2006 Will Graham Gastonia, N.C.

Will Graham

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BP)--While growing up, Will Graham says he didn’t feel the pressure of being the grandson of Billy Graham.
      His father, Franklin Graham, tried to make sure there was no pressure on him to enter the ministry. “Dad wanted to make sure that I wasn’t pressured and was doing it for the right reasons. He wanted to know that the Lord was leading me and not because of six letters,” Will said, referring to the famous Graham name.

George Beverly Shea (left) holds the microphone as Billy Graham’s grandson, Will, and Cliff Barrows join in a rendition of “This Little Light of Mine" during Will’s inaugural evangelistic campaign in North Carolina.I>Photo by Bob Carey

GASTONIA, N.C. (BP)--Thunder, lightning and pouring rains held off as Will Graham, 31, grandson of Billy Graham, finished his first U.S. evangelistic campaign Oct. 11 in western North Carolina.
      During the three-day Greater Gaston Celebration, comparisons with Will’s famous grandfather began to pop up everywhere -- in their voice and look and their clear call to repentance from sin.

Evangelist Will Graham addresses the crowd at his first U.S. crusade Oct. 9 in Gastonia, N.C.Photo by Bob Carey

GASTONIA, N.C. (BP)--Nearly 60 years after his grandfather held his first citywide crusade in Charlotte, William (Will) Franklin Graham IV held his first U.S. crusade just a few miles to the west in Gastonia, N.C.