In 1969, the United States of America was filled with chaos as political disorder and social movements continued to explode. Violent protests against war and the broader social upheaval created uncertainty and frustration in the lives of Americans.

Many people searched for safety and purpose in various activities and outlets. For many, music became a form of emotional expression – an “escape” from the unpredictable nature of society. Music festivals fostered a sense of community while many bands and artists performed.

The Miami Rock Festival of 1969 wrapped up the unsettling year with a set-list of bands including Canned Heat, Cold Dead, Grateful Dead, Sweetwater, and Santana. However, a surprising addition to the schedule was Rev. Billy Graham who was invited to speak to the energetic crowd.

His presence was requested, perhaps to neutralize some of the opposition the festival faced from Miami officials. Regardless, Billy Graham was excited at the opportunity to speak to a crowd that would have otherwise felt uncomfortable attending the average church.

Before he stepped foot on stage to speak, he spent time observing the crowd and listening intently to the music they held in such high esteem. He found their youthful energy empowering, but felt the weight of the spiritual emptiness in their lives.

In his autobiography, Just As I Am, Billy Graham writes that their “searching questions about life and sharp protests against society’s values echoed from almost every song.”

The day of the event, Billy Graham was prepared to be shouted down, but was thankful to be greeted by applause. As he spoke, he was conscious of their perspective on life – what they were so actively searching for. He reminded the attendees that Jesus was a nonconformist – much like themselves. He told them that Jesus could fill their souls and give them meaning and purpose in life.

The initial response was slim with a few dozen, but after the weekend, the local pastor wrote Rev. Graham and said that 350 young people made commitments to Christ and two thousand New Testaments were distributed.

Billy Graham noted Romans 15:20 as his motivation for speaking at what could be viewed as a “worldly” event. The Scripture says, “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named” (NKJV).

Paul, the author of Romans, made it his life’s effort to preach the Gospel everywhere he went – not only in churches or temples or other places of worship. In a similar way, Billy Graham made intentional efforts to preach the Gospel in places that might not otherwise hear it. He brought the Gospel to those who struggled to go to church.

Another passage written by Paul says, “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:13-14).

Billy Graham sought to be the preacher that gave people a chance to hear and believe in Jesus Christ – both inside and outside of the church.

You can find out more about Billy Graham’s ministry efforts around the world in The Journey of Faith tour at the Billy Graham Library. Plan your visit.