Faith for the Long Haul

Two men. Both in their 90's. Both men of faith. Both have made an impact on the world.

Billy Graham and Wesley Duewel.

You've all heard of Billy Graham, but possibly not of Wesley Duewel. Not too long ago I finished Billy Graham's autobiography, Just As I Am. Although he personally connected with every U.S. President since the time of Truman, he didn't make his mission political. He wasn't about causes, though his organization provided humanitarian aid to various catastrophes around the world. I am amazed at this man's influence. He got into countries at a time when no one else was welcome. What I love about Billy Graham is that he stuck to his mission. He simply wanted to share the Gospel message. And that he did in exponential ways!

I was drawn to read his life story because my childhood and teenage years were influenced by the evangelistic crusades that Billy Graham is noted for. It was at an evangelistic service at my home church that I first made a commitment to follow Christ at the age of ten. Then in 1972 as a teenager I renewed that commitment at a deeper level at a Campus Crusade event called Explo '72 in Dallas, TX. Though the methods of evangelism have changed, these tools that put me in the way of God were definitely life-shaping.

Back in November I had the privilege to meet with Dr. Wesley Duewel. This is a long time coming... but I wanted to share about my time with him. I will do this over the next few posts. How sweet it was to sit with Dr. Duewel for two hours and hear his stories of the faithfulness of God. Until next time...