The photo is actually me in my first year. I was born in a small town in Arkansas, 30 miles north of Little Rock, a place called Conway. The population of Conway was around 10,000 in the 1950’s. My Dad, Tom, ran a drive-in called the Dan-Dee-Dog. We served delicious corn dogs, malts, etc. Some of my happiest days early on were hanging out at the drive-in with my Dad. My mother, Emogene, was a
stay at home mom so she spent a lot of time chasing me. The 1950’s were a much simpler time. I spent my days playing ball and most of the evenings catching fire flies in a jar or swinging on the front porch with my grandpa. I actually liked school and picked up a life-long habit of reading. My maternal grandfather Sims taught me…readers are leaders. The toys were very simple…hula-hoops, slinkies, electric football, and the like. But we never lacked for fun even though there was not a lot of money. I loved being a boy growing up in very innocent times.
The most important thing that happened to me in those early years was my salvation. I believed and received Jesus into my life as a six year old attending a tent-revival with pastor/evangelist J. Harold Smith. It is the most vivid remembrance of my early life and set the course for my future. I am very grateful for a Christian home and family that made it possible to become a follower of Jesus at a young age. He truly has given me a wonderful life. So I am celebrating life in Christ today and looking forward to the days and years ahead. For the believer, the best is always yet to come!
The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:17
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5 comments:
Hello Pastor,
It is always great to hear about your beginnings. I love hearing how each of us is sought out by our Lord.
I recently came across a book in the Prestonwood bookstore where you tell the story about coming to faith in Jesus as a child. It is very encouraging to hear your story of faith. In the book you told how the evangelist had a bag with the stuffed animals and how they were labeled so that you were understand what sin is.
Thank you for always letting the light of Jesus shine through you.
In His Grace, Kim
Dear Dr. Graham,
Happy belated birthday!
My husband, Richard, and I are very thankful for your ministry. We pray for you and your family, and appreciate your sincere love of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is evident every Sunday!
This past Sunday's message was one of the best yet! Velma's testimony was icing on the cake!!
Recently, our family moved to Argyle. We are still commuting to Prestonwood!:)
God Bless you!
Sabrina Spies
Preacher, you're proving once again that good things come from Arkansas. My father was born and raised an hour east of you in West Point, a suburb of that powerhouse metropolis called Searcy.
One of the great insights from the bible is that God pulls His best teachers and leaders from unheralded modesty, specifically grooming them with experiences to best bring His Word to us all.
- A Lowly Tennessean
Happy Belated Birthday Pastor Graham!
My husband and I love Prestonwood SO much! We love to hear you preach from the pulpit. It's like you are speaking right to us in so many of your messages. You seem to give us the right words of encouragement and direction.
Happy B Day Jack!
Happy Birthday Dr. Graham. Keep on keepin' on.
Wow! J. Harold Smith! I remember him very well growing up in the First Baptist Church of Warren, AR. He always put a trench coat on after preaching to avoid the chills due to his excessive perspiration during a revival sermon. I will never forget hearing " God's Three Deadlines " in person.
Thank you for taking the time to share with us and for the opportunity to interact. Thank you for comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. Thank God for Prestonwood.
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