Billy Graham’s Evangelistic Tour
Billy Graham, one of the leading evangelical voices of the twentieth century, visited Nigeria in 1960 as part of an evangelistic tour of several African countries. After he and his team had conducted campaigns in Liberia and Ghana, they headed for Nigeria where they held crusades in Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna and Jos.” On the eve of his visit Graham, in what had now become his signature style, challenged Africa to “decide” for Jesus Christ. Every other foundation was unreliable; every other sign of success and progress could be deceptive; the joy of independence could be fleeting unless they were built on the unshakable foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.
Africa’s Hour of Decision
“As Africa is shaking off the chains that have so long held back her progress; as she rises to take her rightful position among the nations; as she is advancing with almost unbelievable speed industrially, economically, politically, and of socially-this becomes, inevitably, Africa’s Hour of Decision! The destiny of Africa will not be determined, however, by her progress in these things alone, significant as they may be. Africa must choose her course spiritually, for in this, her hour of decision, Africa is confronted with Jesus Christ and His Cross! If the course of Africa’s history is to be charted accurately, leading to new light, to life and liberty, the Word of God must be her guide.”
Impact of the Visit
It was a truly remarkable visit which, according to the chairman of the campaign committee, achieved three goals: “It did a lot to advertise Christianity and get a hearing for it that regular routine missionary and denominational work does not do; it taught a lot of people who had felt they were part of something little that they were actually part of something big; and in doing so it had encouraged lonely, isolated saints.”
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Advance Meetings and Crusades
Grady Wilson and Howard Jones, associate evangelists with the Billy Graham team, conducted advance meetings in Lagos, Ibadan and Enugu, which witnessed thousands of people. Other team members were involved in one-on-one evangelism in parks, open fields and churches. This proved very successful and adequately prepared the ground for Graham’s coming.” In Ibadan, where about 15,000 people attended Graham’s meeting, hundreds responded to the call for a commitment to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
University Outreach and City Responses
A highlight was Graham’s message to the student body of the University College, Ibadan. There he challenged about 1,000 students whom he called the future leaders of the nation, to live up to expectations. He went on to preach the gospel to them and about a fourth of the students declared, “I accept the Lord Jesus Christ.” In Lagos about 100,000 attended the meetings, and more than 3,000 “decisions for Christ” were recorded.” In Kaduna, about 10,000 came; in Enugu, 25,000 were present; and in Jos, there were about 9,000.
Date: 20th September 2022
Title: BILLY GRAHAM -Africa’s Hour of Decision
Source: A Heritage of Faith: A History of Christianity in Nigeria
Author: Ayodeji Abodunde
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