Our nation is at a critical juncture. I can’t think of a better way to seek change than by praying fervently to God and asking Christians actively to love their communities. Melba Castles (90-years old – pictured) and Franklin Graham agree.
Franklin Graham’s Story
At age 22, Franklin, son of Billy and Ruth Graham, turned from his rebellious ways. Alone in a hotel room in Jerusalem, Franklin committed his life to Jesus Christ.
Later, Dr. Bob Pierce, founder of Samaritan’s Purse, invited Franklin to join him on a mission to Asia. During that time, Franklin sensed God calling him to work with hurting people worldwide. Words that characterized Bob Peirce’s life – “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God” – have become true for Franklin as well.
In 1978, Bob Pierce died of leukemia. Franklin became Chairman of the Board of Samaritan’s Purse. Through nearly 40 years of earthquakes, hurricanes, wars, and famines all across our globe, Franklin has led the ministry in following the Biblical example of the Good Samaritan. Currently, Samaritan’s Purse provides aid and relief in more than 100 countries.
But, now, Franklin is overseeing TWO remarkable ministries.
In more recent years, his father, Billy Graham, asked Franklin to pray about leading the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Becoming president and CEO of that ministry, Franklin travels the world to continue his father’s work. He has proclaimed the Gospel message at evangelistic festivals in 37 states and 47 countries, and this election year launched Decision America Tour to bring prayer rallies to all 50 state capitals.
Decision America Tour
As our nation’s moral foundation continues to crumble, Franklin Graham considered how Christians could respond. His prayers led to Decision America Tour. In 2016, Franklin will travel to all 50 state capitals and challenge Christians to pray fervently and live out their faith at home, in public, and at the ballot box. He will also share the Gospel, which has the power to transform hearts.
Franklin has now visited 32 state capitals, with the most recent rally in Juneau, Alaska. The next stop on the Decision America Tour is right here in Helena. The event will be held at noon on August 9 at the Capitol.
Will you, your family, your friends/associates, and your church join us on the north steps of the Montana Capitol (1301 E. Sixth Ave) on August 9? Plan now to come and stand together with Franklin Graham to pray for America.
Melba Castle’s Story
Each week a group of us who are excited about the good news of Jesus meet in Helena to plan how we can mobilize people across our state to participate in Decision America Tour. In June, Melba Castles joined us. Still, Melba had not yet heard anything in her church about the Decision America Tour rally (those announcements have now taken place). As a result, Melba had some sleepless, anxious nights, wondering what was being done to call people to come.
So, I told Melba the story of a man in Scotland many years ago who had difficulty sleeping. His nation also was struggling. Hence, his prayer, “God, take Scotland for the Gospel—if you can, use me.” He had several daughters. One married John Knox, who brought revival to Scotland. So, in being used by God to bring a re-emphasis on the Gospel to Scotland, Knox built upon the prayers of his father-in-law!
When I thanked Melba for her prayers, Melba told me that Billy Graham had first helped her pray. She had left Louisiana to come to Montana at 19. But, it was not until Melba reached 30 that she responded to the Gospel. God changed her heart as she heard Billy Graham preaching on TV—and she gave her life to Christ.
Melba also loves our nation, and especially Montana. She has seen the good that government can do, and she knows that our legislators need our prayers. Serving fourteen sessions as a secretary in our State Legislature, Melba also sat by Max Baucus in the 1972 Constitutional Convention for our state.
But, now she is greatly concerned.
Melba will be 90 on the day the Franklin Graham prayer rally comes to Helena! God must have smiled when he planned this.
Developing a Vision and Passing It On
Montana friend, let’s work together, pray together, and give Melba a GREAT 90th Birthday celebration as we join Franklin Graham for Decision America Tour. When I told her that I would let you know that her birthday and the date of the prayer rally were the same, she replied, “It’s not about me—it’s about us calling out to God on behalf of our state and our nation.”
Mid-day on August 9, Wayne O’Brien is closing his business, Montana Marketing, so that he and his employees can come to the Decision America Tour event. “I want our employees to have the opportunity to be part of this historic prayer rally.”
Locally, Monsignor Kevin O’Neill has been intrigued by how Decision America Tour is not endorsing a political party while urging people to actively seek the discernment of the Holy Spirit for the health of our country. He is encouraging his people to come—and so are many other pastors like Keith Johnson (Life Covenant) and Dick Crosby (Hannaford). MANY churches across Montana will be in attendance.
To see what these rallies have been like in other states, visit https://decisionamericatour.com. To get an overview of the Montana tour, visit https://decisionamericatour.com/tour/montana/. You can also watch videos and register as a volunteer. Ask your leadership about registering your church.
We have been contacting friends, churches, prayer groups, and association across our State – inviting them to come.
Is God asking your to stand int he gap and invite your friends? What mission–partnering with God as Franklin, Melba — and you — pray for our great country.
NOTE: BGEA approved the original copy of this column.
