In the summer of 2005, crowds at Flushing Meadows Corona Park—just outside of New York City—waited in anticipation for Billy Graham to stand at the pulpit for his final Crusade event. Rev. Graham accepted the invitation from around 1,400 churches representing 90 denominations to hold what would be his eighth Crusade in the New York City area.
The site for this evangelistic event was not unknown to Billy Graham. The 1964 World’s Fair was held in the park in Queens and featured a Billy Graham Pavilion, where the World Wide Pictures film Man in the 5th Dimension was shown each hour. Thousands had come to salvation through Jesus Christ at this very spot through the efforts of Billy Graham and his team.
Billy Graham in front of the Unisphere constructed for the 1964 World’s Fair
Thus, it seemed a fitting bookend that Billy Graham’s final public Crusade would be held at a location that already held so much history. On June 24-26, 2005, Billy Graham stood each evening to give his remarks. On the final night of the Crusade, Rev. Graham addressed his own mortality and that of everyone in the crowd:
Most of the interviews that I’ve had here in New York have asked the same questions about death: “What happens when you die? Are you looking forward to death?” Yes. I’m looking forward to death.
We are going to die. We’re all under judgment. War does not increase death. Did you know that? Think about it. Some may go a little quicker than others. Thousands of people were killed when the Allies invaded Europe in 1945 at Normandy. And thousands of people have died in Iraq, Vietnam, Korea, and many other places. But that does not increase death, because we are all going to die; we’re going to join them in death.
But when we die, we’re going to be divided. Some will be eternally lost and some eternally saved. We are saved through Jesus, if we put our faith in Him…
Jesus said, “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44, NKJV). The Bible says, “Prepare to meet your God” (Amos 4:12, NKJV). Are you prepared? Have you opened your heart to Jesus? Have you repented of your sins?
You ask, “What is repentance?” Repentance means that you say to God, “I am a sinner, I’m sorry for my sins, I’m willing to turn from my sins. But Lord, You have to help me to turn. I’ve tried so many times to give up things I know that are wrong, and I just can’t do it.’”
Then, by faith, receive Jesus, who died on the cross for you. Open your heart and say, “Yes, Lord Jesus, come in. I’m ready to follow You.”
Billy Graham preaches during his final Crusade in New York, June 2005
Over the course of the three-day event, 242,000 people heard the Gospel boldly proclaimed, and more than 9,400 responded to accept Christ.
You can learn more about Billy Graham’s evangelistic efforts around the world, including his last Crusade in New York, through The Journey of Faith tour at the Billy Graham Library. Admission is always free. Plan your visit.
