The long-awaited farewell crusade of the American evangelist Billy Graham finally begun last night at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York. A crowd of about 60,000, with a very diverse racial and ethnical mix filled the seats.

Despite long-term illness that has diminished his once powerful voice, Rev Billy Graham was able stand and preached continuously during his near 30-minute sermon, which was slightly shorter than expected. The audience were able to receive the sermon in their mother language as interpreters offered simultaneous translations in some 20 languages.

Graham’s message, as usual, was strongly evangelical with the traditional message of born-again redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, though he also included references to the New York Yankees baseball team, Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" and the overbearing prevalence of technology.

"The greatest need in the world today is for the transformation of human nature to make us love instead of hate," he said in the sermon. "But Jesus said it's possible to start life all over again. That's why he said you must be born again."

"We are Christians maybe. We go to church. We've been baptised, we've been confirmed. But deep inside we need something else, and that something else can be brought about by Jesus," he continued.

"Man's civility is lagging behind his technological ability. It could mean disaster and catastrophe for the whole world," Graham added. "We're all sinners, everyone of us, and a radical change is needed for all of us."

"You may never have another moment like this in your whole life," Graham told the crowd. "There may never be a thing like this in New York again."

Graham told reporters earlier this week, confirming the farewell from his 60-year long ministry, "I think New York will be the last one."

The Rev. A.R. Bernard, a New York pastor and lead organiser of the crusade, also spoke on Friday night, marking the historical event and expressing gratitude to Graham’s years of service.

"Tonight, one of the most respected icons of Protestant Christianity in the 20th century is saying, in essence, farewell and close to 60 years in ministry," said Bernard.

The second session of the crusade is scheduled to begin Saturday night. Graham will appear with famous Christian singers such as Tree 63, Nicole C. Mullen and Jars of Clay, at the Concert of Hope.