Emotional farewell for America’s pastor

IN his farewell American revival meeting, the world-renowned preacher Reverend Billy Graham has left it to others to note the emotion of the moment.

Speaker after speaker has called the crusade in a city park “historic” and thanked the ailing evangelist for allowing them to be a part of it.

Among the well-wishers was former US President Bill Clinton who clasped Rev Graham’s hand onstage on Saturday night and called him “a man I love”.

The man known as America’s pastor, meanwhile, has appeared upbeat and has made no direct reference to saying goodbye.

Rev Graham’s son and successor, the Rev Franklin Graham, who has been by his father’s side throughout the three-day event, predicted that the mood would change last night.

That’s when the elder Rev Graham was expected to give his last crusade sermon in the US.

Rev Graham, 86, is suffering from fluid on the brain, prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

He uses a walker due to a pelvic fracture and is largely confined to his home. He had said previously that this weekend’s rally at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens “will be the last in America, I’m sure”.

Organisers estimated that 80,000 people came to the event on Saturday night - about 20,000 more than the opening night on Friday - despite sweltering heat.

Marie St Louis, 34, who attended Saturday’s event and planned to return last night, called the rally “bittersweet” because it was Rev Graham’s last in the United States.

“It’s sad because he’s such a legend,” St Louis said. “When you think of Billy Graham, you think of a lot of things a Christian should be.”

Rev Graham waited to go on in an air-conditioned tent, with aides nearby in case of a medical emergency, and the stage was shaded by a massive canopy. His pulpit has a movable seat hidden from view, so he can sit if he feels unsteady.

The preacher is considering a request to hold a rally in November in London, but Franklin Graham said his father no longer adjusts well to time zone changes and does not like to be away from his wife, Ruth, who is also in ill health.

Rev Graham has preached to more than 210 million people in 185 countries. He has been sought out by US presidents and leaders worldwide and, more than any other religious figure, has come to represent the American evangelical movement.

Mr Clinton called the evangelist the only person he has known who has always lived according to his faith.

“God bless you friend,” Mr Clinton said. “Bless you.”