Franklin Graham Biography

Franklin Graham
President and CEO, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Franklin Graham, Christian Leader
Franklin serves as president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the
international relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse—respected not-forprofit organizations with combined annual budgets of more than $439 million. He has met
privately with five U.S. presidents as well as world leaders from Europe, Africa, Asia, and
Latin America.
Using traditional and social media and speaking opportunities, Franklin regularly speaks to
current moral and social issues, challenging Christians to make a difference in the world. He also offers biblical context
and application to current national and world events. Through the organizations he leads he has been instrumental in
helping people impacted by crises including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, civil war in Sudan, and natural disasters ranging
from the tsunami in South Asia to the massive earthquakes in China, Haiti, and Japan.
Franklin Graham, Evangelist
Franklin conducted his first evangelistic event in 1989 and now conducts Franklin Graham Festivals around the world for
the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). He has preached to more than 7 million people in cities from
Johannesburg, South Africa, to Tupelo, Miss. Franklin’s 2011 Festival schedule includes events in Haiti, Africa, Europe,
Asia, and North America.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association appointed Franklin Graham CEO in 2000 and president of the organization
in 2001.
Franklin Graham, International Relief Worker
“I’ve been called to the slums of the streets and the ditches of the world.” —Franklin Graham
When Franklin was in his early twenties, Dr. Bob Pierce, founder of Samaritan’s Purse, invited Franklin to join him on a
six-week mission to Asia. It was during that time that Franklin felt a calling to work with hurting people in areas of the
world affected by war, famine, disease, poverty, and natural disaster.
Franklin was elected to the board of Samaritan’s Purse in 1978, and one year later, following the death of Dr. Pierce, he
was elected president of the organization. Today, he serves as president and CEO of the international relief and
evangelism organization headquartered in Boone, N.C. Samaritan’s Purse has a 2011 budget of $350 million and provides
relief and assistance in more than 100 countries. It has affiliate offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, plus
partners and field offices around the world.
Growing Up Graham
William Franklin Graham, III, born July 14, 1952, is the fourth of five children of evangelist Billy Graham and his wife,
the late Ruth Bell Graham. Raised in a log home in the Appalachian Mountains outside Asheville, N.C., Franklin now
lives in Boone, N.C.
In his autobiography, Rebel With A Cause, Franklin explained that “just being the son of Billy Graham won’t get me into
Heaven.” He knew that he was being called to do more with his life and to make a real commitment to God. So at age 22,
after a period of rebellion and traveling the world, Franklin committed his life to Jesus Christ while alone in a hotel room
in Jerusalem.
Franklin and his wife, Jane, have four children—Will, Roy, Edward, and Cissie—and eight grandchildren.
1 Billy Graham Parkway | Charlotte, NC 28201 | 1-866-519-2432 | foundations@bgea.org