“When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(1 Corinthians 15:54-57 ESV)

As we remember the life of God’s faithful servant, the Rev. Billy Graham, we give thanks for the powerful way he shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with millions around the world.

And we also give thanks for his courage and conviction to bring the same message of hope and reconciliation found in Jesus Christ to North Korea in 1992 and 1994, opening a pathway for Christian ministry in the DPRK (North Korea) that began soon thereafter and continues to this day through multiple ministries, including through Christian Friends of Korea.

Rev. Graham sent a note of encouragement to CFK on October 19, 2000, saying, “My wife and I deeply appreciate the work of Christian Friends of Korea, and we are greatly encouraged by its ministry in the name of Christ among the people of North Korea. We pray for peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, and we look forward to the day when all Koreans will have an opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Billy and Ruth Graham had a special place in their hearts for the people of Korea, North and South, and we give praise to God for their faithfulness in sharing God’s love and grace with them and for opening a pathway for others to follow.

As we reflect on Rev. Graham’s life of love and service to God, may the closing words from this passage encourage each of us to persevere and to focus on what truly matters:

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)