MEETING REV GRAHAM
I sing in a music group called Selah. About 6 years ago we sang at a conference Anne Graham Lotz (Rev Graham's daughter) was teaching at at The Cove in Asheville, NC. We asked early on if we could meet him at his cabin on the mountain. The last day we were there (Sunday) we sang at a morning session with Anne and asked her one more time if we could visit him. We had a concert that night at the Cove. Anne looked at us and said "Are you sure you want to visit daddy? You have been singing all weekend and you have the concert tonight. I figured you would be too tired." I said "We'll skip the concert! We want to meet your dad!" She graciously drove us up the mountain to his cabin. We spent an hour with this man I have admired for so many years. How many times did my family sit and watch him on television. How many times would my dad and mom reference him when we we're missionaries in Congo, Africa. When so many evangelist were in controversy you knew you could always count on Billy Graham to maintain his character.
We sang with Rev. Graham in his living room. His cabin house is simple but beautiful! He told us how he bought the land for $4 per acre! We sang for an hour with him. I stood to his right side because he could hear better on that side, and put my hand on his shoulder as we sang. Amy sat on the couch because she was pregnant with her son Josiah. Allan sat at the piano and played.
Rev Graham sang every word with us! His favorite song was "I'd Rather Have Jesus" written by George Beverly Shea. Bev Shea sang and traveled with Rev Graham during his entire ministry. I heard about how Bev Shea got a speeding ticket going 100 miles an hour when he was in his 90's! The police officer said "is this for real! Is your age correct?" When he nodded the officer shook his head and said "ok, just don't speed any more Mr. Shea."
At the end of our meeting Rev Graham asked if he could pray for us. Allan was so excited he shoved the piano stool back and practically dove to grab Billy's hand while he prayed. He prayed with such conviction and humility. He prayed for our families. Amy said that prayer lasted for 6 months because Josiah was well behaved until he turned 6 months. Spending time with him was one of the highlights of my 21 years in music. I am so grateful for his ministry and willingness to share the Gospel of Jesus. Thank you for the life you chose to live Rev Graham. You finished well!
