DownshoreDrift

Since I wrote about some bad news for the Gulf Coast, I thought I would follow it up with some good news.  And, with all the controversy in the SBC, this reminds us what we are to really be about. Franklin and Billy Graham were doing a crusade in New Orleans this weekend. Here are some comments that they made at a pastors meeting on Thursday (thanks Joe McKeever! and Baptist Press article):

Franklin Graham said, "This is an historic occasion. I never dreamed that Daddy and Uncle Bev and Uncle Cliff would be able to be here for this 'celebration of hope.'

"Soon after Katrina, I was down here talking with community leaders and pastors. A mayor of a suburban community said to me, 'I have not seen a FEMA worker. They may be here, but I haven't seen them. I haven't seen a Red Cross worker. They may be here, but I've not seen them. But I have seen church vans from Iowa and church buses from Michigan. It's the churches that have saved our community."

"A Marine who is now working with FEMA told me, 'The faith-based groups have something the other volunteer groups do not have. They meet needs no one else is touching--deep spiritual needs. When you lose your home and everything you own, the first thing that needs healing is your spirit."

"We have come to support the church in New Orleans. This is not about us; you get the credit when we leave. You will stay here. 'We are your servants for Christ's sake.'"

"When we were first invited to come for this event, I felt inadequate. I didn't want it to look like we were grandstanding. But your pastors convinced us we needed to come preach Jesus."

"Saturday night (at the Arena), you'll have to put up with me. Daddy will preach Sunday. We intend to give people the opportunity to get up out of their seats and come to Jesus Christ, our only hope."

"David asked me to introduce Daddy. I'm not quite sure how to do that. People ask me 'What it's like being the son of Billy Graham?' I don't know. I've never had another father. But he's a wonderful man. He's the same person at home as he is on television or in a stadium somewhere. Daddy, welcome!"

The congregation rose as one to welcome this hero who is ignoring his pain and his infirmity to be here during our time of great need.

Billy Graham slowly made his way to the pulpit with his walker. He put it off to the side and stood at the pulpit, hunched somewhat, obviously weak. But he's still Billy Graham.

"I'm hard of hearing and don't know what Franklin said. (laughter) I want to tell you I'm devastated by what I've felt and seen. I haven't called my wife about this yet because I'm not emotionally capable of telling her what it's like."

"I've been so impressed by the pastors of all backgrounds working together. Thank you for the privilege of being here."

"This is the first time I've had a tie on since the New York Crusade in June. I couldn't tie it. I have other problems, too. Something Bev Shea is too young to understand." (laughter)

"At Pelican Stadium, we went for six weeks. Every night. I would preach 50 minutes or an hour and a half.(someone called out a loud, "Amen!") No wonder we had such a hard time filling the stadium!

"Dr. J. D. Grey was the pastor of this church back then. He was a true friend and a real character. Just before coming to New Orleans, we did the crusade in London and we invited him over. He told the British all about New Orleans. They didn't understand him at all." (laughter)

"In the Bible, Job lost his sons and his daughters and all that he had. He didn't complain at first, but worshiped. He believed and trusted and debated. Eventually, God restored and gave him many times over everything he had lost. I believe God is going to do that for you."

"This disaster is a mystery. People always ask 'why?' I don't know. I don't know anyone who does. God did not cause it, but He did allow it. Maybe it was to build a new New Orleans. (chorus of amens) Jesus Christ is no security against storms, but he is the perfect security in the storms."

"I watched your mayoral debate on television the other night, and learned more about New Orleans than I had ever known. There are many political divisions in the city. Many political winds blowing. The only thing I didn't hear in the debate was anything spiritual. And that is the city's greatest need. I pray God will become the mayor of this city!"

"I used to come to the Gulf Coast a lot. We took vacations on the beach. We flew into New Orleans and drove to the beach. I've been up and down the bayous and seen the alligators and snakes. Now they've come to the city!"

"God has raised up Christian leadership in this city. I believe we're going to see God at work."

Amen and Yes Sir. That really reminds me what all of this is supposed to be about. Let's never forget the Gospel, which is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe - that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.  I praise God for Billy Graham and how he reminds us to keep our focus on Jesus and the cross. That is the hope for New Orleans, and it is the hope for me and you as well!