Contact: Graham Clark, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 704-401-2116, gclark@bgea.org

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- One of Christian radio's most beloved and longest-running programs hit airwaves across the country sixty years ago this week. "The Hour of Decision" with evangelist Billy Graham, which began as a step of faith by a budding ministry, has grown into one of the most widely distributed radio broadcasts in the world.

 

Today, "The Hour of Decision" airs on 581 radio stations across the country and on several networks. In all, the program airs in five languages – English, Spanish, French, Mandarin and Farsi – in 55 countries on six continents.

 

Cliff Barrows, who traveled the world with Billy Graham for more than 50 years directing Crusade choirs, has been the program's only host since 1950 and remains its host today.

 

"It's been my joy and privilege these 60 years to introduce listeners across the world to my good friend Billy Graham," said Barrows, a member of the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame. "The messages Billy preached 60 years ago and over the years are as relevant today as when he delivered them. God continues to use Billy's faithfulness to reach a hurting world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We thank God for the faithful prayer support of so many who have been our partners in ministry all these years."

 

"The Hour of Decision" was birthed in part from a Crusade in Portland, Ore., in 1950, when Mr. Graham and the team raised $24,000 for radio in one evening. It was also through this occasion that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association officially began in 1950. Since then, in addition to producing "The Hour of Decision," BGEA has organized hundreds of evangelistic meetings worldwide and been extensively involved in training Christians to reach their friends with the message of the Gospel. BGEA continues this urgent work today through training ministries and large events with evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham.

 

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