As we look forward to 2021, we first want to take a look back at how God moved at the Billy Graham Library in 2020.

Despite the challenges that 2020 brought with it, the Billy Graham Library remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel message of God’s love. Through the month-long shutdown of the Library facilities, we were able to launch the “Continue the Journey from Home” series, sharing videos, recipes, story time for children, coloring sheets and a virtual tour of the Library. These resources allowed visitors to experience parts of the Library from home while still encountering the message of the Gospel.

As reopening began, the Library welcomed back visitors – first to the Memorial Prayer Garden and grounds, and later in The Journey of Faith tour as the Library was again fully operational.

The year closed out with the annual Christmas at the Library, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. More than 18,500 guests visited during Christmas at the Library, and more than 51,500 experienced the Library in 2020 – and how God used a farm boy from Charlotte, N.C., to share the Gospel for more than 80 years to millions around the world. We celebrate more than 485 individuals responded to the invitation to make a commitment to Christ, and 221 of those were first-time decisions—people who had not previously known the hope of eternity with Jesus.

In 2021, we are looking forward to welcoming YOU to the Billy Graham Library. With events like Easter at the Library, the Ladies Tea & Tour, Bikers with Boxes, and Christmas at the Library returning, there is something for everyone to explore. In February, the Library will welcome guests to “Honoring Billy Graham Day” as we reflect back on the anniversary of Rev. Billy Graham’s home going.

The Library, which serves as an ongoing Crusade and extension of Billy Graham’s ministry, has welcomed more than 1.5 million guests since it opened in 2007. Guests who visit the Library throughout the year can experience The Journey of Faith – an interactive tour highlighting the message of hope that Billy Graham preached for more than 80 years – the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar, Ruth’s Attic bookstore, the Graham family homeplace, the memorial prayer garden, and more.

 

We hope you’ll make plans to visit the Billy Graham Library this year.

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Read some of the experiences of guests who visited the Library in 2020:

Eight-Year-Old Finds Joy in Jesus
A bright and smiling eight-year-old girl from North Carolina expressed to our Prayer Room Volunteer that she wanted Jesus in her heart so she could live her life for Him like Billy Graham did. She was so happy, as was her Mom, to make this decision during the Christmas season.

Prayer for Mission Trip to Cuba
A young man, preparing for a trip to Cuba, visited the Library today with several pastor friends before the trip. He has followed Mr. Graham’s ministry for years and feels the calling of Evangelism. He left filled with hope as he prepared to depart for Cuba.

Law Enforcement Chaplains Uplifted at Gravesites
Law Enforcement Chaplains were being trained at Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the group of 15 visited and prayed at Billy and Ruth Graham’s gravesite with the Rapid Response Chaplain who was on prayer duty.

An Unexpected Prayer
On a very busy Saturday at the Library, the chaplain prayed for guest after guest. One woman approached the chaplain and said, “May I pray for you, sir?” Overcome with joy, the chaplain gladly accepted.

A Special Trip from California
A daughter brought her mother from California to celebrate the fact that she was saved at a Billy Graham Crusade in the 1960’s. It had always been her mother’s dream to visit the Billy Graham Library.

18-Year-Old Inspired by Visit
A tall, 18-year-old from Columbia, SC desired to be used of God and was inspired by his visit to the Billy Graham Library alone. He said, “Throughout the entire process, I continue to maintain immense faith and feel now that I am beginning to reach the apex, after going through similar feelings that Billy had. The experience here was wonderful and I intend to come back soon for more direction and guidance in my quest to give myself completely to the Lord as Billy Graham did.”

Family Rejoices in Library Visit
A family from the Philippines told how their Mom and Dad sang in the Billy Graham Crusade choir in 1983. Their Mom and Dad went on to become evangelists and ran tent revivals in the same style as Mr. Graham’s crusades. They rejoiced in making a connection here that began 37 years ago.

A Place of Salvation
A fourteen-year-old, along with his dad and sister, were traveling from Georgia to their home in Greensboro, NC. The family conversation led to the boy and his desire of accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. He explained that he wanted to make his decision at a special place, so it was decided that he wanted to do it at the Billy Graham Library. Billy Graham’s life and ministry had meant much to him. So, on this day, they came to the Library and the boy received Jesus into his life in the Prayer Garden near Mr. Graham’s gravesite. It was a precious time for the family and for the Library staff who rejoiced as well.

A Young Man’s Calling to Ministry
A young man from Delaware was most excited about coming to the Billy Graham Library. He shared with the chaplain beside Billy Graham’s grave that he felt God calling him to ministry. He expressed what an honor and blessing it was to visit the grave site of the preacher who had so impacted his decision.