Billy Graham named one of the 10 most admired men in the world for the 60th time
Billy Graham once again has the honor of appearing on Gallup’s annual list of most admired people in the world. Gallup released its annual list at the end of 2016 after asking more than 1,000 people throughout the United States which man they admire most in the world. Mr. Graham received fifth place on the list, marking the 60th time he has finished in the top 10—a Gallup record.

2017 Crusade lineups span the globe
Franklin Graham and his son, Will Graham, have announced their 2017 schedules. Franklin will share the Gospel message across the world, starting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Feb. 10-12. He will then deliver his message of hope to Vancouver, Canada, from March 3-5. Franklin’s last international Festival will be in Oslo, Norway, from Nov. 11-12. The remaining dates will take place in the United States, as Franklin will lead one-night, outdoor events throughout five cities in Tennessee and seven cities in Texas. In Tennessee, he will visit Chattanooga on May 15, Murfreesboro on May 17, Jackson on May 19, and Memphis on May 21. Texas dates have not yet been released. MORE…

Will Graham will lead four Celebrations in 2017. He plans to share the Gospel in Pachuca, Mexico, from March 31-April 2; Dothan, Ala., from May 5-7; Fort Wayne, Ind., from Oct. 6-8; and Charlottetown, Canada, from Nov. 4-5. MORE…

For more information on upcoming events, visit www.billygraham.org.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains offer hope to those hurting during the holidays
Unfortunately tragedy doesn’t take a holiday. While the Christmas season was a joyous one for people around the world, many others were mourning the sudden and tragic loss of loved ones. Throughout December, crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team attempted to bring comfort and hope into areas of deep despair in Oakland, Calif.; Berlin, Germany; and Sevier County, Tenn.

On Dec. 2, a horrific fire overwhelmed party-goers at a warehouse in Oakland, claiming the lives of 36 people. Chaplains were there within hours to talk with—and, more importantly, listen to—the steady stream of mourners and first responders. Over the course of two weeks, 11 chaplains addressed the emotional and spiritual needs of those stopping by the makeshift memorials around the warehouse, praying with more than 470 and shining the light of Christ during dark days.

On Dec. 19, just days before Christmas, an attack rocked the city of Berlin, Germany, as a terrorist hijacked a truck and drove it through a crowded Christmas market. The violence left 12 dead, dozens wounded, and countless others fearful and on edge. A multi-national contingent of chaplains from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Belgium responded to offer a “ministry of presence” in the city. The work in Berlin, which continued through Christmas, marked the fifth international response in 2016, and the second to Germany. The group previously deployed to Munich in July following a deadly shooting in a mall.

While the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team wrapped up ministry efforts in Oakland and Berlin in December, their work in Sevier County extended into the New Year. This area, encompassing the tourist destinations of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, was devastated by wildfires that consumed thousands of acres in late November and early December. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team worked alongside Samaritan’s Purse to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted. As of the most recent reporting, 25 chaplains from across the country have prayed with and comforted more than 1,670 people in the mountains of Tennessee.

For more information on the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, visit www.billygraham.org/rrtand www.facebook.com/rrtchaplains.