Eight years ago, the world grieved the loss of Billy Graham, but he was welcomed into a heavenly celebration. Here on earth, his legacy of touching hearts with the Gospel message continues even today. 

On Saturday, the Billy Graham Library hosted a special event to mark his homegoing anniversary. Guests could take The Journey of Faith tour—which explores what God can do through an ordinary life surrendered to Him—and enjoy a slice of cake while they waited for a showing of “The Message Lives On.”  

The short film documented Mr. Graham’s life and ministry, the challenges he faced, his funeral, and the mission of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) to continue sharing the powerful message of the cross.

Carrying On the Message

Ahleea and Brent Price brought their children, Bella (8) and Levi (6), to the Library as a result of a “divine appointment.”

The Price family has a busy life in Crockett, Texas. From raising children, building careers, and hosting a house church, there is little free time for this family of four. Lately, Bella and Levi have been begging to take a trip on an airplane. So, when one of their weekends finally opened up, Ahleea looked for the cheapest flight to anywhere in the United States—and found Charlotte, North Carolina. 

The Billy Graham Library caught her attention during her travel research. Her husband, Brent, had listened to Billy Graham sermons regularly in his 20s, so she decided to add the stop to their itinerary. 

“When you hear someone that’s passionate about something, it’s a convincing factor,” Brent said, reflecting on the impact of Mr. Graham’s preaching in his life. “It’s not that his words were any different … [from] any preacher you hear—it’s seeing the zeal.” 

After they watched “The Message Lives On,” Ahleea and Brent talked about the importance of never turning down the opportunity to share the Gospel with others. 

As a police officer, Ahleea often meets people in some of the hardest times of their lives, and she knows that only God can provide the comfort and peace that they’re looking for. 

“I just want to show them the love of Christ. I just want them to know that they’re loved and they’re safe,” Ahleea said.

Brent also ministers to people during his travels around the country as a guitarist with Curtis Grimes, a country singer who uses the platform to share his faith. After each show, Brent takes time with the band to pray with people and hand them a Bible.

“I can’t imagine that if we stay inside the walls of the church, we’re going to experience that kind of thing,” Brent said. “Billy Graham is a prime example. … You [have to] get where the people are … not be of the world, but be in the world.”

Brent explained that they are intentional about having conversations with their kids about Biblical topics. They also recognize the impact they have as parents, and that awareness makes them dependent on God to be role models for their children. 

“The Bible is 100% our roadmap for everything,” he said. 

As parents, Ahleea and Brent agree that the message of the cross is the ultimate concept for their children to understand. 

“The next generation is the most important … and we need them to be believers,” Ahleea said. “We need them to go out and tell people about Jesus.”

Join us in honoring Billy Graham’s legacy by praying for those you know to walk boldly in their faith, lifting up your loved ones who don’t know Jesus Christ, and taking every opportunity to share the Good News. Also, ask the Lord to draw more people to Himself as BGEA proclaims the Gospel at the Library and through events and outreaches all around the world.