KIM LAWTON: In 1957, New York City played a key role in making the young and vigorous evangelist Billy Graham an international phenomenon. He preached at Madison Square Garden six nights a week for 16 weeks from May to September. More than two million people attended.Today, the 86-year-old evangelist says he chose New York to finish off his nearly six decades of crusades.
Reverend BILLY GRAHAM: This will be the last in America, I'm sure. But we do have an invitation to go to London, and we're praying about that and thinking about that.
LAWTON: Graham's physical ailments make it difficult for him to preach. He suffers from Parkinson's disease, fluid on the brain, a recently-broken pelvis and other problems.
WENDY MURRAY ZOBA (Writer-in- Residence, Gordon College): He's aging as we all know, and there is some bittersweet aspect to watching this one-time towering giant more enfeebled. His message is still as robust as always, but it's very obvious that his physical disposition and state is much diminished.Rev. GRAHAM (preaching): But God is love. And God is grace and mercy.
LAWTON: Graham admits there were times in his past when he got too politically involved, particularly during the Nixon era. He says he now avoids politics altogether.
Rev. GRAHAM: I've been asked so many times lately, do I fear death No, I look forward to death with great anticipation. I'm looking forward to seeing God face to face. And that could happen any day.
