Billy Graham Brings Message On God's Love in Wake of Sept. 11 Attacks

Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn
Friday, 12 October 2001

Evangelist Equates Christ's Sacrifice with that of Nation's New Heroes

FRESNO, Calif., Oct. 12, 2001 –- Evangelist Billy Graham opened his four-day Central Valley Crusade in Fresno with a sermon entitled "Sept. 11 and the Love of God," highlighting lessons learned the previous month, including the fact that God still cares for us individually.

"My heart is heavy like yours," he told the near-capacity crowd of 40,000, reflecting on the recent attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. "Sept. 11 has been called the bloodiest day in the United States since the Civil War.

"Much of the world is feeling the effects of terrorism and war right now, but there are other things that are bothering us: disease, poverty, racism, hate, loneliness, AIDS, unemployment, divorce, psychological problems, boredom, murder statistics –- the world didn't stop sinning or getting bored after Sept. 11," he said.

"Considering things like terrorism, war, greed, racial prejudice, and poverty, we know that something is wrong with human nature," he continued. "Sin is what's wrong with the world and only Jesus Christ can solve it."

Mr. Graham said he has observed that the nation is undergoing a renewed search for purpose and meaning. His organization, along with Samaritan's Purse –- headed by his son Franklin –- has opened a prayer center near Ground Zero for individuals seeking guidance and comfort. "The phone lines are lit up with people calling in wanting spiritual help," he said.

He went on to recount some of the stories from Sept. 11, such as a Jewish man named Abe, who stayed in the tower with his wheelchair-bound friend, Ed, who was a Christian. "They left a message of working together, whatever our race or religion might be," he continued.

The evangelist noted that before Sept. 11, our nation's heroes were sports stars and rock musicians. "Now we know who our true heroes are –- they are ordinary people just like you and me doing extraordinary things."

He then drew the parallel between these individuals who were willing to lay down their lives for total strangers, and Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross for all of humanity. "He went through it because He loved you and me, and He loves us tonight."

As Mr. Graham gave an invitation for individuals to come forward and make a commitment to Christ, more than 2,300 responded. The Central Valley Crusade runs through Sunday, Oct. 14, at Bulldog Stadium on the campus of California State University, Fresno.

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