Posted on 06/14/2007 4:12:44 PM PDT by Squidpup
MONTREAT, N.C. — Ruth Graham, who surrendered dreams of missionary work in Tibet to marry a suitor who became the world's most renowned evangelist, died Thursday. She was 87. The wife of Billy Graham died at 5:05 p.m. at her home at Little Piney Cove, surrounded by her husband and all five of their children, said a statement released by family spokesman Larry Ross. "Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support. "I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we've had in the mountains together. We've rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven." Ruth Graham has been bedridden for months with degenerative osteoarthritis of the back and neck and underwent treatment for pneumonia two weeks ago. At her request, and in consultation with her family, she had stopped receiving nutrients through a feeding tube for the last few days, Ross said.
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Not unexpected, and she’s finally at peace.
Rest...
That’s going to break Billy’s heart. I fear he’ll want to be right behind her.
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Her mission completed, she moves on to her earned reward. My condolences to her husband and family. A great loss for now, but a glorious reunion to look forward to.
That's Divine Wisdon, Rev. Graham -- marriage is eternal.
Prayers for Reverend Graham, and grateful thanks for his words: to look forward to being reunited with one’s beloved, in Heaven.
I’m widowed and pray that someday I will do the same, if God is merciful.
Almighty God,
we remember before you today your faithful servant Ruth;
and we pray that,
having opened to her the gates of larger life,
you will receive her more and more into your faithful service, that,
with all who have faithfully served you in the past,
she may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ,
the Risen Lord,
Amen.
May God bless Billy. Ruth, of course, is with Lord even now.
Amazing that Ruth Graham attended school “in what’s now North Korea” while in the east with a missionary family. A different age.
No doubt about it - THIS fine woman is in heaven.
Her beliefs are Bible based. She lived a dedicated life to Christ and encouraged others to do the same. Soon her fine husband will join her. Prayers for him and their family at this loss on earth and gain in heaven.
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