In his autobiography, Just As I Am, Billy Graham entitled the 31^st chapter, “Broadening the Vision.” This chapter framed the 1986 Amsterdam conference—officially called the International Conference for Itinerant Evangelists —as a culmination of his decades-long efforts to equip and encourage other evangelists worldwide.

With the vision of sharing the Gospel to the ends of the earth, Rev. Graham invited ministers from a variety of languages and cultures—who worked on the front lines of evangelism in remote areas including jungles, deserts, and secluded mountainous regions–to attend this monumental gathering. In total, over 8,000 people representing 174 countries attended the Amsterdam ’86 conference. The attendees truly represented diverse ministries: some shared the Gospel with prostitutes, others worked as evangelists to leper colonies, and still others served in primitive Pacific islands and regions torn apart by civil war.

Billy Graham opened this chapter in his autobiography with a reflection on a memory that stuck with him from Amsterdam ‘86, when he met an itinerant evangelist from Botswana in the conference dining hall:

“I will never forget him…

Ruth and I sat down and shook his hand. From his clothes, we suspected that he came from a poor country and had very little. But his face had a gentleness and joy about it that were immediately apparent; it also revealed the sense of purpose and commitment I had seen often during the opening days of the conference.”

Rev. Graham proceeded to ask the gentleman about his ministry and the man confided that he often walked on foot from village to village to reach anyone who would listen. The response to Christianity in Botswana had been limited,, with only just a handful of Christians in the country. He frequently felt discouraged by the opposition and lack of a harvest.

As the conversation continued, Billy Graham asked whether he had received any Bible school education or other training that might help him in his ministry. The man replied that he actually held a master’s degree from Cambridge University. The response to the question stunned and humbled Rev. Graham:

“I was immediately ashamed that I had stereotyped him as an uneducated man. I was also humbled, not only because he was far better educated than I was but because of something else: any man returning to his underdeveloped homeland of Botswana with a coveted Cambridge degree would have virtually unlimited opportunities for political power, social position, and economic advancement. And yet this man was completely content to follow Christ’s calling for him as an evangelist. He could truly say in the Apostle Paul’s words, that ‘whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ’ (Philippians 3:7).”

While Billy Graham’s goal in organizing the International Conference for Itinerant Evangelists was to teach and train the attendees, it’s clear that Billy Graham himself learned important lessons there as well.

The newest special display in the Billy Graham Library features items from Amsterdam ‘86, including gifts that were presented to Billy Graham by the itinerant evangelists who attended from across the globe, some which are on public display for the very first time. These heartfelt tokens—many from attendees who had little material wealth—demonstrate how grateful the itinerant evangelists were for the instruction and encouragement they received at Amsterdam ‘86.

Billy Graham’s efforts in Amsterdam ‘86 impacted countless ministries represented by the evangelists who attended, and the Gospel legacy continues to be felt today.

Learn even more about Amsterdam ‘86 when you visit the Billy Graham Library. Admission to The Journey of Faith tour and the special exhibit is free. Plan your visit today.