RESOLUTION NO. 041097

Welcoming the Heart of America Billy Graham Crusade to Kansas City.

WHEREAS, from October 7-10, 2004, the Heart of America Billy Graham Crusade will be in Kansas City at the Arrowhead Stadium; and

WHEREAS, the Billy Graham Crusade was last in Kansas City in 1967 and 1978; and

WHEREAS, many churches and ministries in the Kansas City area have gotten together and formed an alliance in order to bring the Billy Graham Crusade back to Kansas City with Dr. Charles J. Briscoe acting as Co-Chair to the Crusade and who is also a pastor emeritus at Paseo Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, the Crusade Ministries division of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is comprised of Billy Graham Crusades, Franklin Graham Festivals and Ralph Bell Celebrations with Dr. Billy Graham preaching to millions of people around the globe, with thousands coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ; and

WHEREAS, since 1989, Franklin Graham, elder son of Dr. Billy Graham, has conducted up to 10 festivals a year around the world as an evangelist and also serves as president and CEO of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; and

WHEREAS, Franklin Graham also travels around the world as president and CEO of the International Christian Relief Organization Samaritans Purse; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ralph Bell is a longtime friend and associate of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and has been an evangelist for over 35 years as well as conducting celebrations, he preaches in prisons, church rallies and conferences throughout the United States and Canada; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby welcome the Heart of America Billy Graham Crusade to Kansas City; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Dr. Charles J. Briscoe, Honorary Crusade Co-Chair, with the appreciation of the Mayor, Council and citizens of Kansas City for bringing this amazing Crusade to the Kansas City area.

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