Friday, February 6, 2009

Thomas Nelson Book Review............Billy


I have read books and many articles on the life of Billy Graham. However this book Billy is one of the best. Written from the memory of his best friend Charles Templeton as he lay on a hospital bed, we see Billy Graham portrayed in a light that we've never seen before. This book tells of a friendship that was rooted in Christ, the two young men ministering together as evangelists for Youth For Christ. Seemingly on the same road, heading towards the same destination, but with different styles, they both faced their own personal crisis, making choices that helped changed not only their world, but the world around them.

Even as he lay on a hospital bed, Charles Templeton could still remember that simple though he was, there was always something different about Billy Graham. Though they took completely different paths in life, Templeton never forgot the profound impact Billy Graham had on those he came in contact with.

Billy was a very good read to me. It is a true story but was like a good novel that I wasn't able to put down. Billy Graham's life is somewhat of an open book, but reading this one, gives you insight into his youth, the start of his ministry and his family life.

I highly recommend reading Billy.

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Billy
by WILLIAM PAUL MCKAY & KEN ABRAHAM
The untold story of a young Billy Graham
and the test of faith that almost changed everything

A remarkable friendship.
An agonizing betrayal.
The true story of a crisis of faith.

Charles Templeton was one of the greatest preachers of the mid-twentieth century and a friend and mentor to a young Billy Graham. He was also in the early stages of becoming an atheist.

Based on the remarkable true story, Billy is the untold account of the early years of Billy Graham and the relationship between these two extraordinary men told from the perspective of a dying Charles Templeton.

Reminiscing to a reporter from his hospital bed in 2001, the haunted Templeton recounts Billy's simple beginnings, the moving love story of Ruth Bell, the moves of 'chance' and diving blessing that brought him success, and the growth of their friendship.

Together they had envisioned plans to win the world for Christ. But life brought them both to a crisis of faith.

You already know how the Billy Graham story turns out. Billy tells of a moment in history when things might have turned out very differently.



Blessings
Vickie


3 comments:

Yolanda said...

Thank you for sharing this, as I've been contemplating purchasing it. I'm always interested in a good "read".

Love to you!!!

Terri Tiffany said...

Great review! I need to do mine for them!

Unknown said...

Wow, Vicky your profile 'about me' sounds so refreshing, honest, real and sweet. To wonder what God has planned for you....admitting that it's like dragging your feet. How raw! I love it. If only more people were just as honest, and didn't go to church pretending to be full of smiles, but crying inside....

Anyway, I found your blog through Seedless Thoughts, who I have followed for awhile now.

I love her site and so many others.

Feel free to check out and follow my site as well. I'm sure we can learn a lot from one another.