At 97, Billy Graham hopes to live to be 100; mind still very sharp, his son Franklin says

At the age of 97, evangelist Billy Graham has already enjoyed a life well lived. When people asked his son Franklin about his father's health status recently during a Decision America stop in Olympia, Washington, Franklin expressed optimism that his father still has more years to live.

"When he was 90, he told all of us he was gonna live to 95. When he approached 95, he moved the goalpost. He said, 'I'm now gonna live to be 100.' I hope he does," said Franklin, according to Charisma News.

Billy's health status is a subject many people have been asking Franklin about since he recently wrote a letter sharing his father's day-to-day activities.

"He is still in his own home and often eats meals at the kitchen table as he has always done. Approaching age 98, he lives with limitations typical of old age—his eyesight is very poor, his hearing is not good, and he uses a wheelchair. Someone is with him in the house at all times," Franklin wrote.

He maintains that his father's mind is still very sharp, and his love for Christ has never waned. At the same time, there are a few well-loved habits his father clings on to.

"One of the things he enjoys is sitting on the front porch and looking out over the mountains on days when the weather is good and he feels up to it. He watches news with the help of a large-screen TV. His ministry now is praying, and he looks forward to reports of what God is doing around the world. He always responds by saying, 'Praise the Lord,' as he points upward," Franklin said.

The evangelist urged people to follow his father's example and pray for America with "urgency" because America is in grave danger. "Our nation is in trouble, and only God can rescue this country from its own folly," said Franklin.

related articles
Franklin Graham condemns Orlando gay club massacre, says Obama should call it an act of \'radical Islamic terrorism\'
Franklin Graham condemns Orlando gay club massacre, says Obama should call it an act of 'radical Islamic terrorism'

Franklin Graham condemns Orlando gay club massacre, says Obama should call it an act of 'radical Islamic terrorism'

Franklin Graham wonders why President Obama keeps defending Islam but remains silent on Christian concerns
Franklin Graham wonders why President Obama keeps defending Islam but remains silent on Christian concerns

Franklin Graham wonders why President Obama keeps defending Islam but remains silent on Christian concerns

Franklin Graham Decision America picketed by LGBT activists

Franklin Graham Decision America picketed by LGBT activists

Did Franklin Graham really say Donald Trump is a better candidate than Hillary Clinton?
Did Franklin Graham really say Donald Trump is a better candidate than Hillary Clinton?

Did Franklin Graham really say Donald Trump is a better candidate than Hillary Clinton?

Franklin Graham says \'America\'s broken political system desperately needs prayer\'
Franklin Graham says 'America's broken political system desperately needs prayer'

Franklin Graham says 'America's broken political system desperately needs prayer'

News
800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world
800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world

4 October is St Francis’s Day, when Christians around the world remember the life and witness of Francis of Assisi. This year’s observance has particular significance, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. This is the story …

Majority back Ireland’s three-day abortion waiting period, poll finds
Majority back Ireland’s three-day abortion waiting period, poll finds

A new poll has found majority support for retaining Ireland’s mandatory three-day waiting period before an abortion, as lawmakers continue to consider legislation that would remove the requirement.

ONS figures show 'good' outlook for married couples
ONS figures show 'good' outlook for married couples

The Coalition for Marriage (CFM) has welcomed new figures suggesting that married couples are increasingly staying together.

Christians condemn sexual violence following UN report on Russia-Ukraine conflict
Christians condemn sexual violence following UN report on Russia-Ukraine conflict

Most cases of sexual violence documented were against male prisoners of war.