A Day for Heroes, chapter 4: Franklin Graham

A different sort of hero, but a hero of mine nonetheless. In case you have never heard of him, let me introduce you to Franklin Graham, international evangelist and man of God.

Graham, who has taken over the ministry of his ailing father the legendary Rev. Billy Graham, 87, is sweeping through the Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast with a rousing series of revival festivals.

He also is speaking out on the Katrina disaster - and many issues his father would not have, from abortion, to gay marriage, to the Muslim faith.

Central to Graham's voice is Jesus Christ - his teachings and his way as an example to lead us from our troubles.

For sure, Graham's father had that message, too. But Graham seems more eager to apply the "Jesus" answer to some of America's and the world's most pressing problems.

He stresses his vision of a Jesus that is indeed alive, not simply one who was crucified for our sins. There is much more to the Jesus story, Graham suggests.

In addition to the worldwide witness that he has become, Franklin Graham has been very active in the move to help the war-ravaged people of the Sudan.

...[H]is organization, Samaritan Purse, has been working in southern Sudan for years. The Samaritan Purse hospital in the region is the largest around and has endured more than a half-dozen bombing attacks by the Khartoum regime.

The NewsMax article gives an excellent introduction to this outspoken man of God and his dedication and commitment for taking the Word to the world.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." — Matthew 28:16-20