Because of his dedication to God and years of preaching the Gospel, legendary American evangelist Billy Graham has just been honoured as "North Carolina's Favorite Son" by the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.
There will be a special exhibit called "North Carolina's Favorite Son: Billy Graham and His Remarkable Journey of Faith" from Nov. 6, 2015 to July 2016, according to Charisma News. The 5,000-square-foot exhibit, which is not publicly funded, will carry memorabilia, displays, and multimedia that document Graham's life.
It will tell his life's story—from his early days as a farm boy in Charlotte up to his rise in the world of evangelism. The exhibit will also share details about his family life as well as his friendships with dignitaries.
"It seemed appropriate to pay homage while he is still living," said David Bruce, assistant to Billy Graham. "And now, anyone who visits the North Carolina Museum of History will have a chance to see the influence this man from our state has had worldwide."
"They realised there was not very much reflection of our state's faith element, and that a display about the life of Billy Graham would satisfy much of that," he said. "There are definitely reflections of notable people like politicians, but this adds a missing and very important piece."
Bruce said the exhibit isn't intended to draw attention to Graham, but to make Jesus Christ even more famous. "Any great honour Billy Graham receives points to his message, his integrity and his faithfulness. It's really a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," he said.
Graham has received several distinctions throughout his lifetime. He has been touted as "America's Pastor" and "Pastor to Presidents." Just last year, he was voted for the 58th time as one of the "Ten Most Admired Men in the World" through a Gallup poll.
Tom Phillips, vice president of the Billy Graham Library, echoed the sentiments expressed by Bruce. He believes that Graham is a wonderful example especially for today's youth on what it really means to love God.
"I believe this exhibit will encourage all young people that God has a plan for their lives, and that He can call them to do great things, like He did with Billy Graham," he said. "My prayer is that they will walk away with the understanding that they don't have to be pastors, missionaries, or world famous evangelists to fulfill God's call. They can do that wherever God places them."
