Rev. Billy Graham, The

One-half a century ago,
a day about routine,
became one quite spectacular
for boy about thirteen...

A faithful black and white TV
had doors that opened wide,
inviting all to sit a'spell
and watch what was inside.

Once on, dad had to turn a knob
for vertical control.
And then the horizontal one
in that tube-filled console.

A strong determined voice was heard
by boy and everyone.
Then picture tube came into view
with all fine-tuning done.

And what he saw astonished him -
so many people there.
Packed full, a football stadium.
He saw no empty chair.

"Evangelist", dad said he was.
He was straightforward, bold -
and not ashamed to preach the Word.
A 'someone' to behold.

A well-read Bible always would
lay open in his hand.
Not like today where gadgets live
and kids don't understand.

But why did people love this man?
What caused his flock to grow?
What special thing did this man have?
At first, he didn't know.

But when the cam'ra zoomed, he saw
a tear run down his face -
while speaking of the love of God
and His amazing grace.

Embarrassed, he was not at all.
He loved those people there.
He cared about their fragile souls
A man like that is rare.

"Just As I Am" was always sung
as invitation song.
A score of people always came
with lines to alter, long.

That little boy had learned a lot
in front of that TV.
He gave his life to Jesus too
and God had set him free!

Before this story poem ends
there's one more thing to know -
I still remember that young boy
so many years ago.

1 John 4:19

” We love him, because he first loved us.”