Local Youth Worker Reflects On His Memories Of Billy Graham

A local youth worker is reflecting on the passing of the well-known evangelist Billy Graham

Jim Harms of Steinbach has been involved with Youth For Christ for many years. He says Graham was actually the first full-time employee for YFC. He notes it's a neat feeling to know that he is a part of something that Graham had started. Harms says one of the things he will remember, was Graham's powerful messages.

"Billy's message was always so plain, simple straightforward and always tugged on my heart. When I listened to him on the radio, on the television or in person, I always appreciated Billy's just straightforward, plain, simple, easily understood message. He was a really good communicator."

Harms adds one other thing that has always impressed him about Graham was the impact he had on a number of U.S. Presidents such as Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter. Graham participated in eight presidential inaugurations and he provided counsel to 12 sitting U.S. presidents, from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama.

"I became aware of that much later in my life but that was always an impressive moment for me to recognize that this guy had impacts on the U.S. Presidents and was invited to interact with them and was asked for advice. That impressed me."

Harms shares a story of when he was at one of Graham's crusades in Winnipeg. He notes the football stadium was absolutely packed full of people and adds he went up and committed his life one more time. Harms says Graham was such an influential man and hopes his legacy will live on for generations to come.