Billy Graham to release new video message, 'Heaven' for 96th birthday

My Hope With Billy Graham

Evangelist Billy Graham announced Tuesday that he will release a new video message in November to celebrate his 96th birthday.

The message – entitled "Heaven" – will be released on November 7, and used as an evangelistic tool for churches across the world.

"Heaven" will be part of Graham's "My Hope 2014" program, which is used to empower Christians to share the message of God's love to others.

"My Hope" Vice President Steve Rhoads said he hopes the evangelizing tool will bring many to Christ.

"Evangelism is clearly the hardest activity of the Church, but it's also the one most closely tied to the health of the local church," Rhoads told Charisma News.

"We want to come alongside pastors and help them as they motivate their congregations to reach out in love. The local church holds a unique position of influence in our communities."

"Heaven" will be offered for free to churches, and includes exclusive footage of Rev. Graham at his home, messages from Graham, and real-life stories of demonstrative faith. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) reported in February that over 110,000 people committed their lives to Christ during last year's "My Hope" campaign, and over 26,000 churches participated in the project.

Rhoads stated that no matter the level of participation, what is important is people sharing the Good News.

"No matter how an individual or church uses these 'My Hope' resources, it begins with prayer," he said. "It starts as individuals begin to pray specifically for people they know who need the hope found in a relationship with Jesus Christ."

BGEA President and CEO Franklin Graham said he hopes to continue the program for years to come.

"Our plan is to do 'My Hope'each year for the next five years — we want the week of my father's birthday (November 7) to be Evangelism Week across America," he said in a 2013 statement.

"We want to continue to produce powerful evangelistic programs and material that churches and individuals can use to reach the lost around them for Christ."

The "Heaven" DVD is available now for pre-order on MyHopeWithBillyGraham.org.