SE North Carolina News

Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) recently participated in the dedication of a statue honoring Rev. Billy Graham in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall. During his speech, Budd acknowledged the significant impact of Graham's ministry, which reached more than two billion people through radio and television broadcasts.

Budd reminisced about his own experiences watching Graham on television as a child, highlighting the profound influence that the reverend had on his life. He noted that "more people heard the Good News of Jesus from Billy Graham than any man in our history."

The senator further emphasized that Graham's legacy did not start with him but was rooted in the prayers of previous generations, including his parents and in-laws. This legacy was also enriched by his wife Ruth's love and continues through their children and grandchildren.

Budd expressed pride in the fact that Graham and his family chose to call North Carolina home, despite having the option to live anywhere else. The senator noted that they raised their family there and placed North Carolina at the heart of a global ministry.

As he concluded his speech, Budd hoped that lawmakers and visitors passing by Graham's statue would be reminded of his ministry and teachings. He specifically referenced two verses from the Gospel of John inscribed on either side of the statue: John 3:16 and John 14:6.

In closing, Budd quoted from Graham's final crusade in 2005: “I have one message—that Jesus Christ came, he died on a cross, he rose again, and he asked us to repent of our sins and receive him by faith as Lord and Savior, and if we do, we have forgiveness of all our sins.”

Budd urged those who have not yet made this decision to do so. He ended by praying for God's blessings upon America and upon the life and legacy of Reverend William Franklin Graham Jr.