KIM LAWTON: Evangelists Billy and Franklin Graham said they wanted to bring some spiritual encouragement to the people of New Orleans. They came with an optimistic vision of a city that will emerge from its hardships stronger than ever.
REVEREND BILLY GRAHAM (In Speech): New Orleans will become a center that people will look to for spiritual help in the days to come.LAWTON: Still, Graham admitted he has been overwhelmed by the magnitude of the destruction.
Rev. B. GRAHAM (In Speech): I'm absolutely devastated at what I've felt and seen in the couple of days that I've been here.
LAWTON: Franklin Graham took his father on a tour of some of the worst-hit areas in the Ninth Ward and St. Bernard Parish. Nearby, workers were trying to repair one of the damaged levees. The Grahams saw neighborhoods that look much the same as they did six months ago.
Rev. B. GRAHAM (At Press Conference): There's only one hope that I can see, and that's through prayer and through Jesus Christ.
LAWTON: Franklin Graham's ministry, Samaritan's Purse, has been actively helping Katrina victims. They've given more than $38 million in aid.
Reverend FRANKLIN GRAHAM: I think the faith-based community, what they've been able to contribute is huge.
LAWTON: He said such efforts stand in sharp contrast to the inefficiency of many government agencies.
Rev. F. GRAHAM: The government still can't give away trailers. It's amazing to me that in Arkansas you have a field of mobile homes, and you have thousands of people right here who could use them. The pastors can put somebody in that trailer within weeks.LAWTON: The Grahams made an effort to support local pastors, and at a special prayer meeting, many said the visit meant a lot.
Reverend LOUIS HILLIARD (Community Bible Baptist Church): I believe that Brother Billy Graham still has that powerful influence, you know, because he can relate not only to the spiritual world but also the political world.
