Billy Graham’s last crusade

The Rev. Billy Graham’s funeral on Friday culminated more than a week of tributes to “America’s Pastor.” The 90-minute service under a white tent at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., included remarks from Graham’s five children and pastors from around the world. The Rev. Franklin Graham delivered the eulogy, urging mourners to accept salvation through Jesus Christ. A spokesman for the Grahams said the family had long considered that Billy Graham’s funeral would be his “last crusade.” “I think when he died that was something very strategic from heaven’s point of view,” said his daughter Ann Graham Lotz. “I believe God is saying, ‘Wake up church! Wake up world!’” The service included music by Linda McCrary-Fisher, Michael W. Smith, and the Gaither Vocal Band. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence and their wives attended the service alongside 2,000 other guests. Graham, who died last week at age 99, will be buried in a pine plywood casket next to his wife in a memorial prayer garden at the library. His grave marker reads: “Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”