Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 20, 1994 TAG: 9411210008
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CODY LOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Age and Parkinson's disease have taken a toll on his once-robust body after more than a half-century as the best-known Christian preacher in the world.
Grasping the rails on both sides of the narrow staircase, Graham steadied himself as he lifted each foot deliberately to the next step. He thanked the supporters for being there and apologized for not being able to shake each hand and speak to everyone individually.
After his remarks, he moved carefully back down the steps and climbed into a waiting golf cart beside his wife of 51 years, Ruth Bell Graham.
A busy hour later, after greeting other platform guests and sitting through former President Carter's testimony, several musical numbers and an offering, Billy Graham gathered himself up to his electronic pulpit.
The giant Sony TV screens at each end of the Dome magnified every feature of his square-cut face, capped with his wavy, white mane and framed by his bushy sideburns.
The smile was warmly familiar to most of his congregation, belonging as it does to someone they consider a lifelong friend. The gaze was penetrating, even though the width of a football field separated Graham from his audience.
The smooth accent was as mellow as a fall night in Dixie, but still as potent as anything flowing from the back-hollow distilleries of his native South.
The hands held as steady as the familiar message he has preached personally to more than 100 million people.
Three weeks ago, standing before a crusade opening-night crowd of about 57,000, there suddenly was little hint of age or the infirmity of Parkinson's disease.
There is no explanation for this transfiguration, his grandson, Jonathan Lotz says, except that the Holy Spirit grants his servant Billy Graham strength and voice when he stands up to proclaim the Word of God.
It is a voice that still can draw more than 300,000 people over five days to Atlanta. A reputation that leaves seasoned interviewers tongue-tied. A spirit that persuades thousands to claim or reclaim the promises of Christ.
And when the end of his career comes, Billy Graham will leave behind not only enough Christian converts to populate a small country, but also a host of children and grandchildren who are postured to carry on his legacy.
In today's Extra section, we look at Billy Graham and the family that is moving onto the platform with him.
by CNB