"While we have seen God do tremendous things here
the past couple of evenings. Yes, it is true that a great healing and a
great many salvations have occurred within the confines of this
auditorium. Still yet, there lies a great mountain in this city which
needs to be conquered."
Then taking from the Biblical Book of Joshua Chapter
14 he read, "I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as
strong this Day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength
was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for
coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke
in that day," his voice suddenly sounding more forceful than during
his 22 minute sermon. "I last preached in the City of New Orleans
in 1954 and I felt then that there was some unfinished business.
Tonight, in what very well might be my last evangelistic service, I aim
to finish that business and lead as many of you that would follow me to
the multitude of lost souls that fill Bourbon Street tonight. That is my
mountain !
That is where we shall see the harvest!" said
Graham as the stadium erupted in cheers that lasted the next several
minutes. Utilizing a waiting mobility scooter, the elder Graham joined
his son and heir to the ministry, Franklin across the Arena floor and
through the opened doors leading towards the French Quarter. In a show
of solidarity and determination reminiscent of civil rights marches of
the 1960's, nearly the entire capacity crowd joined in the 20 minute
trek while singing, "When the Saints Go Marching In".
As the march crossed Canal Street and headed northward
towards Bourbon Street, many onlookers stood in stunned silence as the
massive crowd of people began singing in unison the Christian hymn,
Amazing Grace. Upon entering the west end of Bourbon Street, Billy
Graham was soon recognized by partiers. Soon those joining in the march
began to approach those partying on Bourbon Street with the Gospel
message that they had heard preached just a half hour before. Graham
himself joined with a group of local street evangelist in
Ministering to a man who had survived Hurricane Katrina in the lower 9th
Ward.
Within 30 minutes the entirety of Bourbon Street was
packed with Christians and the once blaring music of nightclubs and
strip joints had been replaced by weeping and worship as people poured
out their drinks and sought prayer from the Christians who were now
reaching out to them. "I have never seen anything like this in my
life," said 20 years New Orleans Police Department veteran, Tom
Phillips. "This is unbelievable! We thought a riot was going to
break out, but this looks more like a revival than a riot!"
Two hours later, a glowing Graham sat back down on his
scooter and smiled. "Now I know how the Apostle Paul must have felt
at the end of his ministry. Do the work of an evangelist; make full
proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of
my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith."
Hours later hundreds of Christians remained on the
street ministering to the many people eagerly waiting to receive prayer
and ministry. New Orleans will never be the same. And the press remained
mute on this "news item?" Did anyone see it on TV/heard on
radio/read in the paper?
Rejoice in the Lord Always. I will say it again -
Rejoice!!!
