associates. I. Abraham, Ken.
II. Title.
BV3785.G69M29 2008
269.2092dc22
[B]

2008036002

Printed in the United States of America

08 09 10 11 12 QW 6 5 4 3 2 1

CONTENTS

To every seeker of truth who has ever dared to grapple
with the great questions of life, and who has plunged
into the vortex where faith and reason collide.

The only time I met Dr. Billy Graham was at a Hyatt Hotel in Century City, California. We were discussing the possibility of doing a documentary on his life. At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Graham turned to me and said, My only concern is that my image on screen would eclipse the image of Jesus. I am at an age where I know that I will be standing before my Savior soon, and I dont want anything to disappoint Him. He went on to tell me that so many in the Christian world have elevated him to a level of which he did not feel worthy. As I left my meeting with Dr. Graham, I was struck by the awareness that he was one of the most humble men I had ever met. When Dr. Graham is gone from Earth, the true measure of the man will be more fully understood, and he will be profoundly missed.

As we endeavored to make the movie Billy: The Early Years, and write this book, I held Dr. Grahams two principles before me. Often I reflected on his words and realized that this standard was more important than the most optimistic commercial success for this project. For these reasons, we have worked hard to honor Billy Graham as a servant of Jesus Christ while not elevating him to a superficial sainthood. I sincerely hope we have met the standards Dr. Graham established and lived out over the past nine decades.

Additionally, I wish to thank Janet, my dear wife of thirty years. She was handpicked by the Father for my life. I cannot imagine a journey without the love of my life. Her laughter, love, and prayers have given me every gift I have needed.

My son, Grant, has been traveling and working with me for the past several years and has been indispensable at every turn in the making of the film and in the writing of this book. Thank you, Son; you are greatly trusted and loved.

Many people have stood in prayer to make this book and feature film possible. Some have gone far beyond anything we could have asked or expected, and without the prayers of these dear saints, you would not be holding this book. Special thanks to Cliff and Elvie Broderick; Jim, Julie, and Ashley Hilman; Mike and Mary Mugavero; Rand and Susanne McCullogh; Mike and Mary Hassett; Rachel Pisarek; Mrs. Roberta Hromas; Bonnie Sanders; Chet and Nell Holsipple, and Daryl Ward. You are loved, appreciated, and not taken for granted.

And finally, Tom Ivy. Tom Ivy was Dr. Grahams television director for many years. Toms love and devotion for Dr. Graham became a part of the inspiration for this project.

As you turn the pages and read the words in this book, may the Lord be increased in your life.

William Paul McKay

The authors also express heartfelt thanks to Mark Sweeney of Mark Sweeney and Associates for believing in this project and expertly handling the many agent responsibilities associated with it.

Special thanks to Matt Baugher, Thomas Nelson Vice President and Publisher, who caught the vision for what this book could be, and to Jennifer McNeil, our managing editor, who helped facilitate this project each step of the way. Thanks to the great Thomas Nelson sales and marketing team as they take this never-before-told story to the world.

TORONTO, CANADA, WINTER 2001

The gray hospital walls appeared unusually bland, a stark contrast to the elderly yet vibrant patient who occupied the lone bed in the private room. Outside, the chilly winter wind whipped against the rooms window, frosting it over with a thin layer of ice, but the bright television lights and the press of busy people bustling around the patient threatened to raise the temperature inside significantly.