GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Jentezen Franklin, senior pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, releases the following statement in response to the passing of Rev. Billy Graham:
I can’t possibly think of an individual more committed to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ than Billy Graham. He led millions to the foot of the cross with a tender voice faithfully relaying a message of hope. His ministry has reached far and wide, across hundreds of nations.
Upon hearing him preach for the first time one could immediately realize how dearly this man loved Jesus and wanted others to experience that same love – it overflowed from the very depths of his heart. His passion and commitment to sharing the love of Jesus all around the world was instrumental in my own life, inspiring me as I began my ministry.
Despite all of his remarkable accomplishments, he remained an incredibly humble man, always giving credit to his savior, Jesus Christ. He was a devoted husband and father, a man of upstanding character, living a life of tremendous integrity in every respect.
If I was ever confident that someone would enter the gates of heaven and hear the words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant,” it would be today. We will miss him dearly, but he is surly heaven’s gain. My prayers are with all of the members of the Graham family as they grieve the passing of this faithful servant.
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Jentezen Franklin is the senior pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church. Each week his television program Kingdom Connection is broadcast on major networks all over the world. Franklin is a New York Times best-selling author and winner of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Mantle of Destiny Award for his efforts on racial reconciliation. He has written eight books including the groundbreaking Fasting and Right People-Right Place-Right Plan. His latest book, Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, is set to release in March.
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