Autumn of a crusader: Christian soldier Billy Graham on farewell tour

The early crusades were not a shining moment for Christianity. A lot of pain was inflicted in the name of goodness.

On the other hand, the crusades of evangelist Billy Graham will likely stand as hallmarks of Christianity in the 20th century. They have offered goodness to those in pain.

As a "Christian soldier" the Rev. Graham has few equals. Since his ordination in 1939, he has preached to more than 210 million people in 185 countries. He has published 24 books, spoken to millions over radio and written a newspaper carried by publications around the world. He has received dozens of honors, including being named one of the 10 most admired men in the world. He even holds a spot in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

And at age 85, after a year away from the pulpit because of a broken hip — which he suffered while in the hospital — the Rev. Graham was back hoisting his Bible again for a four-day series of crusades (Oct. 7-10) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Much had changed over the years. The Rev. Graham now walks with the aid of a metal walker. And a special pulpit was constructed for him because he now delivers part of his sermon while seated. The hoopla surrounding the preacher and his appearance has never been greater — singing stars and tail-twisting ministers abounded. But the Rev. Graham himself has never been more gentle and mellow. He told the crowd he would like to come home with each one of them and have a cup of tea but said that opportunity would now have to wait until they were in heaven together.

He meant every word.

But then that is the magic of Billy Graham, and it has been for almost 70 years. He always means every word.

Back when high-profile ministers were falling like flies due to personal lapses, Billy Graham's popularity grew. His savior may be Jesus, but his saving grace has been integrity.

In his autobiography, "Just As I Am," the Rev. Graham recalls the day he marched into President Harry Truman's office — dressed in white buck shoes and a flashy suit — and told the president to his face just what needed to be done. He recounts the story now with a feeling of chagrin, seeing it as a youthful indiscretion. He realizes he was — like so many young ministers — a bit too headstrong for his own good. Once a Bible-thumping "pointman" for God, today Billy Graham — in the autumn of his life — is God's noble and soft-spoken ambassador. In Kansas City he preached the word the way an aging grandfather might share familiar stories. His voice faltered at times. His spirit never did.

On the first night, 3,900 people showed up in a driving rain to listen to him speak. The second night, beneath cloudless skies, that number became 39,000. They sang, swayed and prayed. And when the Rev. Graham issued his famous "altar call," asking everyone to come down to the stage who wanted to recommit their lives to Christ, thousands flocked to the stage. For the Rev. Graham, it was just one more monumental moment in a life filled with monumental moments.

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