evangelism

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Life Story

Full Name: William Franklin Graham Jr.
Birth: November 7, 1918
Death: February 21, 2018
Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Spouse: Ruth Bell
Salvation Experience: At the age of 16
Contribution: Preached the Gospel to millions around the world through crusades, radio broadcasts, magazines, and publications.

Early Life:
Billy Graham was born on November 7, 1918, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Franklin and Morrow Graham. His family owned 200 acres of farmland and were deeply devoted to God. From a young age, Billy was active, disciplined, and encouraged by his parents to read the Bible, pray, and attend Sunday School. He loved reading, had friendships with African Americans, played baseball, and avoided bad habits. His parents prayed that he would grow up to serve God responsibly.

Salvation and Calling:
In 1934, Billy attended a 12-day revival meeting led by evangelist Mordecai Ham. He was deeply moved and at the age of 16, experienced a personal salvation, committing his life to Christ. In 1936, while visiting prisoners with evangelist Jimmy Johnson, he shared his faith, though initially shy and nervous.

He later studied at Florida Bible College for three and a half years, mastering Greek, church history, and public speaking. Billy practiced preaching outdoors, to children, and in small groups. His first sermon was delivered to a congregation of 30, and later, a sermon led to the salvation of 39 people. He was ordained as a Baptist pastor after completing his college education in 1940.

Ministry and Global Impact:
Billy married Ruth Bell, daughter of missionary Dr. Nelson Bell, and began preaching through the “Youth for Christ” organization on radio, gaining nationwide recognition. He traveled extensively across the United States, Canada, England, and other countries, reaching countless people through revival meetings and crusades.

He ministered to soldiers during the Korean War, preached in London, Scotland, and India, and held massive crusades in New York with millions attending. Over his lifetime, Billy Graham preached to over 100 million people globally and led millions to Christ.

He also founded the Evangelistic Association, trained hundreds of evangelists, published numerous books—including My Answer with over 1.75 million copies—and launched influential magazines like Christianity Today (1956) and Decision (1960). His ministry produced films, TV programs, and other media outreach, expanding the Gospel worldwide.

Even at 84, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Billy Graham continued preaching and sharing the Gospel. He passed away on February 21, 2018. His children continue his legacy in Christian ministry.

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Life Story

Full Name: Arumugam Pillai (later renamed Aaron)
Birth: 1698
Death: 1745
Place of Birth: Cuddalore, India
Country of Ministry: India

Early Life:
Aaron Arumugam Pillai was born into a wealthy upper-caste family in Cuddalore, India. His father, Chokkanatha Pillai, was a trader with the East India Company, but after facing significant losses, he moved the family to Arasapuram. When the Tranquebar Lutheran Mission started a school in their neighborhood, young Arumugam enrolled and began learning from the Tamil books printed by the missionaries.

At the age of 19, a teacher named Savarimuthu introduced him to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Inspired by this, he accepted the faith and was baptized in 1718 by Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg in Tranquebar, receiving the Christian name “Aaron.”

Faith and Ministry:
Despite opposition from his family, Aaron remained steadfast in his faith. He studied the Bible at the Tamil Theological School and soon became an assistant catechist at New Jerusalem Church in Tranquebar.

Aaron felt a deep calling to serve the people around him. He traveled long distances, preaching the Gospel in towns such as Poraliar, Sirkali, and Sandirpadi in Tamil Nadu. His dedication impressed the German Lutheran missionaries, who ordained him as a pastor in 1733. With this, he became the first non-European to be ordained in the Lutheran Church.

Character and Achievements:
Aaron was a gifted communicator and used his skills to provide spiritual guidance to both local Tamil people and European missionaries. He became a vital link between the local communities and the foreign missionaries. Known for his courage, integrity, and wisdom, he did not avoid conflict but faced challenges directly and resolved them peacefully.

He also worked to educate local people and discourage harmful social practices. Though his ministry was relatively short, his impact was profound. He earned respect and admiration from both Hindus and Christians in the regions he served, leaving a lasting legacy of faith, leadership, and service.