On Nov. 7, 2022, Billy Graham would have been 104 years old. Today, we look back to the memorable occasion of his 95^th birthday.

In November 2013, when Billy Graham turned 95 years old, friends and family from around the world gathered to celebrate this humble man of God. Celebrities and political leaders including Kathie Lee Gifford, Greta van Susteren, Michael W. Smith, Rupert Murdoch, Donald Trump, and Sarah Palin filled the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C.

When he was told about the event, Billy Graham asked, “Would anyone want to come to my party?” Ever-humble, he wanted to make sure that this party focused on one thing – the same focus as the thousands of sermons he had preached across the globe – the cross of Jesus. In fact, the evening’s events began with a showing of “The Cross,” a 30-minute film featuring what would be Billy Graham’s final sermon – a message that had weighed on his heart for three years.

The evening also included a special message of friendship from Billy Graham’s longtime teammate, Cliff Barrows. These men shared in ministry over the course of seven decades, across 185 countries, and in front of more than 215 million people, and their genuine care for each other was ever-evident on this night. Mr. Barrows shared of Rev. Graham, “I thank God for every remembrance of you, and I praise God for the journey we’ve had …With all my heart.”

The evening concluded with a singing of “Happy Birthday,” led by musician Michael W. Smith and others followed with delectable chocolate cupcakes to mark the occasion.