Billy Graham excited about KC crusade
By Bob Baysinger
Managing Editor
September 16, 2004
KANSAS CITY – Billy Graham, recovered from a pelvic fracture sustained in a fall at home on May 20, says he is excited about his preaching date at the Heart of America Crusade Oct. 7-10.
“It is with great excitement that I make plans to return to Kansas City,” Graham said. “There is a new generation that needs to hear the Gospel since my previous crusades at Kansas City in 1967 and 1978.
“I am looking forward with great anticipation to the Heart of America Crusade.”
The crusade was originally scheduled for June 17-20 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Graham’s fall forced the crusade to be postponed until October.
Along with Graham’s preaching, the crusade will feature special guests and special activities. Appearing the opening night will by Lynda Randle and Salvador, a popular music group. The Friday night service will have Charlie Daniels and special music by “ Mercy Me.”
Saturday’s activities will include “Saturday Kidz Mix” at 10 a.m., at Arrowhead Stadium. The mix will feature special guests such as Wheels or Freestyle and Nanna.
Saturday night will be Student Night at the crusade with Third Day, Tait and Sandtown.
Michael W. Smith and The Gaither Vocal Band will join Graham in the final crusade service at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Graham, 85, was released June 7 from Mission Hospitals in Asheville, N.C., where he had undergone a minimally invasive procedure to stabilize the pelvic fracture. Graham was at home recovering from a partial hip replacement performed last January at Mayo Clinic’s St. Luke’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla.
Graham’s surgeon, Dr. Daniel Eglinton, said the evangelist “has made tremendous progress for a man of his age.” He said Graham has had no complications, his pelvis is stable and “it appears the surgery has done what was intended.”
Counselor training for the crusade has been completed by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) personnel. Classes were taught last April and May but were rescheduled for Sept. 7-11 and Sept. 14-18 after the crusade date was changed.
The BGEA requires all who want to be counselors at the crusade to attend the Christian Life and Witness class.
Students from across the Kansas City area will meet on the Arrowhead Stadium parking lot from 7-8:30 p.m., Sept. 22, to help build interest in Student Night at the crusade.