Remembering Billy Graham

Please join all of us here at GEB as we send our deepest condolences to the Graham family on the passing of Reverend Billy Graham. We honor his legacy and commitment to lead untold multitudes to Christ over his lifetime. We believe there is great rejoicing in heaven as he is welcomed home!

He is pictured above in a TV interview many years ago with his friend and fellow minister, our late founder, Oral Roberts.

Born Nov. 7, 1918, four days before the armistice ended World War I, William Franklin “Billy” Graham Jr. grew up during the Depression and developed a work ethic that would carry him through decades of ministry on six continents.

Oral Roberts University was honored to welcome Rev. Graham to dedicate our campus in 1967, and his exhortation to put God first in all we do still lives on in the hearts of this community:

“…If this institution ever moves away from faith in the Bible and faith in God and putting God first, then let us this day pronounce a curse on it. This institution was built by the prayers and dedication of men and women who loved God and believed His Gospel and [that] the Bible is the Word of God.” (Excerpted from the Reverend Billy Graham at the Dedication of ORU on April 02, 1967)

More than 50 years later, ORU continues to take on his challenge to stay true to the founding vision of the university with passion.

Throughout his life, Graham was faithful to his calling, which will be captured in the inscription to be placed on his grave marker: Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“There were a few times when I thought I was dying, and I saw my whole life come before me…” said Graham at his Cincinnati Crusade on June 24, 2002. “I didn’t say to the Lord, ‘I’m a preacher, and I’ve preached to many people.’ I said, ‘Oh Lord, I’m a sinner, and I still need Your forgiveness. I still need the cross.’ And I asked the Lord to give me peace in my heart, and He did—a wonderful peace that hasn’t left me.”

Today February 21, 2018, Billy Graham went home to heaven.