Montreat evangelist Rev. Billy Graham, who preached to millions worldwide, dies

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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The Rev. Billy Graham, the Christian evangelist who preached to millions of people around the world through his “crusades,” died Wednesday morning. He was 99.

Graham was “a spiritual guide to generations of American evangelicals, a globe-trotting preacher who converted millions to Christianity, and a confidante to presidents,” writes my former newspaper colleague Dale Neal for the Smoky Mountain News.

“Graham personally preached the Christian gospel to more people on the planet than any other evangelist in the 2,000 years of Christianity,” Neal writes. Click over to read the full story.

Condolences have been pouring in from leaders around the world. President Trump and his wife, Melania, visited Asheville in 2013 to attend a birthday celebration for Graham. Trump issued a statement on Graham’s death. From the statement:

Billy’s unshakeable belief in the power of God’s word to transform hearts gave hope to all who listened to his simple message: “God loves you.” He carried this message around the world through his crusades, bringing entire generations to faith in Jesus Christ.

The Charlotte Observer rounds up other reaction to Graham’s death here.

Graham will be buried on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, the Observer reports.

More details about his funeral will be forthcoming.