The Reverend Billy Graham is one of the most influential religious figures alive today. New reports have been surfacing that the 95-year-old Christian evangelist is near death. Graham has been facing several serious health issues since his birthday on Nov 7. Now new updates about the Reverend are popping up.
Last week, Reverend Graham’s son, Franklin Graham, asked supporters for prayers on The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s official website,writing:
"Our family would appreciate your prayers for him that the Lord would strengthen him Only the Lord knows what is in store as we move forward in service to Him."
Franklin Graham went on to add a source of comfort for the family through this dark time, quoting the Book of Psalms:
"We value your prayers--in fact, we depend on them...We find words of comfort and praise in the Psalms, ‘Oh, bless our God...and make the voice of His praise to be heard, who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved. Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer.' "
Meanwhile, a close associate of Reverend Graham, Mark DeMoss, spoke to reporters on Sunday about Graham’s condition. DeMoss told the press that the Reverend’s health has stayed the same for the past few weeks, despite conflicting reports:
"People keep saying different things, some good and some not so good. But he's about the same. I think everybody's intentions are good. The family members want everybody to pray for Mr. Graham, and I understand that."
Demoss went on to add that Graham is not in immediate danger, although his condition is dire:
"I think everybody is concerned about Mr. Graham, but we're not getting any different reports from the medical staff. I'm checking in every day, and there has not been a change for better or worse in the last number of weeks. He's weak, he's at home and his vital signs are good--his pulse, his heartbeat, his blood pressure. He's not in any immediate danger."
