The United States Congress has just added a bronze statue of evangelist Billy Graham to its collection honoring distinguished citizens from all 50 states.
The statue shows Graham with a Bible in his hand, and lists two key verses he used repeatedly in his messages.
Source: https://www2.cbn.com/news
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HOST INTRO
The United States Congress has just added a bronze statue of evangelist Billy Graham to its collection honoring distinguished citizens from all 50 states. The statue shows Graham with a Bible in his hand, and lists two key verses used over and over in his messages.
REPORTER PACKAGE
(Standup) TARA MERGENER/ CBN News, Washington
The decision to place Graham’s statue in the Capitol came after nearly a decade of efforts by North Carolina lawmakers and reflects his profound impact on American society.
(NATS unveiling statue/clapping)
(VO) Crafted by a North Carolina artist, Graham is depicted in a moment of reflection, holding an open Bible—a symbol of his commitment to sharing the gospel. Inscribed at the base are the Bible verses, John 3:16 and John 14:6.
FRANKLIN GRAHAM/ Son of Billy Graham
“He believed the Bible cover to cover. He didn’t understand it all, but he certainly believed it all every word of it.”
(VO) Born and raised in Charlotte, Graham’s journey to faith began as a teenager.
(NATS full/Billy preaching)
Throughout his life, he preached to approximately 215 million people and counseled world leaders and U.S. presidents. In 2018, Graham died at age 99.
FRANKLIN GRAHAM
“My father first of all would have felt uncomfortable. He would have wanted all the attention to be given to Jesus Christ, not himself. But I am grateful that this statue for years to come will be a reminder to future generations of the importance God’s word.”
CISSIE GRAHAM LYNCH/ Granddaughter of Billy Graham
“My grandfather was just a farm boy from North Carolina who was obedient to God’s calling in his life and that was to teach the gospel simply.”
(VO) As part of a broader effort to replace controversial figures, North Carolina chose history’s most widely heard Christian evangelist.
REP. MIKE JOHNSON/ House Speaker
Even as he preached to hundreds of millions and ministered to and walked with presidents and kings, what we love about Billy Graham is that he exemplified Christ’s humility. Rev Graham humbled himself to care for the poor, the prisoners, the forgotten, the lost and least of these, exactly what the Scripture tells us to do.
(NATS Michael W. Smith singing at event)
(Standup) TARA MERGENER / Graham one of the few private citizens to hold three of the highest honors from congress: a congressional gold medal, to have laid in honor at the capitol, and to have a statue commissioned for the statuary hall collection. On Capitol Hill, I’m Tara Mergener CBN News.
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