A VISIT TO THE BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY

Deb and I visited the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. last week. What an incredible experience! I was so taken by the quality of the facilities and the moving presentation of Billy’s life. Tears popped up immediately as we watched the early years of Billy’s conversion and call. Then came the Los Angeles Crusade of 1949 and soon after the world would hear the Gospel through this farm boy who grew up on a dairy farm. From those moments, we walked through the journey of the man who has preached to more people than anyone in the history of the Christian faith.

The library is not a museum but a mission to share Christ and the Good News. Walking through the library I thought about the first time I heard Billy. I was an 8-year-old boy living in a small town in Arkansas. My parents and I went to Little Rock to the 1959 Crusade. My parents went forward that day during the invitation to rededicate their lives and marriage to Christ. It was a powerful moment for me and I can still hear the refrain of Just As I Am reverberating through War Memorial Stadium.

I have always loved Billy Graham. We are not related except in Christ, but he has always been a part of my life. I love him as a brother in Christ and a model of the faith.

One day Billy will be buried beside his beloved wife, Ruth, in a beautiful spot shaded by the trees at the library property. As Deb and I stood there, we held hands and I thanked God for Billy and Ruth and their influence on millions—upon us. I left the library different than when I walked in. Humbled. Grateful. Energized to proclaim Christ.

Do yourself a huge favor and visit the Billy Graham Library as soon as you can. You will be forever glad you did.

"HARD FIGHTING SOLDIER" -- A TRIBUTE TO COACH MCLAIN

We celebrated the life of Coach Wade McLain yesterday. He lived life as a witness to the Lord, and in death, his life spoke volumes about the passion he had for his family, students, athletes, and most importantly, his God. Coach McLain was indeed a "Hard Fighting Soldier" for the Lord. The PCA Lions have sung this song after every game for nearly as long as we've had a football team. Yesterday, about 150 current team members and former players, led by Coach Chris Cunningham, honored Coach McLain's legacy with it.

Shining A Light In San Francisco

I am so grateful for our High School Student Worship Ministry and for the work that God did through them in San Francisco last week. Check out this video. Powerful.

"PATRIOT PRAYERS" -- A MESSAGE

Have been hearing a lot about the message I preached on Sunday, “Patriot Prayers.” If you missed it, you can watch it here. You may also click here to download our Prestonwood iPhone app to receive the message on audio or video.

Please make it a priority to pray for our country every day.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

THE 6 "Rs" BEFORE 9 AM

PRESTONWOOD SUMMER CAMPS

Some of the most critical summer ministries we do at Prestonwood are the camps we hold for students. I just returned today from Panama Beach, Fla., where we had more than 500 students at High School Beach Camp.

I had the pleasure of preaching one evening and speaking at the baptism of nearly 40 students in the Gulf of Mexico. I was moved by the sight of the hundreds of students lined up along the shoreline witnessing the baptisms. More than 100 made decisions for Christ ... including 35 salvations and five commitments to full-time service. To God be the glory!

Our Student Ministry staff makes a quick stop at home and then heads to Carolina Creek for the Junior High Camp to lead 230 students at camp. And our Children's Ministry will be leading at Camp WOW. Over the next seven days, 530 second through sixth graders will be ministered to at two separate camps in Stuart, Okla.

I am excited about the life-changing moments that will take place in the life of our students...I'm thankful for the ministry of our staff and volunteers...and I'm grateful for the heart of our church family to love and teach this next generation of leaders.