Christian & Gospel Artists React to the Passing of Billy Graham

Billy Graham’s impact on our world is infinite and Christian and Gospel Music is no exception. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has opened it’s platform to so many of our artists through the years. He is our most respected preacher of the Gospel and in 1999 the GMA inducted Reverend Graham into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. It is fitting to pay homage to what he has given our artists in his history, not to mention what he has given the rest of us. . . Pictured: #BillyGraham, Debbie Boone, Stormi Omartian, Leon Patillo and GMA President Jackie Patillo, 1985 . . @bgea @samaritanspurse @operationchristmaschild @jackiepatillo

A post shared by GMA / Dove Awards (@gospelmusicassoc) on Feb 21, 2018 at 10:04am PST

I had the honor of singing at several Billy Graham crusades from the time I was in my early 20s until the late 1990s. The last crusade I did with Billy was in San Antonio in 1997. As always, I was honored to be invited but I also knew that my marriage was falling apart and that it might not survive. I didn’t want to take the stage without Billy knowing what was going on with me personally so I asked if I could speak with him before my performance. I nervously explained what was going on in my life and he listened without ever losing the kindness in his eyes. He then said to me “Amy, I have children and grandchildren who love the Lord… but some of them take the long way home.” He asked to pray for me and my struggling family. I never shared the stage with him again. The next time I saw Billy was at a crusade I attended in Flushing Meadows, New York in 2005. I was now married to Vince and we brought our blended family of five children with us. Billy greeted us with the same kindness he had always shown to me. Billy is now home where he has longed to be…. reunited with his beloved Ruth and in the presence of the Loving God he proclaimed around the world. We are all heading home too… some of us just take the long way. I look forward to seeing Billy again on the other side.

A post shared by Amy Grant (@amygrantofficial) on Feb 21, 2018 at 8:59pm PST

A post shared by Bill And Gloria Gaither (@gaithermusic) on Feb 21, 2018 at 10:23am PST

Click here to see all the posts honoring Billy Graham. 

Thank you Billy.
For Everything.
See you on the other side,
Michael W. pic.twitter.com/zKZz6g7gtu

— Michael W. Smith (@michaelwsmith) February 21, 2018

Well done good and faithful servant. Heaven is celebrating this incredible man today. His inspiring ministry changed millions of lives. Thankful for his legacy and impact on the earth. #billygraham pic.twitter.com/FW8nuLJkso

— Bethel Music (@bethelmusic) February 21, 2018

Two of the greatest men of God I ever knew, my Grandpa Rudd & Rev. Billy Graham, are greeting each other again today in heaven. Our world is so much better because of the time God put you here in it! We will miss you…& we will SEE you again!
Billy Graham
Welcome home brother! pic.twitter.com/yzNpwJ6Kh7

— Steven Curtis Chapman (@StevenCurtis) February 21, 2018

I was invited to do many festivals alongside Dr. Billy Graham (though he told us to call him Billy)… it was my honor to have gotten those opportunities and I was always so moved by the way in which he operated. Humility and class and focus and grace … https://t.co/6AYq08x2Z0 pic.twitter.com/CpuUjWlwPh

— TobyMac (@officialtobymac) February 22, 2018

My sincere condolences to @Franklin_Graham and family! Dr. Graham was definitely a general in the faith, above reproach! His legacy will https://t.co/qD6RNca7hG was one of my highest honors to have been able to sing in ministry with him, his son and grandson!

— Nicole C. Mullen (@nicoleCmullen) February 21, 2018

Thank the Lord he’s not keeping record of our past. Psalm 130:3

I am not going to Heaven because I have preached to great crowds or read the Bible many times. I'm going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: 'Lord, remember me.' Billy Graham pic.twitter.com/nLEPTRxYgD

— Zach Williams (@zwilliamslive) February 21, 2018

“The most thrilling thing about heaven is that Jesus Christ will be there. I will see Him face to face.” -Billy Graham. Joining with countless others today, sending love to the extended Graham family & so grateful for the life and ministry of this inspiring friend of God. pic.twitter.com/kN2CnP30fn

— Matt Redman (@matt_redman) February 21, 2018

His entrance to heaven was probably one of the most epic experiences. I bet they’ve been party planning up there for weeks. Thank you Mr. Graham for all you did in this world. I can’t wait to meet you in heaven one day. ❤️Let’s pursue our callings of helping people find Jesus! pic.twitter.com/zt4qM0DDkm

— Kari Jobe (@karijobe) February 21, 2018