Faith Facts

• Franklin Graham was raised in the shadow of his father Billy Graham, one of the most influential Christian leaders of the twentieth century.
• He has publicly stated that he never tried to become Billy Graham and instead sought to follow the distinct path God set before him.
• The younger Graham has carried the Gospel message across the globe through Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association while maintaining a clear Christian conservative witness.

Franklin Graham recently opened up about the challenges of growing up in the household of the twentieth century’s most renowned evangelist. He explained that being the son of Billy Graham carried both a tremendous blessing and a heavy weight of expectations.

Despite the public scrutiny and inevitable comparisons, Graham made a deliberate choice early in life. He decided he would not attempt to replicate his father’s ministry or persona in any way.

“I never try to be Billy Graham,”

he said. This statement reflects the conviction that God equips each believer for a unique assignment rather than a copy of someone else’s.

Graham’s own ministry has grown into a powerful force for the Gospel through both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the international relief work of Samaritan’s Purse. His approach has been marked by direct, unapologetic proclamation of biblical truth on issues ranging from religious liberty to the sanctity of life and traditional marriage.

“I never try to be Billy Graham,”

he reiterated, underscoring that his calling has always been to serve the Lord faithfully in the time and culture where God has placed him.

Today Franklin Graham continues to lead large-scale evangelistic events across the United States and around the world. He remains a steady voice for Christian values at a time when many pulpits have grown silent on cultural matters.

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Faith Facts

• James Talarico is a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
• Rev. Jim Rigby serves as Talarico’s longtime pastor
• Talarico describes his Senate campaign as a form of ministry

Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico addressed a gathering of faith leaders on Monday evening. The lawmaker shared how his pastor encouraged him to seek higher office.

Talarico credited the Rev. Jim Rigby with shaping his decision to run for the U.S. Senate. He presented the campaign as an extension of his Christian calling.

“A form of ministry.”

The PCUSA pastor reportedly framed political service as a faithful response to God’s calling. Talarico embraced this view in his remarks to the audience.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long maintained a progressive stance on social and political issues. Talarico’s comments align with that denominational direction.

Texas voters will soon weigh whether this interpretation of ministry resonates with their understanding of Christian citizenship. The race promises to test competing visions of faith and public service.

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Faith Facts

• The Moulton Church of Christ in Alabama recently celebrated its 200th anniversary of gospel preaching and worship.
• Church records trace the congregation’s roots to the early 19th century Restoration Movement led by Barton W. Stone and evangelist Benjamin F. Hall.
• Five generations of the Hardin family continue to worship and serve together, preserving a legacy of faith and community leadership.

Two hundred years ago, evangelist Benjamin F. Hall planted a congregation of the Lord’s church in rural Moulton, Alabama. The congregation recently gathered to thank God for His faithfulness and to look forward with hope.

Church records credit Hall, influenced by Restoration Movement leader Barton W. Stone, with establishing the Moulton Church of Christ in 1826. Other historical sources mention Tolbert Fanning’s involvement in 1830 or a 1843 debate that brought twenty-two baptisms.

“I rejoice in such triumphs no little myself; but oh Lord, to Thee, and thy precious word, I am indebted for all that I have witnessed in Moulton,” the evangelist wrote of the church. “The brethren are strong in numbers, talent and influence, and I pray God they may be kept humble.”

Local deacon and historian Michael Strickland returned to his childhood congregation to teach its chronology and preach on the importance of remembrance. Two hundred ten members and guests attended the bicentennial worship service.

“Our mission, brothers and sisters, is to show the love of God to everyone,” Strickland told the congregation. “I want to suggest that God has been showing his love in this congregation for 200 years. And I pray he gives us 200 years more.”

Third-generation member Cindy Henry traveled from Hope Hull, Alabama, to celebrate with her family. Her grandfather and father served as elders, and her son Mitchell now serves as a deacon.

“This is still home in a lot of ways,” Henry said. “There’s new faces, but there’s still people that helped raise me.”

Her father, 88-year-old Clint Hardin, has worshiped at Moulton for most of his life. He recalls godly Sunday school teachers and parents who passed on their dedication to the word of God.

“We’ve had good preachers, and we’ve had good leadership,” Hardin said. “Really good leadership carried us through the problems I guess that all churches have.”

Young mother Ashley Nelson joined the church ten years ago through her husband Ross, whose grandfather once preached at Moulton. She now helps lead the children’s ministry known as the Sun Shiners.

“We have so many young kids now,” Nelson said. “We have a big, strong little kids group. And so, anytime we have an event, we usually have about 20 to 30 kids at those events.”

Through every season of growth and challenge, the Moulton Church of Christ has remained rooted in Scripture and committed to passing the faith to the next generation.

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