Evangelist Billy Graham's Crusade in Southern California Rescheduled

The Greater Los Angeles leg of Billy Graham's Crusade was rescheduled from 29th July-1st August, to November 18-21 2004.

The change is due to Graham having an accidental fall in his home two weeks ago. The reschedulement will provide the evangelist with additional time to heal and undergo physical therapy to recover. An event planned for this summer at Arrowhead Stadiuim in Kansas City also has been cancelled.

Rev. Franklin Graham said that his 85 year old father, who had surgery a week ago, is still in "a lot of pain" but is "healing well" and getting back on his feet. It will take a little more time to heal from the pelvic fracture, so it was decided that it is better to rearrange the crusades time. He adds that plans are also going forward for a 2005 Billy Graham crusade in New York's Madison Square Garden.

The new dates fall on the 55th anniversary of Mr. Graham's historic 1949 Los Angeles Crusade. God's grace became global through those meetings as Mr. Graham's public ministry was launched into national and international prominence.

"In the face of his pain and injury, Mr. Graham has said he believes his unfortunate fall was 'of God,' and the consensus has been further confirmed by a sense of divine providence, purpose and history." said Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church and crusade co-chair.

It will also provide the 750 participating churches representing 77 denominations additional time for planning, preparation and participation for his seventh evangelistic crusade in Southern California.

Dr. Jack W. Hayford, senior pastor of The Church On The Way and co-chair of the Crusade, expressed similar optimism and challenged other Christian churches and individuals to join in this effort. "Even though his body has been laid low for a season, Billy Graham's spirits are high," he said. "We welcome the opportunity to see more fruit as a result of the extended time to prepare for this Crusade - including engaging more churches in prayer, friendship, evangelism and discipleship."