Congress Honors the Life of Billy Graham
Washington, D.C. —Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a Special Order in honor of the remarkable life and national ministry of Billy Graham.
On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, Billy Graham lies in honor in the U.S. Capitol — an exceptionally rare recognition, particularly for a civilian. A preacher and Christian evangelist for all of his adult life, Billy Graham passed away last week at the age of 99. For many decades, he traveled and spoke before enormous crowds all over the U.S. and in 185 countries, often before full stadiums, as well as being broadcast on radio and television — likely speaking to more people than any other preacher ever has. He was often called "America's Pastor" and sometimes "Pastor to the Presidents" because he met personally with 12 consecutive presidents.
Aumua Amata Delivers Remarks on House Floor
The text of Congresswoman Amata's remarks are as follows:
Many decades ago, a missionary named John Williams made the long and difficult journey in the 1800s to bring Christianity to the people of the Pacific islands, including American Samoa.
He, and others in his footsteps in those early years, probably surpassed their fondest hopes. Today, faith and church provide a strong foundation to a very large percentage of our population. I think he and Billy Graham would have understood each other very well, though their ministries are separated by more than a century.
Billy Graham's influence went around the world rapidly and powerfully, and seemed divinely timed to coincide with the rise of the communications and travel of the 20th Century.
As he lies in honor this week at the U.S. Capitol, it is a new opportunity for a younger generation to learn more of his exceptional life, and hear his message once more – that God loves each of us, and when times seem troubled around us, there's someone greater to depend on.
As Scripture says: "How shall they hear without a preacher?" Billy Graham answered that call.
He described himself simply: A preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That life's purpose defined him, and what a life it was.
Thank you, Billy Graham.
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