I resolved to know nothing while I was with

I resolved to know nothing while I was with
you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
1999 BGEA AT A GLANCE
BILLY GRAHAM CRUSADES
9
The power of the Cross changed the lives of many who attended Billy Graham
Crusades in Indianapolis, Indiana, and St. Louis, Missouri.
FRANKLIN GRAHAM FESTIVALS
11
Franklin Graham ministered through his Festivals to people around the world,
giving them hope through the message of Christ.
ASSOCIATE EVANGELIST MINISTRIES
13
BGEA Associate Evangelist Ministries showed the power of God to change
lives during nine Crusades in North America.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
15
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association again participated with Samaritan’s
Purse in Operation Christmas Child, opening doors for the Gospel message.
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES
Evangelistic campaigns by BGEA Associate Evangelists and Children’s
Evangelistic Rallies helped to spread the Good News around the world.
AMSTERDAM 2000
17
Details were solidified for the largest and most strategic conference ever led
by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which will bring up to 10,000
evangelists and church leaders from all over the world to focus on evangelism
in the 21st century.
WORLD EMERGENCY FUND
The BGEA, through the World Emergency Fund, helped provide relief in many
trouble spots of the world.
TELEVISION TELEPHONE MINISTRY
Volunteers answered calls and provided spiritual help for inquirers following
television specials of BGEA Crusades and movies.
RESPONSE CENTER
The Billy Graham Response Center handled over 100,000 phone calls from seekers
and friends of BGEA via a toll-free telephone number.
19
WORLD WIDE PICTURES
21
Through films, God’s power was demonstrated in the lives of thousands of people.
CHRISTIAN GUIDANCE
Trained, caring correspondents in the Christian Guidance Department ministered
to the thousands of people who contacted the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association with questions, problems and prayer requests.
BROADCAST MINISTRIES
23
The broadcast ministries of BGEA strived to proclaim the Word of God
through every prudent means, such as special television broadcasts and regular
radio programs.
INTERNET
25
The Internet allowed BGEA to spread God’s Word more rapidly than ever
before.
DECISION MAGAZINE
27
DECISION magazine carried the message of the Gospel throughout North
America and around the world.
WORLD WIDE PUBLICATIONS/GRASON
Christian literature and music distributed by World Wide Publications/Grason
helped people to know Christ and to grow in their faith.
THE COVE
29
The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove offered spiritual renewal and
outstanding teaching in a spectacular mountain setting.
SCHOOLS OF EVANGELISM
Pastors, students and others interested in evangelism gained valuable training
at the Schools of Evangelism sponsored by the BGEA.
BILLY GRAHAM CENTER
The Billy Graham Center in Wheaton, Illinois, provided resources and training
opportunities in evangelism and missions.
31
BILLY GRAHAM
EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION
Dear Friends,
As we look back over the year 1999, we are grateful to have been a part of what God
was doing around the world and what He will do in the years ahead.
Over the years, we have sought God’s guidance to help us stay true to the ministry to
which He has called us. We have changed some of our methods. We have used new
technology—radio, television, the Internet—as it has been developed. We have used different styles of music at our Crusades, and have featured popular Christian contemporary musicians as well as traditional gospel singers.
What has not changed is the message we preach: the crucifixion and resurrection of the
Son of God. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “I resolved to know nothing while I
was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). I have also
dedicated myself to sharing the message of the Gospel of Christ, and nothing else.
At the Indiana Crusade and in the Greater St. Louis Crusade, God answered thousands
of prayers with a great outpouring of His Spirit. The churches and Christian leaders
work diligently as we become partners in evangelism, and the Lord honors our combined faith and efforts.
We’re greatly encouraged by the tremendous opportunities before us in the year 2000.
With God’s help, we are preparing for Crusades in Nashville, Tennessee, and Jacksonville, Florida. Amsterdam 2000, a conference for preaching evangelists and evangelical
leaders, is taking shape as the largest evangelistic project we have ever undertaken.
All of this would not be possible without the prayers and financial support of our faithful partners. Also vital are the Board of Directors that faithfully oversees the Association,
and the tireless efforts of the talented people who work in our offices and serve on
our Team.
I thank God for giving me the physical strength for the various opportunities I have had
to proclaim the Gospel this past year. Thank you for standing with us in this ministry,
and God bless you!
Billy Graham
THE BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC
ASSOCIATION BELIEVES
the Bible to be the infallible Word of God, that it is His
holy and inspired Word, and that it is of supreme and
final authority. • in one God, eternally existing in three
persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. • Jesus Christ
was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.
He led a sinless life, took on Himself all our sins, died
and rose again, and is seated at the right hand of the
Father as our mediator and advocate. • that all men
everywhere are lost and face the judgment of God, and
need to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ
through His shed blood on the cross. • that Christ
rose from the dead and is coming soon. • in holy
Christian living, and that we must have concern for the
hurts and social needs of our fellowmen. • we must
dedicate ourselves anew to the service of our Lord
and to His authority over our lives. • in using every
modern means of communication available to us to
spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, New
International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights
reserved.
Scriptures marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version of
the Bible. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.
Scripture marked TLB is taken from The Living Bible. Copyright © 1971.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2000 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
1300 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403-1988
Telephone: 612/338-0500
Website: www.billygraham.org
Printed in U.S.A.
Dear Friends:
The Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthian
church stated, “He who glories, let him glory in the
LORD” (1 Corinthians 1:31, NKJV).
As we look back at 1999, all praise and glory are
given to Almighty God for what has been accomplished through the preaching of the Gospel. For half
a century, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
has been dedicated to proclaiming the Good News,
that God loves sinners and has provided a way of salvation that leads to life everlasting
through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
In the following pages you will see the highlights of what God has done through the outreach
of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. We rejoice that He has blessed this ministry with
partners who have sacrificially given to make this work possible.
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we
might know the things that have been freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:12, NKJV).
As we look to this new millennium—and a new century—our prayer is that we will have
another 50 years to preach Christ by the power of God, “not with wisdom of words, lest the
cross of Christ should be made of no effect” (1 Corinthians 1:17, NKJV).
May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by
God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in Him, yet
by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.
—2 Corinthians 13:4
BILLY GRAHAM
CRUSADES
Billy Graham preached the power of the cross to near-capacity crowds,
June 3–6, during the Indiana Billy Graham Crusade at the RCA Dome in
Indianapolis. The theme for this Crusade in the “motorsports capital” was
“Many of us are racing toward life’s finish line with our hearts on empty.”
More than 900 churches representing 60 denominations participated in
the year-long preparations that mobilized more than 20,000 volunteers.
Attendance averaged 45,000 each evening, with an average of 3,400
nightly making commitments to Christ.
St. Louis, Missouri, known as the “Gateway City” because of its history as
the starting point for westward expansion, became a gateway to eternity
for thousands who made decisions for Christ during the Greater St. Louis
Billy Graham Crusade, October 14–17. “Come see a miracle in the end
zone” was the theme for the Crusade at the TWA Dome, home of the
St. Louis Rams NFL franchise. Attendance averaged 45,000 per meeting,
with an average of 2,500 individuals responding each evening to
Mr. Graham’s invitation to commit their lives to Christ.
Mr. Graham was also invited to speak at Harvard University and to
United Nations ambassadors, among many other special appearances.
On September 26, an overflow crowd was present at Memorial Church
in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “The blood that was shed
on the cross has a power to change your life and to give you the
assurance of a new life to come,” Mr. Graham told the students and
faculty. The following day, he spoke to another overflow crowd at the
John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. The forum topic was,
“Is God Relevant for the 21st Century?”
The President of the UN General Assembly, Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab from
Namibia, greeted Mr. Graham warmly at the UN dinner, saying he had
“listened to [Graham] on the radio for 37 years.” UN ambassadors and
guests gathered at the Waldorf Astoria on December 15 to hear
Mr. Graham speak on the topic, “The Search for Peace in the New
Millennium.” Mr. Graham received a standing ovation.
COMMITMENTS
Salvation 16,481 (59%)
Inquiries and other 1,216 (4%)
Assurance 2,033 (7%)
Rededication 8,418 (30%)
More than 28,000 made
commitments at Billy Graham
Crusades in 1999.
Through God’s power, Billy Graham (right)
preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to
thousands at Crusades in 1999 (opposite).
These photos were taken during the Indiana
Crusade in Indianapolis.
One man brought his young son to
hear about the love of Christ at the
Indiana Billy Graham Crusade. The
man had recently been released
from prison, where he had accepted Christ. Now he recognized the
importance of having his son know
Christ at an early age, and the boy
accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior
that evening.
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, through which the world has been
crucified to me, and I to the world. —Galatians 6:14
FRANKLIN GRAHAM
FESTIVALS
Franklin Graham ministered to people throughout the world during 1999.
Religious leaders in Jamaica referred to the nationwide outreach,
Celebrate Jesus ’99, as the “largest event ever held in our country.”
Total attendance for the Jamaica Festivals in Montego Bay, March 6–7,
and in Kingston, March 11–14, was 88,250 with nearly 6,500 inquirers.
These events concluded a month-long series of evangelistic Festivals
in small towns throughout Jamaica with evangelists from Jamaica and
around the world, attended by another 131,500 people.
More than 47,000 attended West Alabama Festival ’99 with Franklin
Graham in Tuscaloosa. During the three-day Festival, April 30–May 2,
over 1,820 responded to the invitation to accept Christ.
In Perth, Scotland, nearly 23,000 attended Festival ’99, and numerous
families were strengthened as a result of Christ coming into their lives.
The meetings, May 28–31, resulted in more than 1,640 people coming
forward when Franklin Graham gave the invitation.
Franklin Graham was welcomed to the Calgary Festival ’99 in Calgary,
Alberta, Canada, with a roaring “yahoo” from the overflow audience.
The largest city in North America to host a Franklin Graham Festival
attracted people from all over the province of Alberta and as far away
as Vancouver. The four-night celebration, October 28–31, drew 80,500
people, making it the second largest religious event in the region after
the eight-night Billy Graham Crusade in 1981. More than 4,730 people
responded to Franklin’s challenging message from God’s Word.
Over 350 churches cooperated in Bolivia for Christ, a Franklin Graham
Festival in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, November 10–13. Some 138,500 people
attended the meetings, with 19,275 making decisions for Christ.
ATTENDANCE
Nearly half a million people attended all
Franklin Graham Festival events (including
Children’s Evangelistic Rallies) in 1999.
Franklin Graham (right) preached the
message of the Cross to packed arenas
(opposite) in the U.S., Canada and
several other countries during 1999.
An eight-year-old boy who came
forward during Bolivia for Christ
asked, “I don’t know Jesus. Where
can I see Him? How can I have
eternal life?” After receiving Jesus
into his heart, the boy pleaded with
his counselor to come to his house
and tell his family about Jesus. The
counselor agreed to come. “Thank
you,” the boy said through tears.
“Thank you.”
We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to
Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those
whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks,
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
—1 Corinthians 1:23–24
ASSOCIATE EVANGELIST MINISTRIES
The Associate Evangelist Ministries showed the power of God to change
lives through nine Crusades in the U.S. and Canada in 1999.
Longtime Associate Evangelist Ralph Bell preached at meetings in
St. Joseph (April 22–25) and Rolla (September 16–19), Missouri; St. Cloud,
Minnesota (April 28–May 2); Frostburg, Maryland (June 3–6); Latrobe,
Pennsylvania (June 20–23); Devils Lake, North Dakota (October 21–24);
and Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada (September 30–October 3). Evangelist
Ross Rhoads led Crusades in Centralia, Missouri (June 13–16), and
Menominee, Michigan (September 16–19).
The success of each Crusade depends on the work and prayer that takes
place months and years earlier. In each location, area business and
church leaders from many different denominations work together on the
various committees. Pre-Crusade activities help to mobilize churches and
train people to witness for Christ.
Each community adds its own flavor to the events. In Rolla, Missouri,
for example, a Prayer Wall became a rallying symbol for South Central
Missouri Celebration ’99. Containing initials of some 20,000 people who
were being prayed for by someone in a participating church, it was
displayed in downtown Rolla for 28 days prior to the celebration.
Volunteers were at the site praying around the clock. During the Crusade,
the wall was moved to the venue and placed in front of the platform.
In the cities where these Crusades were held, leaders said the area-wide
evangelistic outreach was just the beginning. “We have been energized
to take up the challenge of going outside the four church walls to where
the hurting people are,” said Jimmie Flanagan, Executive Committee
member for the Frostburg, Maryland, Tri-State Celebration ’99.
COMMITMENTS
More than 6,000 people made commitments at nine
Crusades and at pre-Crusade meetings.
Associate Evangelist Ralph Bell (opposite)
preached the life-changing Gospel message.
Inquirers met with counselors (inset and right)
who explained the way of salvation.
13
At Frostburg, Maryland, a college
student volunteer, helping to set up
the gym for the Crusade, asked
about the coming event. Student
Chair Mark Shaffer gave him the
details of the program and told him
of God’s love and plan for our
lives. Following Saturday evening’s
invitation, Mark saw that student
being counseled. The two men
shared an embrace and tears of
joy as they realized that they were
now “brothers in Christ.”
Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for
our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery
of Christ.
—Colossians 4:3
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Operation Christmas Child helps open doors for the message of Christ
by providing gift-filled shoe boxes for children suffering because of
natural disasters, wars or abject poverty. The Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association manages the second-largest regional processing center, which
processed 440,000 boxes in 1999. More than 4,300 volunteers helped
process the shoe boxes, which contain small gifts and toiletry items.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of the international relief
organization Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham. Along with
the shoe box gifts, the children receive literature telling about Jesus’ love
for them. Sometimes the shoe boxes are distributed in conjunction with
a Children’s Evangelistic Rally.
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES
Thousands of people around the world responded to God’s call into His
Kingdom through the outreach of International Ministries.
A pastor from a Minnesota church
went to Managua, Nicaragua, in
1998 to help distribute shoe box
gifts. His heart was touched as he
saw thousands of children whose
families had lost their homes due to
Hurricane Mitch. When he shared
his experiences with his congregation, they responded by filling nearly 10,000 shoe boxes in 1999.
Evangelistic campaigns by BGEA Associate Evangelist Robert Cunville in
India, Thailand, Brazil and Korea drew nearly 308,000, with 17,800
responding to the Gospel. Associate Evangelist Akbar Haqq also
conducted three Crusades in India. Two Crusades in Ukraine, one in
Russia and one in Armenia with Evangelist Viktor Hamm were eagerly
received, filling local arenas and drawing praise from government
officials. A total of 75,600 people attended these meetings, with 5,400
coming forward to inquire or to accept Christ as Savior.
Children’s Evangelistic Rallies featuring “The Greatest Gift of All” and
“The Puzzle” were conducted in 11 countries, drawing crowds of 340,000
children with 57,000 inquirers.
(Opposite)
Franklin Graham
demonstrated a
toy from the shoe
box given through
Operation
Christmas Child
to a young patient
at a Bolivia children’s hospital,
while interpreter
Gallo Vasquez
looked on.
(Left) “The Puzzle,”
an original musical
production from
International
Ministries, was
introduced at
Children’s
Evangelistic Rallies
in 1999.
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God
were making His appeal through us. We implore you on
Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. —2 Corinthians 5:20
AMSTERDAM 2000
At the beginning of 1999, plans for Amsterdam 2000, a conference for
up to 10,000 evangelists and church leaders, were just beginning to
crystallize. By the end of the year, many details were being solidified.
For nine days, July 29 through August 6, 2000, invited participants will
gather at the Amsterdam RAI International Exhibition and Congress Centre
in The Netherlands for teaching and discussion of every aspect of
evangelism. More than 75 percent of the participants will come from
developing nations. BGEA has sponsored a number of conferences over
the years, but this worldwide, by-invitation-only conference is the third of
its kind the Association has hosted in the last 20 years.
Conference applications were mailed and hand-carried around the world
during 1999, and in the fall they began pouring in for processing, which
includes translation, evaluation and selection of participants. Plans and
contracts were developed for every detail of the physical arrangements
for plenary sessions, seminars and workshops as well as for participant
travel, housing and meals.
All 23 speakers personally invited by Mr. Graham to address the plenary
sessions have accepted. These speakers, including Mr. Graham and his
son Franklin, will give clear and distinct messages relating to evangelists
and evangelism. Among the international speakers are Dr. Billy Kim of
Korea, Dr. J. I. Packer of Canada, the Archbishop of Canterbury George
Carey, the Rev. Viktor Hamm of Russia, Sami Dagher of Lebanon and the
Rev. Dela Adadevoh of Africa. Other well-known speakers include
Dr. Bill and Vonette Bright, Luis Palau, Anne Graham Lotz, Dr. Ravi
Zacharias, Dr. John Stott, Dr. Ajith Fernando and Charles Colson. In
addition, there will be over 130 seminars and more than 200 culturally
specific workshops.
A Kenyan government teacher gave
up his teaching job after attending
Amsterdam ’86. “I currently oversee
40 churches in our country,” he
said. “The Lord has used me to
touch many in different nations with
the anointing He has placed in me.
When your ministry invested in me,
that investment has brought eternal
dividends in God’s Kingdom.”
Church leaders, theologians and evangelism strategists will also meet
during the conference to provide support, counsel and recommendations
to conference participants as well as to discuss evangelism in the 21st
century.
As with all BGEA projects, prayer is central. In December more than
70,000 people in 80 countries were joining hearts to pray for Amsterdam
2000. The interest in bringing the preparations and needs of this
conference to God in prayer accentuates the need for evangelists
worldwide that are trained, equipped and encouraged to continue in
every effort to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
WORLD EMERGENCY FUND
Through the World Emergency Fund, BGEA helped to ease the pain and
suffering in many different trouble spots of the world.
Donations to the Fund go entirely to needy areas with nothing deducted
for administrative or other costs. Projects funded in 1999 included:
•
•
•
•
Relief work due to war in the Balkans.
Samaritan’s Purse relief projects in Turkey, Honduras and the Balkans.
Hurricane relief work in North Carolina and Nicaragua.
Assisting a church in Russia.
17
(Opposite) The World Emergency Fund
contributed to a Kosovo refugee camp set
up and operated by Samaritan’s Purse.
(Inset) Up to 10,000 people are expected
to attend Amsterdam 2000, a worldwide
conference on evangelism. This photo
was taken in 1986 at a previous international conference on evangelism.
The Lord stood at my side and gave me
strength, so that through me the message
might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles
might hear it.
—2 Timothy 4:17
TELEVISION TELEPHONE MINISTRY
When Billy Graham or Franklin Graham invites individuals to accept
Jesus Christ as their Savior during a Crusade, that same invitation is later
extended to millions of television viewers across the U.S. and Canada.
Those who wish to do so are asked to call and talk to a volunteer.
The percentage of callers who received Christ as Savior rose dramatically
from 25 percent to 32 percent in 1999. The number of callers finding
assurance and those rededicating their lives to Christ was also greater.
Several new uses of technology introduced in 1999 increased the
effectiveness of the Television Telephone Ministry. Beginning with the
June telecast, a toll-free number (1-877-894-HOPE) was displayed on the
screen, and the call load increased 40 percent.
At the same time, a Call Allocator System was employed to control the
flow of calls to the individual centers and make more effective use of the
volunteer workers. One volunteer can now handle an average of five
calls per hour, compared to an average of three calls per hour before the
system was in place.
The December telecast included two programs during the week,
which doubled the number of calls to the toll-free number.
A caller to the Billy Graham
Response Center said, “It’s refreshing that in this materialistic society
and ‘me’ culture there are caring,
loving people who are truly
Christian. Thank you for helping me
in my continued relationship with
our Lord Jesus Christ.”
TELECAST CALLS
These changes have increased the need for volunteer workers, and
the ministry is urgently recruiting and training more workers for all
of the centers. A new center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will
open in April 2000 and will add 50 phones for a total of 445 phones
in the system.
RESPONSE CENTER
The Billy Graham Response Center handled some 108,000 calls during
1999, its first full year of operation. The Response Center opened in 1998
with a toll-free number (1-877-247-2426) to provide a central contact
point for anyone seeking information about BGEA. The center is open
from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday. Following
telecasts, the center also takes calls for the Television Telephone Ministry
Centers when the centers are not open.
Commitments to Jesus Christ were made by 539 callers.
Trained volunteers (opposite) provided spiritual help and
often prayed with callers who received Christ following
telecasts.
(Right) Response Center staff were available daily to
provide information about various ministries for those
who called a toll-free telephone number.
Calls to the telephone ministry during telecasts increased dramatically during 1999.
My message and my preaching were not with
wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power. —1 Corinthians 2:4
WORLD WIDE PICTURES
Through films produced and distributed by World Wide Pictures, God’s
power was demonstrated in the lives of thousands of people.
More than 55,000 decisions for Christ were reported in 1999 as a result of
film showings in the U.S. and Canada. Millions around the world also
viewed our films on television, on videos in homes, at film festivals and
in theaters.
Newer releases—Repeat Performance, The Ride and A Vow to Cherish—
were shown through an international distributor in the United Kingdom,
Angola and Mozambique. Contracts were signed for showings during
2000 in The Netherlands, Guatemala, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore and
the Middle East.
When our newest production, A Vow to Cherish, aired on television in
September, its average Neilsen rating was 4.7, indicating a viewing
audience of more than 5.7 million. A Vow to Cherish has been translated
into Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Russian and Mandarin, and
will be the first WWP movie released on DVD.
“I watched [a World Wide Pictures
movie] last night and realized once
again how blessed we are to have
the privilege and honor to be His
[God’s] children. Where would any
of us be able to find the strength
and hope to continue without His
very real presence in our lives?”
asked one viewer.
Many of World Wide Pictures’ earlier movies are still used for evangelistic
outreach, particularly overseas. Older titles are also available on video
for sale.
Production began in 1999 for two new movies to be released in 2000:
OutSpoken, a four-part youth video featuring sports and music celebrities
who are outspoken about their faith; and Something to Sing About, a
made-for-television movie that demonstrates the power of God’s love to
change people.
CHRISTIAN GUIDANCE
Trained and dedicated correspondents in BGEA’s Christian
Guidance Department relied on Scripture as they responded to
questions. More than 120,000 people from North America and
around the world contacted the department through letters,
telephone calls, e-mail, personal visits and commitment
cards from various sources.
Staff used a clear presentation of the Gospel, biblical
counsel and appropriate literature to minister to these
people. Those needing specialized or ongoing
counsel were referred to other ministries that
could assist them.
Many people were also helped through the
Frequently Asked Questions of the BGEA
website (www.billygraham.org). Online
counseling through the website was offered
for the first time on two nights in connection
with the December telecast.
World Wide Pictures’ made-for-television
movie A Vow to Cherish (opposite)
touched the hearts of many people.
Trained staff in Christian Guidance
(below) often consulted with each other
to determine the best response to spiritual questions from writers and callers.
That which was from the beginning, which we
have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked at and our hands have
touched—this we proclaim concerning the
Word of life.
—1 John 1:1
BROADCAST MINISTRIES
TELECASTS
Proclaiming the Word through every means possible is the purpose of
BGEA. Crusade telecasts during 1999 reached nearly 15 million viewers,
based on the Arbitron ratings.
Billy Graham’s Crusades in Indianapolis and St. Louis were videotaped
for later broadcast, as were Franklin Graham’s Festivals in Jamaica and
Calgary.
DECISION TODAY
BGEA’s daily radio program, Decision Today, continues to grow. It first
aired on June 1, 1998, on 20 stations. By the end of the year 2000, it is
expected to air each day on nearly 400 stations throughout North
America, making it available to around 75 percent of the population.
Billed as “radio fresh daily,” this “conversation with the world” includes
news and features about BGEA and other ministries. Listeners are taken
on location to Billy Graham Crusades and Franklin Graham Festivals.
Each day’s fast-paced program uses the latest electronic technology to
reach listeners via satellite. Every program includes “What the Bible Says,”
a daily message from the Scriptures.
Programs are available each day on the Internet (www.decisiontoday.org).
Past programs can be heard on the website, plus visitors to the site can
search a directory to determine which radio stations carry the program
and at what times.
THE HOUR OF DECISION
The Hour of Decision continued to extend the evangelistic calling and
ministry of Billy Graham by radio. Individuals respond to the weekly
program through letters, telephone calls and our website.
Many seek a personal relationship with Christ, while
others contact us to express a spiritual need, share
a prayer request or ask for the monthly gift offer.
In an average month 630 telephone calls were
generated by The Hour of Decision, and 36
percent of those were not on the current mailing
list. The Hour of Decision website averaged
almost 7,800 hits per month.
The program is currently broadcast across
North America and on 86 foreign broadcast
outlets in four languages.
(Opposite) Many hours of preparation and production went into
videotaping and editing Crusades for later telecast.
A Decision Today reporter (right) conducted an interview for the
daily radio program.
“[When] I was about 10 or 11
years old, I had an older aunt who
would ask me to come to her house
and listen to your TV shows. . . .
With the help of my aunt and what
we heard from Billy Graham, I got
through a lot. It was [because of]
the love of the Lord I heard from
his sermons that I chose to be a
Christian.”
Pray for us that the message of the Lord may
spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was
with you.
—2 Thessalonians 3:1
INTERNET
The Internet is allowing BGEA to spread the Word more rapidly than
ever before. In 1999, BGEA websites logged more than 2.4 million visits.
More than 716,000 visits were made to the spiritual help site. Responses
to Christ totaled 10,390, or nearly 30 per day.
Secure online transactions enable visitors to make donations via the
website, a convenience which some supporters requested.
Human Resources received 1,113 employment inquiries through the
website.
During the December telecast, live online help through the website
was available for the first time for people who were seeking spiritual
guidance.
BGEA INTERNET WEBSITES
Official website of BGEA .............................................www.billygraham.org
DECISION magazine online........................................www.decisionmag.org
Decision Today daily radio
program online .......................................................www.decisiontoday.org
The Hour of Decision weekly
radio program online .........................................www.hod.billygraham.org
Official site for World Wide Pictures......................................www.wwp.org
Official site for the Amsterdam 2000
conference ............................................................www.amsterdam2000.org
An Internet staffer (right) updated and expanded the
information available on various BGEA websites
(opposite).
One Internet user wrote, “I saw the
special tonight. I would like to
know how to become a Christian
and how to be sure you’re a
Christian.” Another said, “As odd
as the Internet is, I’m so glad you
are using it to help souls like mine.”
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the
Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is
plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to
your conscience.
—2 Corinthians 5:11
DECISION MAGAZINE
In 1999 DECISION magazine has continued to declare the simple
message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to some 1.7 million people 11
times a year. Research indicates that twice that many people read the
magazine, as recipients pass it along to family members, friends
and others.
During 1999, the magazine underwent a graphic redesign that included
a new logo, new typefaces, heavier cover stock and more contemporary
design styles. Each issue also contains a theme section that provides
in-depth treatment of various aspects of Christian living.
Although much is new about DECISION, much also remains the same:
its commitment to evangelism and Christian discipleship, a biblical
worldview and evangelical theology. Monthly messages by Billy Graham
and popular features such as “Living Out Our Faith” and “Where Are They
Now?” remain, along with regular reports on Crusades and other ministries
of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
WORLD WIDE
PUBLICATIONS/GRASON
World Wide Publications/Grason’s goal is to reach as many people as
possible with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, using the written
word. We also want to help Christians grow in their faith.
In 1999 World Wide Publications distributed many Christian books, music
and other literature to bookstores and directly to consumers through
Grason.
Christian resources sold through World Wide
Publications/Grason (opposite) were enjoyed by
people in their homes.
(Right) Some people took DECISION magazine to
work to read during their breaks.
27
A pastor in Zimbabwe wrote that
he had been unable to attend Bible
school. He said, “I have been in
ministry for the past 16 years. . . .
I used DECISION magazine as my
Bible school, and, to be honest,
I am what I am today because of
what the Lord did through the
magazine.”
You know the message God sent to the
people of Israel, telling the good news of
peace through Jesus Christ, who is
Lord of all.
—Acts 10:36
THE COVE
God continued to bless the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove
with the opportunity to serve and minister to an increasing number of
people. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, The Cove offers seminars,
youth camps, a Visitors Center, community Bible studies, conferences and
retreats.
Developed out of a God-given vision of Billy and Ruth Graham, The
Cove is a quiet place to regain strength and perspective as individuals
focus on God and His Word, in order to more effectively share His good
news with others.
More than 10,200 individuals participated in 49 Cove seminars and were
exposed to life-changing messages presented by gifted Christian speakers
and musicians. The Visitors Center staff and volunteers welcomed more
than 16,000 visitors and shared information about the history and
ministries of BGEA and the love of Christ. In addition, The Cove’s
conference and retreat ministry served 21 groups and over 1,000 guests.
Young lives were touched as well. During the summer, 1,893 youth
enjoyed fun-filled and spiritually enriching experiences at The Cove
Camp. In the week-long sessions, campers learned more about God
through His Word and through the discipleship of godly counselors.
The camp also hosted 20 special retreats during the year with over
1,500 attending.
The Cove offered Bible study and fellowship amid a
peaceful setting in the mountains of North Carolina
(opposite and above).
29
A seminar participant at The Cove
reflected the feelings of most: “I
have been personally blessed by
God and challenged by Him to
be the salt and light that He has
commanded me to be.”
“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said,
“and tell the people the full message of
this new life.”
—Acts 5:20
SCHOOLS OF EVANGELISM
The Billy Graham Schools of Evangelism give participants the tools
they need to mobilize their churches to share the Gospel. The four-to
five-day intensive courses are intended primarily for pastors and Christian
workers. However, anyone interested in evangelism, including other
church staff, parachurch ministry workers, missionaries, youth workers,
Sunday school teachers, etc., can gain valuable training.
The Schools provide a time of renewal, recommitment, learning and
sharing. They take place in various locations throughout North America.
In 1999, Schools were held in Orlando, Florida; St. Louis, Missouri;
Toronto, Ontario; Lake Louise, Alberta; and Monterey, California.
BILLY GRAHAM CENTER
The Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, places
high priority on spreading the Gospel to the world’s unreached billions.
Resources and institutes promote strategic research, and conferences and
seminars on cutting-edge issues in evangelism and missions are held
each year.
In 1999 the Center’s Museum hosted 36,000 visitors, and the evangelistic
displays prompted 627 people to fill out decision cards. The Library
logged nearly 13,000 loans during the year.
The Billy Graham Center’s Institute of Strategic Evangelism hosted
consultations and other training, including an Internet Evangelism
Conference. Four new publications were produced, and the Archives
were expanded with eight new collections. Evangelistic ministries
witnessed nearly 2,000 persons making decisions for Christ.
(Opposite and right) Pastors and others flocked to the
Schools of Evangelism to learn from evangelistic leaders
such as the Rev. E. V. Hill (inset).
A pastor commented that the
School of Evangelism he attended
was “a real jump-start for a pastor
already engaged in evangelism that
will send us even further into discipleship training. Thanks for a season of spiritual personal enrichment
that will last a lifetime of Gospel
preaching and discipling.”
“Doing the work of an evangelist
is a high calling, also a difficult
one,” said one comment on the
Evangelism program at Wheaton
College. “You really seem to understand this, as well as the needs and
the hearts of pastor evangelists.”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1999
Clifford B. Barrows
Music & Program
Director
Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association
Marietta, GA
Elected 1950
C. William Pollard † *
Michael E. Haynes
Denton Lotz
Minister
Twelfth Baptist Church
Boston, MA
Elected 1987
General Secretary
Baptist World Alliance
McLean, VA
Elected 1999
Chairman & CEO
The ServiceMaster
Company
Downers Grove, IL
Elected 1986
Hon. Stephen E. Merrill
Richard G. Capen, Jr.
Former U.S.
Ambassador to Spain
Corporate Director
& Author
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Elected 1990
Herbert P. Hess †
Managing Director
Berents & Hess Capital
Management, Inc.
Boston, MA
Elected 1979
Former Governor
of New Hampshire
Attorney
President, Bingham
Consulting Group
at Bingham, Dana LLP
Boston, MA
Elected 1997
Betty Jane Scheihing † *
Senior Vice President,
Operations
Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Melville, NY
Elected 1987
Edward V. Hill
Melvin L. Cheatham †
Neurosurgeon
Ventura, CA
Elected 1997
Pastor
Mt. Zion Missionary
Baptist Church
Los Angeles, CA
Elected 1973
Ruth Shanahan
Attorney
Miami, FL
Elected 1983
President
Crowley Shanahan
Foundation
Dallas, TX
Elected 1992
William B. Pauls
Joseph M. Stowell, III
President
The Pauls Corporation
Englewood, CO
Elected 1997
President
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL
Elected 1999
Charles O. Morgan, Jr. † *
John R. Corts
President & Chief
Operating Officer
Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association
Minneapolis, MN
Elected 1987
Roger A. James
Family Physician
Asheville, NC
Elected 1985
* Audit Review Committee
Graeme M. Keith † *
Marjorie Gieser
Freelance Artist/
Sculptor
Wheaton, IL
Elected 1992
Chairman
The Keith
Corporation
Charlotte, NC
Elected 1990
Billy Graham
Greg Laurie
Evangelist & Chairman
Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association
Montreat, NC
Elected 1950
Senior Pastor
Harvest Christian
Fellowship
Riverside, CA
Elected 1994
Wm. Franklin
Graham, III †
First Vice Chairman
Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association
President
Samaritan’s Purse—
U.S.A.
Boone, NC
Elected 1979
† Executive Committee
BOARD MEMBERS EMERITUS
George F.
Bennett
Melvin
Graham
Harold E.
Martin
Elected
1973
Emeritus
1999
Elected
1985
Emeritus
1999
Elected
1978
Emeritus
1998
Wallace E.
Berg
Arthur P.
Johnston
Carloss
Morris
Elected
1973
Emeritus
1997
Elected
1983
Emeritus
1997
Elected
1957
Emeritus
1999
David L.
Burnham
C. Howard
Kast *
William B.
Walton, Sr.
Elected
1985
Emeritus
1998
Elected
1987
Emeritus
1999
Elected
1978
Emeritus
1997
Allan C.
Emery, Jr.
Guy A.
Martin
T. W. Wilson
Elected
1967
Emeritus
1999
Elected
1967
Emeritus
1999
Anne Graham Lotz
President
AnGeL Ministries
Raleigh, NC
Elected 1994
Elected
1983
Emeritus
1999
IN MEMORY
GEORGE M. WILSON
1913–1999
Executive Vice President, 1950–1987
Member of BGEA Board of Directors, 1950–1999
George Wilson committed himself to helping bring the
Gospel to the lost. He said, “Our job is to dispense the
world’s greatest product with the greatest economy to the
greatest number of people as fast as possible. Everything
we do is directed to winning souls for Christ.”
“He was one of my closest advisors for well over 40 years.
Human terms cannot measure the remarkable contribution
George made to [this] ministry,” Billy Graham said.
“We are so glad that we can say with utter honesty that in
all our dealings we have been pure and sincere, quietly
depending upon the Lord for His help, and not on our own
skills” (2 Corinthians 1:12, TLB).
OFFICERS
BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ..........................................Billy Graham
First Vice Chairman................................................Wm. Franklin Graham, III
Vice Chairman ...................................................................Clifford B. Barrows
Chairman of Executive Committee ....................................C. William Pollard
Deputy Chairman of Executive Committee ......................Allan C. Emery, Jr.
President & Chief Operating Officer..........................................John R. Corts
Vice President-Finance/Controller
& Secretary ..........................................................................Joel B. Aarsvold
Treasurer .............................................................................George F. Bennett
Assistant Treasurer ................................................................Graeme M. Keith
Executive Committee ..........................................................C. William Pollard
Audit Review Committee......................................................Graeme M. Keith
Corporate Compensation Committee.................................C. William Pollard
Finance Committee ...............................................................Graeme M. Keith
Graham Center Liaison Committee...................................Sterling W. Huston
Insurance Committee .....................................................Richard G. Capen, Jr.
Investment Committee........................................................George F. Bennett
Nominating Committee ...............................................................Billy Graham
Pension Committee .................................................................Herbert P. Hess
Personnel Committee ..................................................................John R. Corts
BGEA OF CANADA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1999
John R. Corts
†
President & Chief Operating Officer
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Elected 1988
Dennis Glubish *
Family Physician
St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
Elected 1999
Billy Graham
†
Evangelist & Chairman
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Montreat, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Elected 1968
Wm. Franklin Graham, III
†
Geoffrey L. Moore
First Vice Chairman
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Chairman
Samaritan’s Purse—Canada
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Boone, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Elected 1995
David C. Kaiser *
Owner/Operator
McDonald’s Restaurant
Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada
Elected 1996
Donovan A. McCarthy, Q. C.
Retired Chairman
Manitoba Public
Insurance Corporation
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Elected 1968
†*
†
President
Geoffrey L. Moore & Associates
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
Elected 1995
OFFICERS
Chairman..................................Billy Graham
Vice Chairman ..........Donovan A. McCarthy
Secretary.................................Barrie J. Smith
Assistant Secretary..............Joel B. Aarsvold
Treasurer ..................................John R. Corts
Donald Neufeld
President
J & H Builder’s Warehouse
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Elected 1999
Barrie J. Smith *
Director of Marketing
MacDon Industries, Ltd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Elected 1993
* Audit Review Committee
† Executive Committee
BOARD MEMBERS
EMERITUS
Frederick A. Lang
Elected 1968
Emeritus 1992
L. Claude Simmonds
Elected 1978
Emeritus 1999
33
Ross L. Willows
Elected 1976
Emeritus 1993
FINANCIAL
Support and Revenue
Contributions, 61.3%
Evangelistic Films and Radio Stations, 2.2%
The Cove Seminar Revenue, 2.9%
Distribution of Books and Materials, 4.0%
Estates, Annuities and Trusts, 15.7%
Investment, Unrealized Losses and
Other, 13.9%
Expenditures
Crusades and Other Evangelistic
Ministries, 34.5%
Radio, Television and Films, 24.8%
International Ministries and
World Emergencies, 13.1%
DECISION Magazine, 8.3%
Distribution of Books and Materials, 4.5%
General and Administrative, 7.1%
Fund Raising, 7.7%
The BGEA constantly strives to maximize ministry and
minimize administrative costs. Our 1999 general and administrative
expense was 7.1% with an additional 7.7% for fund raising.
This supports the 85.2% used to accomplish our mission.
Ernst & Young LLP
1400 Pillsbury Center
Minneapolis
Minnesota 55402-1491
Phone: (612) 343-1000
www.ey.com
Report of Independent Auditors
Board of Directors
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
We have audited the accompanying combined statement of financial position of
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Affiliated Organizations as of
December 31, 1999, and the related combined statements of activities and cash
flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Association’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the combined financial position of Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association and Affiliated Organizations at December 31, 1999, and its combined
changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
February 18, 2000
Ernst & Young LLP is a member of Ernst & Young International, Ltd.
BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
COMBINED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
DECEMBER 31, 1999
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
General
Ministries
Training Center
at The Cove
Total
ASSETS
ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR CURRENT MINISTRIES
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Receivables from:
Distribution of books and films
Other
Accounts receivable from (payable to)
affiliated organizations
Inventories of books, supplies and materials
Prepaid expenses and miscellaneous assets
$ 14,767,288
25,031,306
$
—
509,741
( 725,772.)
—
1,039,311
40,621,874
30,000
—
$ 14,797,288
25,031,306
—
—
—
509,741
—
—
—
30,000
( 725,772.)
—
1,039,311
40,651,874
OTHER ASSETS
Investments functioning as endowment
Other long-term investments
Real estate held for sale
Mortgage deeds receivable
Unamortized television and film production costs
78,135,134
28,637,836
403,286
402,922
980,841
108,560,019
68,344,755
—
—
—
—
68,344,755
146,479,889
28,637,836
403,286
402,922
980,841
176,904,774
60,411,568
32,205,044
92,616,612
—
—
—
60,411,568
32,205,044
92,616,612
INVESTMENTS IN DEFERRED GIVING PROGRAM
Gift annuity, endowment and irrevocable trusts
Revocable trusts
FIXED ASSETS
Land
Buildings and improvements
Equipment, furniture and fixtures
Less depreciation
Total assets
1,663,654
7,508,696
16,869,730
26,042,080
( 14,751,204.)
11,290,876
7,263,126
32,190,424
5,016,230
44,469,780
( 15,834,227.)
28,635,553
8,926,780
39,699,120
21,885,960
70,511,860
( 30,585,431 )
39,926,429
$253,089,381
$97,010,308
$350,099,689
$ 2,608,228
1,995,261
1,534,046
994,329
4,238,545
11,370,409
$
$
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
LIABILITIES RELATING TO CURRENT MINISTRIES
Suppliers
Employees for salaries and wages
Pension plan
Accrued expenses
Unearned subscriptions for future issues of DECISION magazine
DUE TO GENERAL MINISTRIES (FROM THE COVE)
( 51,956,126 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,608,228
1,995,261
1,534,046
994,329
4,238,545
11,370,409
51,956,126
—
—
—
—
42,096,526
6,522,498
32,205,044
DEFERRED GIVING PROGRAM
Gift annuities payable
Funds held for others
Revocable trust agreements refundable
42,096,526
6,522,498
32,205,044
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted:
Funds functioning as endowment
Amsterdam 2000 conference
Undesignated
Total unrestricted
Temporarily restricted
Permanently restricted
Total net assets
Total liabilities and net assets
See accompanying notes.
78,135,134
15,693,928
109,840,165
203,669,227
6,619,611
2,562,192
212,851,030
68,344,755
—
( 23,290,573 )
45,054,182
—
—
45,054,182
146,479,889
15,693,928
86,549,592
248,723,409
6,619,611
2,562,192
257,905,212
$253,089,381
$97,010,308
$350,099,689
36
Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association
of Canada
Graham Fund
for Evangelism
Other Affiliates
Combined
3,868
—
$ 3,933,028
—
$ 19,509,597
25,031,306
—
—
888,682
230,852
888,682
774,719
—
—
—
3,868
780,898
953,104
222,856
7,009,420
—
953,104
1,265,171
48,422,579
—
3,359,364
—
—
—
3,359,364
—
24,263,482
—
—
—
24,263,482
—
—
—
—
4,607,752
4,607,752
146,479,889
56,260,682
403,286
402,922
5,588,593
209,135,372
535,204
1,848,150
2,383,354
—
—
—
—
—
—
60,946,772
34,053,194
94,999,966
—
12,382
205,779
218,161
( 125,647 )
92,514
—
—
—
—
—
—
$ 775,413
—
$
—
34,126
( 55,126 )
—
3,004
757,417
202,685
2,065,248
6,618,884
8,886,817
( 4,459,848 )
4,426,969
9,129,465
41,776,750
28,710,623
79,616,838
( 35,170,926 )
44,445,912
$6,592,649
$24,267,350
$16,044,141
$397,003,829
$
$
$
214,884
157,372
47,500
40,995
—
460,751
$ 2,895,873
2,178,288
1,581,546
1,067,987
4,492,832
12,216,526
72,761
25,655
—
32,663
254,287
385,366
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
232,085
1,848,150
—
—
—
—
—
—
42,096,526
6,754,583
34,053,194
—
—
3,546,631
3,546,631
569,366
11,051
4,127,048
—
—
24,267,350
24,267,350
—
—
24,267,350
—
—
15,583,390
15,583,390
—
—
15,583,390
146,479,889
15,693,928
129,946,963
292,120,780
7,188,977
2,573,243
301,883,000
$6,592,649
$24,267,350
$16,044,141
$397,003,829
37
BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
COMBINED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
General
Ministries
Training Center
at The Cove
Total
CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS
SUPPORT AND REVENUE
During the year, support and revenue from donors and various
evangelistic activities consisted of:
Contributions
Distribution of religious books and related evangelistic materials
Evangelistic film showings in churches
Proceeds from estates, annuities and trusts
The Cove seminar revenue
Radio stations revenue
Investment and other income
Unrealized losses on investments
Net assets released from restrictions
So that total support and revenue aggregated
$ 73,981,092
—
—
21,939,050
—
—
13,048,675
( 2,097,634 )
4,627,468
111,498,651
$
184,912
—
—
—
4,107,562
—
8,497,193
( 228,358 )
—
12,561,309
$ 74,166,004
—
—
21,939,050
4,107,562
—
21,545,868
( 2,325,992 )
4,627,468
124,059,960
19,889,916
—
8,655,260
13,882,282
28,080,353
70,507,811
7,485,597
6,606,729
84,600,137
—
—
—
—
8,843,368
8,843,368
—
—
8,843,368
19,889,916
—
8,655,260
13,882,282
36,923,721
79,351,179
7,485,597
6,606,729
93,443,505
26,898,514
( 1,260,188 )
—
25,638,326
3,717,941
—
—
3,717,941
30,616,455
( 1,260,188.)
—
29,356,267
6,412,715
298,094
242,500
529,950
260,396
( 508,161 )
( 29,681 )
( 4,627,468 )
2,578,345
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,412,715
298,094
242,500
529,950
260,396
( 508,161 )
( 29,681 )
( 4,627,468 )
2,578,345
123,347
138,301
31,675
( 128,093 )
( 160,180 )
5,050
—
—
—
—
—
—
123,347
138,301
31,675
( 128,093 )
( 160,180 )
5,050
EXPENDITURES
Operating costs incurred in providing our evangelistic ministries
included:
Radio, television and films
Distribution of religious books and related evangelistic materials
DECISION magazine
International ministries and world emergencies
Crusades and other evangelistic ministries
Fund raising
General and administrative to support the above ministries
Thus our total expenditures for the year were
Resulting in an excess (deficit) of support and revenue over
expenditures before transfers of
Transfers between affiliated organizations
Foreign currency translation
Increase (decrease) in unrestricted net assets
CHANGES IN TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
Amsterdam 2000 conference contributions
Principal receipts
Transfers between affiliated organizations
Investment income
Net unrealized and realized gains (losses) on investments
Payments to participants and others
Principal released to Association by gift or death of participant
Net assets released from restrictions
Increase in temporarily restricted net assets
CHANGES IN PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
Principal receipts
Investment income
Net unrealized and realized gains (losses) on investments
Payments to participants and others
Income released to Association
Increase (decrease) in permanently restricted net assets
Resulting in a change in net assets
Net assets at beginning of year
Net assets at end of year
28,221,721
184,629,309
$212,851,030
See accompanying notes.
38
3,717,941
41,336,241
$45,054,182
31,939,662
225,965,550
$257,905,212
Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association
of Canada
$4,216,827
—
68,899
339,364
—
—
210,662
( 46,128.)
20,163
4,809,787
2,357,626
—
679,865
616,746
680,123
4,334,360
674,010
255,243
5,263,613
( 453,826.)
—
215,038
( 238,788.)
Graham Fund
for Evangelism
Other Affiliates
Combined
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,370,622
( 1,471,759 )
—
( 101,137 )
$ 4,020,653
5,627,691
2,261,250
—
—
811,316
419,068
—
—
13,139,978
$ 82,403,484
5,627,691
2,330,149
22,278,414
4,107,562
811,316
23,546,220
( 3,843,879 )
4,647,631
141,908,588
—
—
—
—
1,131,046
1,131,046
—
65,766
1,196,812
5,535,072
5,091,124
—
242,500
—
10,868,696
449,144
1,075,598
12,393,438
27,782,614
5,091,124
9,335,125
14,741,528
38,734,890
95,685,281
8,608,751
8,003,336
112,297,368
( 1,297,949.)
—
—
( 1,297,949.)
746,540
1,260,188
—
2,006,728
29,611,220
—
215,038
29,826,258
242,500
—
( 242,500 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,952,676
556,184
—
536,551
256,997
( 514,685 )
( 29,681 )
( 4,647,631 )
3,110,411
$
297,461
258,090
—
6,601
( 3,399.)
( 6,524.)
—
( 20,163 )
532,066
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
318
961
( 106.)
—
( 4,498 )
( 3,325.)
—
—
—
—
—
—
289,953
3,837,095
$4,127,048
( 1,297,949 )
25,565,299
$24,267,350
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,006,728
13,576,662
$15,583,390
39
123,665
139,262
31,569
( 128,093 )
( 164,678 )
1,725
32,938,394
268,944,606
$301,883,000
BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
General
Ministries
Training Center
at The Cove
Total
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Change in net assets
Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash provided
by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense
Amortization of premiums (discounts) on securities
Unrealized losses (gains) on investments
Donations of real estate and mortgage deeds receivable
Proceeds from the sale of donated real estate
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables
Increase in inventories and prepaid expenses
Increase (decrease) in liabilities relating to current ministries
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$28,221,721
$3,717,941
$31,939,662
3,554,523
( 914,540.)
363,419
( 340,744.)
271,751
2,153,318
—
228,358
—
—
5,707,841
( 914,540.)
591,777
( 340,744.)
271,751
( 498,021.)
( 397,165 )
( 2,214,464.)
28,046,480
—
—
—
6,099,617
(498,021.)
( 397,165.)
( 2,214,464.)
34,146,097
( 60,956,815.)
31,220,705
( 6,767,154.)
( 1,876,328.)
( 3,256,379.)
1,409,013.
236,583
( 39,990,375 )
—
—
( 8,497,193.)
—
( 2,915,774.)
—
24,415
( 11,388,552.)
( 60,956,815.)
31,220,705
( 15,264,347.)
( 1,876,328.)
( 6,172,153.)
1,409,013
260,998
( 51,378,927.)
( 5,298,935.)
( 5,298,935.)
5,298,935
5,298,935
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
( 17,242,830 )
10,000
(17,232,830.)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
32,010,118
$14,767,288
20,000
30,000
32,030,118
$14,797,288
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of investments
Maturities of investments
Net change in endowments
Additions to unamortized television and film production costs
Purchases of fixed assets
Net change in deferred giving
Other
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Advances to The Cove
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
$
—
—
See accompanying notes.
BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1999
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Ministry: The mission of the Association is to support the evangelistic ministry and calling of Billy Graham through community
crusades, radio, television, DECISION magazine, seminars and any other means to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Support is received from
individual donors through contributions, deferred giving programs and evangelistic activities.
Principles of Combination: The combined financial statements include Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and all significant affiliated organizations. Included in the other affiliates column are:
Blue Ridge Broadcasting Corporation
Christian Broadcasting Association
World Wide Pictures
World Wide Publications
The affiliated organizations have ministries that strengthen the ministries of the Association and share the same goals and purposes. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The assets and liabilities of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada are translated at current exchange rates, while income and
expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The foreign exchange translation at December 31, 1999, of
$215,038 is included in the combined statement of activities.
At December 31, 1999, the Christian Broadcasting Association was negotiating the terms for the sale of its radio stations, KAIM-AM and
KAIM-FM. These stations were sold February 15, 2000, for $1.8 million.
Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and
cash equivalents included in investments functioning as endowment and investments in the deferred giving program are not considered cash
and cash equivalents for purposes of the statement of cash flows.
40
Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association
of Canada
$
289,953
Graham Fund
for Evangelism
Other Affiliates
Combined
$ ( 1,297,949 )
$ 2,006,728
$32,938,394
15,594
( 207,827.)
( 144,320.)
—
—
—
—
1,471,759
—
—
( 414,046.)
2,821
63,866
( 393,959.)
677,472
—
—
851,282
( 1,005,139.)
1,565,914
—
—
( 9,522.)
( 251,444.)
366
300,175
( 851,120 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
( 851,120 )
—
—
869,197
775,413
7,721,615
( 1,122,367.)
1,919,216
( 340,744.)
271,751
474,981
78,660
( 312,035.)
4,246,514
240,386
( 315,684.)
( 2,462,633.)
38,849,934
—
—
—
( 4,546,203.)
( 995,045.)
—
16,810
( 5,524,438.)
( 62,813,074.)
32,786,619
( 15,264,347.)
( 6,422,531.)
( 7,176,720.)
1,157,569
278,174
( 57,454,310.)
—
—
( 93,784.)
$
1,998,180
—
—
—
—
162
$
3,706
3,868
—
—
( 1,277,924.)
5,210,952
$ 3,933,028
—
—
( 18,604,376.)
38,113,973
$19,509,597
Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.
Cost of Film Rights, Prints and Productions: Costs relating to film rights, prints and productions are amortized using
the individual film forecast method which amortizes such costs to operations in the same ratio that gross revenues
bear to anticipated total gross revenues.
Fixed Assets: Land is carried at cost; buildings, improvements and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated
depreciation. Costs of new facilities and improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs are charged to
expense in the period incurred. Depreciation of buildings, improvements and equipment is provided by use of the
straight-line method which is designed to amortize the costs of the properties over their estimated useful lives.
Deferred Giving Program: The Association has a fully funded program whereby deferred gifts can be made through
gift annuity and trust participation.
All gift annuity fund assets are held by a local bank and managed by an investment management company. Various
state laws require the Association to maintain assets which are equal in amount to the actuarial reserve necessary to
pay the annuities plus an additional required reserve. Trust assets are held and managed by the Association.
The Association records assets received in the deferred giving program at their fair value, records the liabilities
incurred, and the contribution portion is recognized as income at the time the agreement is executed. Revocable trust
agreements are recorded as a refundable liability until the agreement becomes irrevocable or the assets distributed at
which time the contribution revenue is recognized.
The Association is also named as a beneficiary in revocable trusts and wills which are not managed by the
Association. These assets are not included in the combined statement of financial position as the Association’s share
of these assets cannot be determined.
DECISION Magazine: A portion of gifts received, representing the subscription price of DECISION magazine, is allocated to unearned subscriptions and is amortized to income over a twelve-month period following receipt.
Funds Functioning as Endowment: The Association’s Board of Directors has designated a portion of unrestricted net
assets as funds functioning as endowment. Separate fund designations have been made for the Billy Graham Training
Center at The Cove (The Cove Charitable Trust Fund) and for future ministries. However, because the Board has
made this designation, it has the right to change its designation or expend the principal by future Board action.
41
The purpose of The Cove Charitable Trust Fund is to receive, hold and invest property in trust, the income of which is to be used for supporting, maintaining and improving perpetually the facilities and ministry at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove consistent with
the evangelistic purposes of the Association. However, the investment income is currently being reinvested in the Trust Fund to increase the
Fund’s investment balance.
Amsterdam 2000 Conference: A conference for preaching evangelists and church leaders from around the world is planned for July 2000 in
Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Contributions received designated for Amsterdam 2000 are recorded as temporarily restricted and released to
unrestricted when funds are spent for the conference. At December 31, 1999, the Board of Directors has designated $15,693,928 of unrestricted funds for the Amsterdam 2000 conference.
Training Center at The Cove: The assets, liabilities, support, revenue and expenditures of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove have
been segregated from the General Ministries of the Association. The $51,956,126 due to General Ministries represents funds advanced to the
Training Center for land and buildings.
Allocation of Joint Costs: Certain expenditures of the Association and affiliates (radio and television, direct mail and postage) relate to both
ministries and support services.
The allocation of these joint costs is based on estimates of the content, audience and purpose of these expenditures. Total joint costs and
respective allocations are as follows:
Radio, television and films
$24,871,394
Distribution of books
581,073
DECISION magazine
2,086,304
International ministries
74,056
Other evangelistic ministries
8,665,623
Fund raising
5,906,982
General and administrative
2,239,062
$44,424,494
Income Taxes: The Association and affiliated organizations are exempt from federal income taxes and contributions to them are deductible as
charitable contributions under Internal Revenue Code Section 170, except for World Wide Publications, which is a taxable organization. The
Internal Revenue Service has issued determination letters to the Association and exempt affiliated organizations stating that they qualify for
tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). The Internal Revenue Service has also issued rulings stating that they will
not be treated as private foundations within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Sections 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2) and 509(a)(3), except foreign affiliates.
Net Asset Classifications: Permanently restricted net assets include contributions which donors have specified must be maintained in perpetuity. The related income may be expended for such purpose as specified by the donor, or if none, then for any purpose of the Association.
Included in permanently restricted assets are primarily the Endowment Fund.
Temporarily restricted net assets are comprised of funds which are restricted by donors for specific purposes or time periods. Included are
net assets of the Irrevocable Trusts, a portion of the Endowment Fund and the Amsterdam 2000 conference.
Unrestricted net assets represent funds which are fully available, at the discretion of management and the Board of Directors, for the
Association to utilize in any of its programs or supporting services.
Temporarily Restricted Contributions: The Association records contributions as temporarily restricted if they are received with donor stipulations that limit their use either through purpose or time restrictions. When donor restrictions expire, that is, when a time restriction ends or a
purpose restriction is fulfilled, temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets and reported in the statement of
activities. It is the Association’s policy to record temporarily restricted contributions received and expended in the same accounting period in
the unrestricted net assets class activity.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could
differ from the estimates.
Accounting for Long-Lived Assets: The Association records losses on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are
present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amount.
2. INVESTMENTS
Investments are generally recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices, when available, or estimates of fair value. Donated assets
are recorded at fair value at the date of donation, or, if sold immediately after receipt, at the amount of sales proceeds received. Those
investments for which fair value is not readily determinable are carried at cost or, if donated, at fair value at the date of donation, or, if no
value can be estimated, at a nominal value.
Short-term investments include investments with a maturity of one year or less and long-term investments include investments with a maturity greater than one year.
Realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are determined by comparison of specific costs of acquisition to proceeds at the time
of disposal, or market values at the balance sheet date, respectively, and include the effects of currency translation with respect to transactions and holdings of foreign securities.
42
Investments are presented in the combined financial statements as follows:
Fair Value
For current ministries:
Cash equivalents
$ 18,755,776
Short-term investments
25,031,306
Long-term investments
56,260,682
100,047,764
Functioning as endowment:
Cash equivalents
8,964,478
Long-term investments
137,515,411
146,479,889
Deferred Giving Program:
Cash equivalents
5,008,263
Short-term investments
2,238,910
Long-term investments
87,752,793
94,999,966
Total investments
$341,527,619
Investments are composed of the following:
Fair Value
U.S. common stock
U.S. government-backed mortgage
securities
U.S. Treasury notes
Money market accounts
U.S. corporate bonds
Dutch savings account
Real estate
U.S. municipal bonds
U.S. Treasury bonds
Other
Canada government-backed mortgage
securities
Canadian provincial bonds
Canadian interest component
U.S. savings bonds
U.S. Treasury bills
Total investments
$ 96,910,957
67,137,483
54,223,455
50,864,189
35,191,404
14,119,123
6,611,233
3,357,660
2,926,617
2,499,780
2,118,517
1,865,815
1,666,442
1,074,623
960,321
$341,527,619
3. DEFERRED GIVING PROGRAM
The assets in the Deferred Giving Program are:
Assets
Gift Annuity Fund
Irrevocable Trusts
Endowment Fund
Revocable Trusts
$46,714,022
11,558,209
2,674,541
34,053,194
$94,999,966
Liability
$42,096,526
6,726,476
28,107
34,053,194
$82,904,303
Net Assets
$ 4,617,496
4,831,733
2,646,434
–
$12,095,663
4. NET ASSETS
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets: Temporarily restricted net assets at December 31, 1999, are available
for the following purposes:
Endowment Fund
$ 121,771
Irrevocable Trusts
4,762,161
Amsterdam 2000 conference
2,305,045
$7,188,977
Permanently Restricted Net Assets: Permanently restricted net assets at December 31, 1999, are available
for the following purposes:
Endowment Fund
$2,537,029
Irrevocable Trusts
36,214
$2,573,243
43
5. PENSION PLAN
The Association has a defined contribution target benefit pension plan that covers most employees of the Association
and its affiliates. Contributions to the Plan are allocated based on salary, age and hours for each year of service.
Contributions to the Plan are determined by the Board of Directors. The Association and its affiliates recorded pension
expense of $1,559,327 for the year ended December 31, 1999.
6. INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES AND WORLD EMERGENCIES
Expenditures for international ministries and distributions for world emergencies during the year were as follows:
Evangelistic ministries:
Amsterdam 2000 conference
$ 4,890,131
Overseas crusades and special projects
7,933,558
World Emergency Fund and other restricted gifts
1,249,470
Assistance to international affiliates of the Association
108,533
Assistance to other organizations
92,500
14,274,192
Overseas radio, television and films
467,336
$14,741,528
Included in the expenditures above are contributions of $1,050,000 to Samaritan’s Purse for World Emergency Fund projects and $60,000 to East Gates Ministries International for ministry in Asia. The presidents of Samaritan’s Purse and East
Gates Ministries International are sons of Billy Graham and the Association shares several common board members with
these organizations.
7. CRUSADES AND OTHER EVANGELISTIC MINISTRIES
Crusades and other evangelistic ministries include expenditures incurred for community crusades, Christian guidance,
printing and mailing of literature and gifts to other religious organizations. Included herein are contributions of $1,079,811
to Wheaton College and $144,000 to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The Association shares several common
board members with these institutions. Also in 1999, $250,000 was contributed to Samaritan’s Purse for ministry support.
8. FUNDS FUNCTIONING AS ENDOWMENT
A summary of the change in the funds functioning as endowment for the year is as follows:
Future
Ministries
$70,776,931
6,767,154
591,049
$78,135,134
Amount designated at January 1, 1999
Income earned on investments
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Amount designated at December 31, 1999
44
The Cove
Charitable
Trust Fund
$60,075,920
8,497,193
( 228,358.)
$68,344,755