evangelists

#TBT: Where are the 144,000?

Revival Poster in a storefront theatre, 1955

Revival Poster in a storefront theatre, 1955

This photograph pre-dates me, but not by much. Over time, the lettering has faded to the point where some of it’s illegible, but here’s what my father’s Pentecostal revival poster says:

COMING! Nation’s Leading Miracle Evangelists

Liberation Night! Demonology: What is demon power

Where are the 144,000? Predictions of Coming Events

I can’t identify the evangelist on the left, but my father’s on the right. Can you make out the line at the very bottom?

Billy: The Early Years

240I just learned that Billy: The Early Years will be released in select theatres on October 10th, around the same time Reverend Billy Graham celebrates his 91st birthday. Although his health is failing, he still maintains his reputation as one of the world’s most renowned (and beloved) evangelists. Given his enormous following, plus the sneak-peek screenings in the Bible Belt, I’m guessing this movie will generate a great deal of buzz.

I’m compelled by a more personal connection—a shared history. My father and Billy Graham were classmates at the Florida Bible Institute in the late 1930s. Both entered college as simple farm boys; both exited as God’s evangelists. But while Billy Graham was televising his ministry around the globe via satellite, my father was crisscrossing the Sawdust Trail, revival tent in tow. Same calling, far different trajectories.

I was fascinated by Franklin Graham’s criticisms of this film biography. I’m looking forward to seeing where his memories of his father intersect with—and differ from—those of his siblings, each of whom brings a unique point of view to their collective story. A memoir is different than a biography; I know that. Still, since I have several sisters and brothers, CAN I GET A WITNESS might one day face similar scrutiny. 

Are you interested in seeing this movie. I’m curious…why or why not?

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A religious tale with an unusual hook

Hookers for Jesus, have you heard of ’em? I hadn’t either, until they were featured in Sunday’s Los Angeles Times. 

These “fishers of men” used to troll for tricks, but they became street evangelists after turning their own lives over to God. They also spread their message from an online pulpit — two former prostitutes, now pimping for the Lord. 

Billy Graham once teased Woody Allen about becoming a minister, suggesting that the worst sinners often make the best preachers. Thumb through the books of the Bible, and you’ll find more than a few characters who prove his point. My childhood observations bore witness to that, as well.  

I’m not comfortable commenting on other people’s lifestyle choices, nor would I ever feel qualified to judge someone’s spirituality. But I’d sure like to listen in on these women’s sermons, and I’d love to interview them about their personal stories.

Image credit: L.A. Times
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