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 across several African countries.
After Graham and his team conducted campaigns in Liberia and Ghana, they travelled to Nigeria. There, they held crusades in Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna, and Jos.
Before his visit, Graham challenged Africa to “decide” for Jesus Christ. This call had become a signature part of his ministry.
Graham argued that every other foundation remained unreliable. Likewise, signs of success and progress could prove deceptive. Even the joy of independence could fade unless Africans built their future on the unshakable foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.
Africa’s Hour of Decision
Graham described the significance of Africa’s changing position in the world: “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 socially—this becomes, inevitably, Africa’s Hour of Decision!”
He continued: “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!”
Graham then stressed the importance of Scripture in shaping Africa’s future: “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
Graham’s visit made a significant impact. According to the chairman of the campaign committee, the tour achieved three major goals.
First, it promoted Christianity and created an opportunity for people to hear its message. Regular missionary and denominational work could not always achieve this on the same scale.
Second, the campaign showed many Christians who felt isolated that they belonged to something much larger than their local communities.
Finally, the campaign encouraged Christians who served in lonely and isolated circumstances.
The chairman summarised the impact this way: “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
Before Graham arrived, associate evangelists Grady Wilson and Howard Jones conducted advance meetings in Lagos, Ibadan, and Enugu.
Thousands of people attended these meetings. Meanwhile, other members of the team carried out one-on-one evangelism in parks, open fields, and churches.
These efforts proved highly successful. They also prepared the ground for Graham’s arrival.
In Ibadan, about 15,000 people attended Graham’s meeting. Hundreds responded to his invitation to commit themselves to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
University Outreach
One of the highlights of Graham’s visit came at the University College, Ibadan.
Graham addressed about 1,000 students. He described them as future leaders of the nation and challenged them to live up to that responsibility.
He then preached the Gospel and invited the students to respond. About one-fourth of them declared: “I accept the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The response demonstrated the reach of Graham’s message beyond traditional church settings. His campaign also attracted large crowds across the cities he visited.
Responses Across Nigerian Cities
The crowds varied from city to city, but the response remained significant.
In Lagos, about 100,000 people attended the meetings. Organisers recorded more than 3,000 “decisions for Christ.”
In Kaduna, about 10,000 people attended. Enugu drew approximately 25,000, while about 9,000 people gathered in Jos.
Across these cities, Graham’s 1960 visit brought the Gospel message to thousands of Nigerians. It also gave Christian communities a renewed sense of their place within a much larger evangelical movement.
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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