Billy Graham waves to the crowd while being escorted off stage by his son Franklin. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        The love Billy Graham has preached to millions over six decades rolled back down on him Sunday night from the highest reaches of Paul Brown Stadium, where 65,600 gathered to say goodbye.

        “We have had a terrific time here, and the people have been so kind,” the 83-year-old evangelist said as he concluded the fourth and final night of his mission before the largest crowd to ever pack the 2-year-old football stadium.

        “We have heard about some of the troubles they have had here,” the Rev. Mr. Graham said, referring to Cincinnati's racial tension. “But we have all gathered around the throne of God and loved each other.”

Man holds sign promoting the Rev. Mr. Graham. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Many in the crowd ignored the hot, steamy weather to thank a simple preacher who has been a spiritual mainstay for many in America since he shared the gospel in a downtown Los Angeles tent revival for nearly nine weeks in 1949.

        He last mission in Cincinnati was in 1977. About 160,000 came to that 10-day service at Riverfront Stadium.

        “We owe him so much,” said Marilyn Bass of Greenville, Ohio. “Look at all the souls he has saved. Look at all the good he has done.”

        The Rev. Mr. Graham said Saturday he has no plans for another mission after an event in Dallas-Fort Worth in October because of failing health. Organizers estimate 201,600 attended the mission. That is about the same number who attended October's Central Valley crusade in Fresno, Calif.

Moment of decision

        For the Rev. Mr. Graham, Sunday night was once again an opportunity to urge Christians and non-believers alike to seek forgiveness from God.

Participants head toward the stage after the Rev. Graham called them to pledge their lives to Jesus. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        “God is not waiting tonight to condemn you or judge you,” he said in a half-hour sermon, the longest of his four-night stand in Cincinnati. “He is waiting to receive you in mercy and love.”

        He used the New Testament parable of the prodigal son who repented and sought forgiveness from a loving, patient father to emphasize God's love. The Rev. Mr. Graham wore sunglasses to protect himself from the glare of the setting sun and occasionally sat down to rest during the altar call.

        Mission organizers said 8,492 men, women and children over the first three nights walked down the aisles to the field to answer the Rev. Mr. Graham's altar call and commit themselves to Christ.

        On Sunday, as the 4,000-voice choir quietly sang “Just as I Am,” at least two thousand more came forward.

        “The devil isn't going to like the decision you made here tonight,” he told the faithful. “He's going to tempt you. He may strike you with sickness. He can do that.”

A weakened Rev. Mr. Graham sits in a chair while waiting on people to make their way to the altar call. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Then, moments later, as his son and heir apparent, Franklin Graham, helped him to the back of the stage, the affection began pouring down from the 65,600. People stood, applauded, waved their arms, and whistled.

        Their gratitude echoed in the Bengals' stadium. Many shouted, “Thank you, pastor.” Others offered, “God bless you.”

        “I truly believe the Holy Spirit moves through him,” said Foster Alexander, 54 of Sidney, Ohio.

        Eighteen-year-old Tom Williams of Florence said he has “never seen anybody do anything like this — bring this many people to Christ.”

        Early in his sermon, the Rev. Mr. Graham spoke almost wistfully — and sometimes comically — about his life as a minister.

A woman waves and the Rev. Mr. Graham smiles as rides a golf cart to the stage. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        He spoke of preaching in Florida early in his career, when it was “awful hot” and bugs flew around his head. Some of them popped into his mouth.

        “One of them tasted pretty good,” he said.

        The Rev. Mr. Graham spoke too of being “honored” to have his mission follow the ground-breaking ceremony in Cincinnati for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

        “If my God allows me to live,” he said, “I'm going to be back here for the opening of that.”
       As the Rev. Mr. Graham left the podium, he told the crowd: “May God bless Cincinnati. We love you.”

        Kevin Aldridge contributed to this report.

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