Billy Graham gives thanks on 91st birthday

Evangelist Billy Graham is spending the weekend receiving several family members at his western North Carolina home to celebrate his 91st birthday today.

"I've experienced God's gracious love in a personal way all these years," Graham said. "Today my heart is filled with gratitude to the Lord for all He has done for me, and for all the prayers from so many people over the years."

According to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Mr Graham is still in good health, while dealing with various age-related conditions such as macular degeneration and hearing loss.

He exercises daily, taking short walks at his mountain home with the aid of a walker to keep his balance.

He also remains involved in the work of the BGEA, the ministry he founded 60 years ago and which is now led by his son, Franklin.

"Although my health now keeps me mostly at home, Franklin and our BGEA team continue proclaiming God's love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to lost people in many places around the world," said Graham.

Mr Graham is also still involved in writing projects and spends time each morning and evening in prayer with friends, family and BGEA staff.

His pastor, Dr Don Wilton of First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, South Carolina, also visits weekly for times of prayer and encouragement.

As he enters his tenth decade, Graham said he continued to miss his lifelong partner, his wife Ruth Bell Graham, who passed away in June 2007.

"While I know God keeps me here for a purpose, I look forward to the time when I will be reunited with Ruth in Heaven," Mr Graham said.

"However, I am enjoying this season of life, watching my children and grandchildren - and now even my great-grandchildren - grow more fully into their own ministries. It is another blessing of these senior years."