Martha Roby: Honoring the legacy of America’s pastor
Reverend Billy Graham, known by many as “America’s Pastor,” passed on from this life on February 21, 2018. Americans honored his life and legacy as he lay in honor in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol building. It was truly remarkable how many individuals and families traveled from all across our great country to participate in this celebration of Reverend Graham’s life. Reverend Graham spent his life witnessing – in person – to an estimated 215 million people in 185 countries, not to mention the countless lives he touched through those who watched him on television and listened to him on the radio. From 1947 to 2005, Reverend Graham led roughly 417 crusades using his talents and convictions to bring others to Christ. He was loved by many throughout the world and appeared on Gallup’s poll of most admired men and women every year since they first asked this question in 1955. Lying in honor or lying in state is a rare act of recognition granted to especially noteworthy citizens or public officials after they pass on from this world. The person’s casket is placed in the rotunda of the Capitol building for public viewing so that Americans and people from across the world have the opportunity to pay their respects. Reverend Graham was the fourth private citizen in our nation’s history to lie in honor – he was preceded by Ms. Rosa Parks in 2005. Reverend Graham created a remarkable history with stops in Alabama throughout his career. In 1962, he stepped off a plane in Huntsville to lead his first crusade in our state where he spoke to a crowd of 35,000 people. A couple of years later, after the horrific Birmingham church bombing, Reverend Graham returned to Alabama and held his 1964 Easter rally at Legion Field. During this tragic time of uncertainty, he offered a message of hope to more than 35,000 Alabamians. The following year, after the attacks during the landmark march from Selma to Montgomery, President Lyndon B. Johnson asked Reverend Graham to visit Alabama yet again. He accepted this invitation and led crusades at Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Tuskegee University, and he also made a stop in Dothan. Throughout these crusades, Reverend Graham had a single mission: to bring all people together regardless of race, social status, occupation, background, or faith, to hear the word of God. Reverend Graham knew what he believed and why he believed it – and he truly lived out his faith through his exemplary life. His message was not for one select group, but for every man and woman from every walk of life. Reverend Graham’s voice touched millions, whether at Sunday services in his Charlotte, North Carolina, church, a rally in an Alabama stadium, a military base overseas, or on the home televisions of many families all over the country. I believe the many personal stories and experiences that have been shared after Reverend Graham’s passing are a true testament to his character and the impact he had on our country and throughout the world. America’s Pastor was certainly a good and faithful servant, and I’m confident his legacy will continue to shine through the lives of the many, many people he inspired. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Alabama pastor Chris Bell leads opening prayer before U.S. Congress
At the invitation of Congressman Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, Tuesday morning Pastor Chris Bell from 3Circle Church in Fairhope delivered the opening prayer before the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of Congress have the opportunity to invite local faith leaders to deliver the opening prayer each day the House is in session. During his visit to D.C., Pastor Bell, along with his wife Nan, shared breakfast with Byrne, took a tour of the U.S. Capitol, and met House Speaker Paul Ryan. Following the prayer, Byrne spoke about Pastor Bell and the important work his ministry does in Southwest Alabama. Read Byrne’s full remarks below: Mr. Speaker, it is written in Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” As this body debates important issues, it is critical we begin with prayer, and I am honored my constituent, Pastor Chris Bell, was able to lead today’s prayer. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Bell studied theology and communications at the University of Mobile and Luther Rice Seminary, and he has over 20 years of ministry experience. Pastor Bell is currently the lead pastor at 3Circle Church in Southwest Alabama. 3Circle Church has five campuses with weekly attendance reaching over 2,000 people. In addition to their regular services, Pastor Bell and 3Circle Church have a focus on mission and serving others locally, regionally, and all around the world. These missions make a real difference. So, on behalf of Alabama’s First Congressional District, it is an honor to welcome Chris and his wife, Nan, to the People’s House.
