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Crusade - The Life of Billy Graham

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If you think that all evangelists are phonies, then you need to watch this video. Billy Graham is a true believer, a man who never compromised his vision of bringing the gospel to the people. He even told President LBJ that he wanted to see him devote his life to Christ after his presidency: you've got to admire this unwavering belief in Christ. It's no wonder Graham is so influential. This is a wonderful video that brings Billy Graham to life.

In this PBS production, we get an overview of Reverend Graham's life, from his youth as a Fuller Brush salesman to being the most prominent living evangelist in the world. There is also a little history of the evangelical movement in the U.S. from its inception, and some early film clips of Rev. Graham's early crusades that are marvelous, and that also include some of his "team" who have been with him since the beginning, among them George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows.
This documentary centers on a crusade in Portland, Oregon, where they show the extensive planning, the pre-event rehearsals, the people going door-to-door with announcements, the prayer teams. When one includes the huge choir, and all the technicians, a crusade can involve as many as 30,000 people, all coordinated for one purpose, to lead people to Jesus.

I am sure the producers of this documentary would argue that they were giving us a "balanced portrait," but unfortunately, it is done with the undercurrent of a snobbish attitude, in the words emphasized and in the people they chose to interview. They dwell at length with a certain Charles Templeton, a man who calls himself a "friend" of Graham's but speaks with the tongue of a snake, and thinks Rev. Graham has committed "intellectual suicide" and is preaching an "outdated faith." Written and hosted by Randall Balmer, there is much that made me uncomfortable, with a feeling that those who created this documentary sadly were not familiar with their subject, but rather had a pre-concieved opinion they tried to present.

There is a final ten minute interview with Rev. Graham which is a delight. If you can get past the supercilious tone of this documentary, it is well worth watching, especially for footage of young Billy Graham, tall and angular, preaching his heart out; a charismatic soldier for the Lord, who has become a much loved general in His army. Running time is approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes.

(From the back cover)
He has preached to more people than anyone else in history.

In a single night, a Billy Graham crusade is broadcast in 50 languages and reaches over on and a half BILLION people in 200 countries. Only one man has the power to draw the people of the world together again and again to share a single message.

Billy Graham is a simple man who has lived his life with a single purpose. Growing up as the son of a dairy farmer and following a brief but successful career as a Fuller brush salesman, Billy Graham has spent the past five decades spreading the word of the Gospel.

From the opening hymns with Cliff Barrows and the choir, to the sacred singing of George Beverly Shea, to the personal testimony of famous personalities such as Johnny Cash, a Billy Graham crusade is devoid of theatrics, yet is powerful and inspirational.

This program takes you behind the scenes to meet the man himself and witness the power of the Graham organization as it mobilizes followers far and wide.

And, following the program, don't miss a warm and personal visit with Billy Graham himself and enjoy his own personal memories and stories of a half century of preaching.

Running time: Approx. 1 hour, 46 minutes

I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your work in making movies for families to watch and to show our lost friends. Thank you for not being ashamed and making it easier for me to not be. Please, Please keep it up! God Bless you, Lisa Bochman

This DVD was supposed to arrive in 3-5 days, but it took over 3 weeks. So I couldn't give it as a Christmas gift. I will never buy from Amazon again.