Even though he retired in 1992, the legacy that Billy Graham built is still going strong in 2013. It is said that he personally preached to as many as 215 million people in live audiences in 185 countries. Countless more millions have been touched by his televised crusades, radio shows and books. In November, as he celebrates his 95th birthday, even more people will be reached by My Hope America with Billy Graham.
The My Hope Outreach was started by his son, Franklin Graham, in 2002. It has been shared by hundreds of thousands of believers in 57 countries to date. Becoming a "Matthew" (participant) is easy. You look at the people in your life (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers) and pray for those who don't know Christ daily. In November, you invite those very people to your home in order to share the My Hope video and talk with them about your own life and how knowing Jesus helps you live it. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) offers online training for Pastors and individuals to help you prepare.Thus far, over 20,000 American churches have committed to My Hope America. They anticipate that over 165,000 believers will share the Gospel during the outreach. Those 165k will have two tools available to them that believers in places like Argentina, Brazil, India and Belarus have not had for past events - Billy Graham's new book, The Reason For My Hope: Salvation and the 12-song CD, My Hope: Songs Inspired By the Message and Mission of Billy Graham - both of which will release on October 15, 2013. The book, releasing through W Publishing, is a trip to transformation. The CD, releasing through Capitol EMG, will feature 12 of the biggest names in Christian music and songs written or chosen specifically after reading the book. The thing is, the singers weren't picked because they're all "big names." No, they were each picked because Billy Graham has personally touched their lives in some specific way.
For Matthew West, that connection started when he was only 13. While looking for a Cubs game on TV, he stumbled upon a Billy Graham Crusade. As God used Rev. Graham to speak to the young boy's heart, he gave his life to the King. In a press release, he shared, "Being a part of the 'My Hope' project is a real full circle moment for me, a chance to say through music what Rev. Graham's ministry has meant to me and so many others. Thank you Reverend Graham!"
Mulitple award winner Michael W. Smith shared how Graham has impacted generations by adding, "Everyone has come together out of our tremendous love and respect for Billy Graham. The impact he has had on all of us and the impact he has had on eternity is immeasurable. This is our attempt to pay honor to someone who has been an example, a mentor and an inspiration to all of us."
My Hope: Songs Inspired By the Message and Mission of Billy Graham Tracklist:
- "We Believe" - Newsboys
- "So Loved" - Matthew West
- "The Reason" - Lacey Sturm
- "The Cross Is My Confession" - Kari Jobe
- "Take Me Home" - MIchael W. Smith
- "Be My Rescue" - Nichole Nordeman
- "Broken Pieces" - Israel Houghton
- "Jesus Take All Of Me (Just As I Am)" - Amy Grant
- "The Cross Of Christ" - Darlene Zschech
- "My Hope" - Tommy Coomes Band
- "Mercy Tree" - Lacey Sturm
- "City On Our Knees" - tobyMac
