Broken Foot Doesn't Deter Billy Graham From Launching Central Valley Crusade

Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn
Tuesday, 9 October 2001

Evangelist Confirms Meetings to Continue with Added Security; Plans to Speak about Sept. 11 on Thursday Evening

FRESNO, Calif., Oct. 9, 2001 -- Evangelist Billy Graham launched his Central Valley Crusade, to be held Oct. 11-14 on the campus of the University of California, Fresno, with a media availability at Bulldog Stadium, assuring reporters that he will preach here despite world events, national security concerns, and a recent foot injury.

"We are delighted to be returning to the beautiful Central Valley for our third evangelistic outreach in Fresno," Mr. Graham said. "We know this to be a very fertile agricultural area, often called the 'fruitbasket of the world,' and its annual bumper crops feed more than half our nation. But this week, we are here to reap a different kind of harvest -- a harvest of souls making faith commitments to Jesus Christ."

The evangelist announced that his sermon topic for the opening meeting Thursday night will be "Sept. 11 and the Love of God," in which he will emphasize that "God loves us, whatever our ethnic, religious or political background."

Mr. Graham touched briefly on the situation in the United States in his opening statement. "I know that many throughout the Central Valley, including myself, are concerned about what is going on in our world today," he said. "Our nation is undergoing an unprecedented search for purpose and meaning, which God can use for good to turn individuals back to Him in repentance and faith.

"This time of searching may bring about the one thing we need desperately in this country -- a spiritual revival and renewal in America," he continued. "And I believe it can begin here in the Central Valley, and that seeds sown here this week can bear fruit throughout the nation and around the world."

Mr. Graham also mentioned that he had injured his right foot earlier that morning when he slipped and fell backwards while getting up from kneeling by the heater to adjust the temperature in his room. Following the media availability, Mr. Graham had his foot x-rayed as an emergency room outpatient at an area hospital. A local physician diagnosed that he had an undisplaced fracture of his fifth metatarsal and two undisplaced fractures of his right fifth (little) toe.

Though the evangelist is in mild discomfort, no special pain medication was required. Doctors placed Mr. Graham in a rigid soled splint for six weeks. They told him he will still be able to stand to deliver his sermons, and that his injury will not impede the meetings in anyway.

Asked what his message would be to those considering their attendance this week, Mr. Graham encouraged everyone to come, specifically inviting those of different cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. He said he is not worried about the security of the event. "This will be the safest place in Fresno this week, with that many people and the Lord there," he concluded.

For more information, or to contact Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn, see their website at: www.billygraham.org