Billy Graham holds a headdress he received in a 1974 Arizona Crusade from Rev. Tom Claus, who also gave him the Native American name Warrior of the Great Spirit.
On February 21, evangelist Billy Graham died at 99 years old.
Kansas City, Mo.-On February 21, evangelist William Franklin (Billy) Graham died at 99 years old, in his Montreat, N.C. home. In 60 years of ministry, Graham preached to an estimated 215 million people in 185 countries through his crusades. He reached hundreds of millions of others through television, video, radio, and film.
Often referred to as America's pastor, Graham had a heart for Native Americans. From his earlier crusade Graham welcomed all tribes into his crusades, often featuring a Native American evening, and inviting Native American dignitaries such as Reynard Faber, great-grandson of Apache chief Geronimo, to share the stage.
Graham was convinced of God's hand on the lives of Indigenous Americans. In 1975, Native Christian leaders gathered to discuss evangelism, discipleship and church growth among the indigenous peoples of the western hemisphere. Graham said, "The greatest moments of Native History lie ahead of us if a great spiritual renewal and wakening should take place. The Native American has been a sleeping giant. He is awakening. The original Americans could become the evangelists who will help win America for Christ!"
"Billy Graham has been a voice of faith for many years," Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said. "He has regularly reached out to Indian tribes and Indian tribes have embraced him as a religious leader. Navajo Christian leaders will greatly miss him, but his voice and messages will live on forever."
Other Native American and First Nations leaders agree. "In our world, there are some that God puts His hand on and we recognize them as leaders. Then there are some that are chosen to lead the leaders. Billy Graham lived his life as a leader of leaders and a godly man," says Kene Jackson, Executive Director of Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
